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Zachary Shields Obituary

Zachary Connor Shields, 18, passed away on November 26, 2007. Zachary was a track athlete who loved the pole vault. The pole vault requires 100% commitment. Once you start, there is no going back. For those of us who know Zachary, it is easy to see why he loved the pole vault. For each and every one of us, he held nothing back. Total commitment. No questions asked. No going back. Zachary was passionate about being in the lives of those around him. He brought everything he had to being a son, a friend, and a boyfriend and in just being part of a family. In doing so, Zachary defined his life by the impact he had on all of those who were a part of his life. In the midst of a family tragedy, Zachary was born. In the timing of his birth, Zachary saved his mother's life. To his friends Zachary became a brother. Zachary's friendship ran thicker than blood. All his romances were deep. Zachary was in love with being in love. To his numerous little cousins, he was the coolest: the girls loved him and the boys wanted to be him. To his elders, Zachary's desire to experience life was infectious. People who had become old, and even a little bitter, again caught the passion to do new things, to taste what life has to offer, to once more see life through the eyes of a young person. Zachary has left this life, yet he is still with all of us who knew and loved him. He is still with us because what he gave to each of our lives lasts beyond the end of his life. We can all say, each and every one of us: "Zachary, you made my life a better place, you made me a better person." As Zachary's friends and family that is the bond we share. Zachary, thank you for what you brought to each of us in this life. We all owe you one and look forward to a payback in the next life. We love you, Your Family & Friends Visitation for Zachary will be held on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Mariposa Gardens Cemetery Chapel, 6747 E. Broadway Road, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM with Pastor Steve Strunk to officiate. Local arrangements were entrusted to Mariposa Gardens Funeral Care. (480) 830-4422.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Dec. 1, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Zachary Shields

Not sure what to say?





kelly Carney

December 21, 2007

my heart and prayers are with zach's entire family during this time of mourning. i know the pain that you all are feeling too well. Someone once told me , when i was in the same pain your in,"life is hard, god is good , that is enough". still to this day i have to tell myself those very words. i hope it helps you in any way.
sincerely,kelly SOS

Ellie Tower

December 20, 2007

May God be with you in your time of sorrow. We are deeply sorry for this tragic time in your life and hope that time will offer you some comfort. Zach adored you, Cynthia. You were his world...and you his. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Ellie Tower and Matthew Sbragia

Joel & Tonianne Moyes

December 6, 2007

Zach,
You are loved and missed. I believe strongly that everyone will honor your memory by living a life touched by you. God bless.

Janette Lake

December 4, 2007

I was shocking how he was gone. I remmy Beverly intoduced Zachary to me what he always smile and sign language same time. I missed his smile. He is peace in heaven. Always remember of you...

Rob and Rachel Precht

December 3, 2007

We knew Zach through our family and have good memories. When we moved, Zach was there to help, without us even asking. He came to our home a few times for get togethers and loved to throw the football in the yard and hang out with us all. Zach was a special person and had a lot of love. We know he will be missed by us all.

Beverly,Jessica,Mike,Rebecca Wrobel

December 2, 2007

We do miss him very much. he is very good guy and love in sign lang. We never forgot about him. he always said "I LOVE YOU with his hand". He is very good spell hand to me. He is excited to learn new sign lang. We always love you also god bless of you and family.

tasha jeric

December 2, 2007

Zach!
we all love you so much! we will NEVER forget you, and will always remember your big warm heart! you were always the light of all social events. Its going to be very different with you not being in our presence, but i know you are in all of our hearts!!!, and that is something that will never leave.
im sorry i couldnt make it to your service today. i guess i just felt like i didnt want the last memory of you, being in a .... well you know.
i love you Zach, as all of us do!!!

check in on us from time to time...

love always.
tasha jeric

Michelle Shippy

December 2, 2007

Zach was such an amazing person. I feel so honored to have had the chance to meet him and get to know him. He had such a passion for life. I still can't believe he is gone, or understand why God would bring him home. I know he is in a better place, but I miss him so much! I will never forget you Zach and I wish you were still here..but until I see you again..Rest in Peace and no way else! I love you!

Butch Coffey

December 1, 2007

May God hold you in the palm of his hand,and when your name is spoken- we will smile with love-

George and Marie Funk

December 1, 2007

We all can be thankful for the time we were able to share with Zack.Zack through our son-in-law Kevin and daughter Mary in the deep relationship they shared was like a part of our family.
We are greatful for the time we had with this young man.Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time.It is our prayer that truly you may find comfort and strength through the heavenly Father. It is only through God that we find rest and life eternal through His Son.Matthew 6:33- "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Love and Prayers,

Chris Bando

December 1, 2007

We are saddened and mourn with you over the loss of Zach's life. I pray the God of all comfort would comfort you through your pain and loss. There are many things that don't make sense to us in this life, but I do know that God loves you and the Apostle Paul states that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in creation can separate us from God's love in Christ Jesus our Lord.(Romans 8:38-39) We are all praying for you daily and we too will miss Zach's infectious smile. You are loved. The Bando's

Tangala Nance

December 1, 2007

I had the pleasure of being at most of the track and field events for Higley High because my daughter is one of the sprinters. My family has been in prayer for Zach's family. We pray that through this unexpected tragedy that you all find the peace that passeth all understanding through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. That this will bring you to a saving knowledge of the Lord or strengthen your relationship with the Lord. Trust in the Lord with all your hearts and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6.

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