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BORN
1995
DIED
2017
Zen Stephens Obituary
A name, two dates and a hyphen in between.
How can you convey with that one little punctuation mark, the number of days this world was blessed with the spirit and love and laughter and light that was Zen
Stephens?
It is an impossible task, but one that must be attempted in order to honor the memory and the legacy of love and affection that he left behind.
Zen Elliott Stephens, 21, was born on Oct. 3, 1995, in Anchorage, Alaska. He was the beloved son of Mark and Amber Stephens, and much-loved older brother to Colton and Isabella "Bella" Stephens.
In addition to his cherished immediate family, Zen is survived by his Grammie Janet Elliott and Grandpa Drew Peterson; Grandma Chris and Grandpa Todd Bogart; and Grandpa Jim Stephens.
Zen is also survived by many treasured aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends.
Zen graduated from Dimond High School in 2014. While he went on to study heavy equipment mechanics at the University of Alaska, Anchorage, he is known for his remarkable art. Zen also loved music and was a great fisherman. He cherished all animals, including Mina and Penney, but we all know Tiger was his favorite. He was goofy and funny and loved to make everyone laugh. Zen was fiercely loyal and had a huge capacity for love and affection. He truly cared about the individual and went out of his way to accommodate people in any way he could.
Our Zen left this world way too soon, but we are so grateful that the words "I love you" were his constant gift to us. They will remain forever engraved on our hearts.
His passing is a stark reminder that life is fragile. Follow Zen's lead and always remember to take every opportunity to engrave your words of love onto the hearts of those you hold dear.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 8, 2017, at the Alaska Zoo on O'Malley in the Gateway Hall from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Photographs of Zen will be welcome. An alternative to flowers is a perennial plant to contribute to the family "Zen garden."
A memorial fund in Zen's name has been established at Wells Fargo. Donations can be deposited into the "Zen Stephens Benefit Memorial Fund," account number 8316399107. The family will choose a charity at a later date to honor his memory. You can also make a donation in Zen's name to your favorite shelter or charity, in reflection of Zen's generous spirit.
Condolences may be emailed to [email protected].
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Zen Stephens
Julie Myers-Foster
June 9, 2017
Dear Amber, Mark, Colton, Isabella & family-We are so shocked & saddened by the loss of Zen. We didn't "know" him well & only saw him in passing at different functions, but we knew how much you loved him. Your "big egg" as he was loving nicknamed will be in all of our hearts forever. Our thoughts are with you all during this indescribably painful time.
Becky Norsworthy
June 9, 2017
I am so sorry to learn of your loss. Zen was a special person to his teachers at Dimond as well as to his friends and family. He was bright and creative, with a sweet personality that came through in his smile. I will always remember him. Your family is in my prayers.
Cobb Family
June 8, 2017
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Zen. Praying for your family, and know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
June 8, 2017
I didn't know Zen, but I've had the privilege of working with his wonderful grandfather, Drew, for many years. The world has lost a special young man. I am so sorry for your loss.
Wendy
Leigh & Marty Oakley
June 8, 2017
We are so sorry for the loss of your son. There are no words to say that will bring you comfort other than we will pray for your family's healing and peace. Leigh and Marty Oakley
Jim Kenshalo
June 7, 2017
Mark & Amber: I wish to add my voice to the chorus of friends and your firefighter family as we all whisper a prayer for you and your children. We all are stunned, heartbroken, and without answers.
Hang in there. Your pal, jim
Sincerely
June 7, 2017
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. May the many pleasant memories of happy times you've shared with Zen help ease your loss. Matthew 11:28-30.
Stuart McPherson
June 7, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family to heal broken hearts.
June 7, 2017
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. May the wonderful treasures fill your hearts with love and bring you peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Hosea 13:14
Lee Hardman
June 6, 2017
I am deeply saddened for your loss. Zen you will be dearly missed.
Toni Jones
June 6, 2017
Amber, Mark, Colton, Bella and Grandma Janet, my heart goes out to you and all of Zen's other relatives. Sending prayers to help heal your aching and broken hearts. Zen, I wish you Godspeed on your new journey.
Alicia and Zachary Westin
June 6, 2017
May Zen's beautiful spirit live on through every soul he touched. Peace be with his family & loved ones. ❤Zac and Alicia
Ashton Mallory
June 6, 2017
I remember Zen from high school. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. Prayers to you and your family, cling to each other. You will get through this. ❤
Jeannie Hollinger
June 5, 2017
My heart is so heavy with this devastating news. Zen was a bright light and I so admired the boy, and then the man. He touched so many lives and will be missed so much. God has another angel in heaven.
Mia Carson
June 5, 2017
Thinking of you, I am tremendously sorry for your loss. I am holding you and your family in my heart. I pray that in time all of the happy memories prevail and live on through your reminiscences of him. A lot of people care about you all{{{Hugs}}}
Hanna Dickinson
June 5, 2017
Missing you always <3
Moses
June 5, 2017
It breaks my heart that you had to leave so soon man. You always lightened up the room with your positivity and goofiness. High school would have never been the same without you. Thank you for being so genuine and authentic, you will be truly missed..
MaryAnna Rowe
June 5, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss. I wish I'd had more opportunities to get to know what a wonderful young man you'd raised. My love & prayers are with you my sister, Mark, Colton, & Bella.
Norma Tarr
June 5, 2017
Zen, I never got to hold you in my arms but you were and always will be loved in my heart, praying always for the family!!!!
June 5, 2017
May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. (Psalms 116:15)
Darlene Young
June 4, 2017
Prayers to the family❤ I'm glad to have met you, God made you and has decided to take you early❤
Casey Youngberg
June 4, 2017
Our thoughts, prayers and hugs to the Stephens family. We were fortunate to know Zen. He was always very nice, polite, and kind. I met Zen for the first time after "Cinderella ". Zen will be missed.
The Youngberg family.
June 4, 2017
Amber and Mark and family, You have our deepest sympathy. Zen was a great person. Lyn and Cary Carrigan.
Dawn Olson
June 4, 2017
I can't find the words to say how sorry I am to hear about Zen. My ❤ goes out to your family.
Anna and Terry Sappah
June 4, 2017
We are holding all of Zen's family in our thoughts and prayers.
Popeye and Angie Simpson
June 4, 2017
We cannot say all there is to say for you. Our love and prayers
Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results
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