Charismatic, loving, kind, compassionate, animal lover
Zach was a compassionate, sweet-natured, funny young man. His infectious smile could break any tense moment and his laughter was contagious. He fit right in wherever he went, having easy conversations with strangers as if they were lifelong friends. Never still, Zach had to be on the go. His free spirit and openness allowed him to enjoy the most out of life.
Zach had an exceptional intellect. In elementary school, he was two points shy of entering the gifted program. He had another unusual talent during that time: juggling! Zach was on the team and always entered the school talent shows. He was an excellent juggler, never missing a catch! He also rescued a few animals and had a special bond with his miniature Dachshund, Ania Marie.
Zach loved hanging out with his friends, gaming and skateboarding. Zach’s dad built a half pike skate ramp in the yard, which he enjoyed often with friends, especially Andrew. He enjoyed swimming, and as a child would do just about anything to get someone out to the pool. Later in life, after work, he would strip to his boxers and jump right in.
Zach was like his mother, both in looks and demeanor. They were “joined at the hip.” Both displayed caring and compassionate characteristics and both always had to have the last word! Zach lit up Darla’s world and brought a smile to her face, regardless of what was going on.
Zach admired his dad, Billy. They loved to play UNO, board games, and video games together. Billy always took Zach to game practices for soccer and coached Zach’s basketball team. Zach appreciated the time with Billy and the life lessons he learned from him over the years. Zach was also in a four-year relationship with Erica, though just before Zach’s death, they grew apart and broke up.
Darla shared a warm memory of Zach: One night, when he was seven, they let him watch The Mummy with them. Zach went to the kitchen and accidentally hit the switch for the garbage disposal instead of the light. Everyone laughed hysterically when he came screaming from the kitchen.
When asked about the significant accomplishments in Zach’s life, his mom, Darla, said, “I don’t feel he had time to accomplish too much in his life, it was so short. He had plans to get a real estate license and pursue a career.”
Like many others, his family was not aware that Zach had a substance use disorder until it was too late. Too often, because of stigma or shame, people do not share their addiction. Every day, Darla regrets that she didn’t see what was going on in front of her. She misses the sound of his voice and hearing him say, “I love you, momma.”
Zach was concerned with letting others down, especially his parents. They are very proud of the young man he had become. Darla stated, “As Zach is sitting in heaven, looking down upon us, we hope he realizes the impact he had on all our lives. Until we see you again, all our love.”
Zach’s mother, Darla Taylor, provided the information for this narrative
June 28, 1992-June 24, 2016-Age-23
Portrait Artist: Theresa Clower
Narrative Writer: Barbara Francois
