Zachary Zinsmeister

Zachary (Zach) was born in Marshfield, WI on June 2, 1977.  He spent his first 7 years there, before moving with his family to Vancouver, WA where he graduated from Mt. View High School in 1995.  He spent 4 years in the Army deploying to Bosnia.  His post-secondary education was interrupted by the events of 9/11.  Serving in the Illinois National Guard at the time, he was sent to Germany.  Upon his return to Illinois, he worked in the service industry and began a career at Home Depot.  He transferred to the Salem Home Depot Distribution Center in 2011 where he achieved a supervisory position.

Zach's positive impact on others was readily apparent to anyone who got to know him.  His humor, intelligence, and generosity were evident to all.  Zach was physically tough, but privately was a tender and sensitive soul.  His eclectic interests ran the gamut from bonsai to the natural world, from astronomy to sports.

Zach's passion for the Chicago Cubs was legendary.  Dip the pennants at Wrigley Field for a minute in Zach's honor because the Cubbies have lost one of their biggest fans and a true master of Cubs history and statistics. 

Zach's passing on February 11, 2017 will leave a void in the lives of many.  We will never understand why friends and family were unable to help him, but must accept his decision to end his pain and despair.

Survivors include his parents, Steve and Charlene of Scappoose, OR; brothers Nick (Carol) and niece, Anya of Paris, France; Jared (Susan) of Vancouver, WA.  Best friend, who was like a brother, Scott (Kylie) Golden of Columbia, MD.  Fiancee, Kassandra Freeman and her children of Stayton, OR.

Consider donations to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.  (afsp.org)

May you find peace dear Zachary.