About
Zachary Colety Obituary
Zach was a graduate of Redwood High School and was enrolled at College of Marin to pursue a career as a paramedic, following in his older brother Joshua's footsteps. Zachary was an avid and talented rock climber, loved hiking, nature, food, and travel, and enjoyed playing soccer, volleyball, and pickleball. Zach loved life and lived every day to the fullest and his smile radiated his joy for living.
A Celebration of Life is being held for Zachary on Friday, January 17, from 4-7 p.m. at the Bill and Adele Jonas Center, College of Marin, at 1800 Ignacio Blvd., Building 19, in Novato.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Marin Humane society to honor the memory of Zachary.
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Eloise Reese
February 24, 2025
love you
Johara el salmi
February 24, 2025
Bo Tippo
February 22, 2025
Call me Dragon
Eloise Reese
February 11, 2025
Thank you for all the smiles, living everyday for you <3
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Bella Sanchez
February 5, 2025
eloise reese
February 2, 2025
love you forever best friend
Bo Tippo
January 27, 2025
Johara
January 27, 2025
Unfortunately, one of the most incredible people in my life had to leave us far too soon. Seven years ago, I never imagined our friendship would grow into something so deep and meaningful.
Your light touched everyone around you, and your selflessness was truly unmatched.
You've left an impact on all of our lives that will never fade. We'll carry your love and memory with us always. My workout buddy, my best friend, my constant source of laughter and support-I'll miss you more than words can say. We love you forever.
eloise reese
January 27, 2025
eloise reese
January 27, 2025
Zach, you were the only person I fully felt and knew was absolutely and undoubtedly always there for me-no matter what, no matter where no matter when or why. You were always on my side. You are the only person I could tell absolutely anything to, without fear, without hesitation.
The love you had for me was the truest I have ever felt. I knew, no matter what, you would always love me the same way. The love of our friendship is something I´ve never experienced anywhere else, and it´s left a hole that will never be filled. It´s a love I don´t think I´ll ever feel from anyone else, the emptiness of your absence will haunt me for the rest of my life.
I wish, more than anything in this world, that I could undo this, that I could bring you back. I don´t know how to navigate this life without you. I never imagined a world where you wouldn´t be by my side, and now that it´s my reality, I´m at a loss for how to move forward.A world without you feels profoundly, irreparably wrong.
The words do not sit right on my tongue when I let out the sentence, "My best friend died." It feels as though I have bitten into something sour, and unbearable-something I wasn´t prepared for. The words do not connect to my brain. I can´t believe it, and I can´t trust myself to say it. How do you handle losing your best friend without the comfort of your best friend? How do I do this, Zach?
You protected me here on Earth, more times than I can count, and many times when protecting me wasn't the easy choice for you. And now, I know you will be doing the same from above. But I´m left wondering if I could have done more if I could have protected you somehow. If I made sure you knew how much I appreciated everything you did for me. But that time has passed, and all I can do now is honor your life, your memory.
I hear your voice and feel your hugs. I can still feel my feet off the ground as you would spin me around until I felt sick. That last hug that stained your white shirt with my lipstick, and I like to think that it keeps that hug forever. Every moment we shared, every talk, every night we stayed up till sunrise-every time I cried in your arms and you promised me it would all be okay-I believed you. I believed you because I knew I´d have you by my side through it all.
Every messed-up situation we faced, we walked out of together. I don´t know how to walk out of this without you by my side. You´ve been my rock, my person, my safety for so long. Through the worst moments in our lives, we battled everything together.
I will carry you with me always. I´ll find traces of you in rocks and rolling hills, in the sky and stars, in cats. And in every burst of laughter, I´ll hear your own echo back. I will not let you fade into silence. I´ll speak of you until people stop listening, and then I´ll tell the stories to myself, to the walls, the ceiling, and the birds. I will live every day for you.
Thank you for being the best friend I could ever ask for. Thank you for everything you´ve taught me and everything I´ve learned. Thank you for all of the smiles and laughs, I´m better because I knew you. Thank you for the love and value you poured into us all. Thank you. You've gotten me this far and I will carry us both the rest of the way. Everything I do I will do for you, I will keep making you proud. I will keep you alive in everything Zach I promise.
Bo Tippo
January 26, 2025
Zach was my partner, my rock. He helped me find the strength to do what he couldn´t. He was always there for me, and I him. You broke the table buddy
Natalie newkirk
January 21, 2025
Me and Zach use to work at fabletics together he always brought a smile to everyone that came in and was always making us all laugh every time he was on his lunch break you know he was always eating some kind of new protein bar I will always remember Zach for his smile great personality and how much he enjoyed bringing happiness to others you will be missed Zach
Ana Drucker
January 18, 2025
Ana Drucker
January 18, 2025
Ana Drucker
January 18, 2025
Zach was such a big part of our family! He will forever live in our hearts.
Joe Zesiger
January 17, 2025
Stephanie Felchlin
January 17, 2025
I will forever remember Zach for his huge smile, warm hugs and biggest heart! He cared so deeply about everyone around him. He made me smile the moment I walked into his home. He always asked how my boys were doing, every single time I saw him. I will miss you deeply. Love you bud!!
April Judy
January 17, 2025
Brian and Family, May your happy memories give you peace and comfort during this heartbreaking time. My heart goes out to you and all who loved Zachary. April-Attain Partners
Rachel Palac
January 16, 2025
Zach was one of the funniest people I´ve ever met. He always made me laugh and I loved seeing him with Lisa, they were so cute and hilarious together. He was amazing with kids and animals, so nurturing and gentle and fun. Shane felt connected to him and looked up to him since he was a baby. Now at 8 he wants to climb because Zach climbed, he doesn´t want a haircut unless it can be like Zach´s. Zach was such a smart, sassy, handsome and loving young man. Sending eternal love and hoping for comfort someday for you Lisa, Brian, Josh, and Noah.
Dana
January 14, 2025
Zach was smart, curious, loving, witty and kind. He lived life fully, taking on challenges, like he did those steep vertical walls. His big heart shone through his smile. He was intuitive and charming. He was loved by many, including me, and will be missed so much!
Wendy Jessen
January 13, 2025
I will always remember Zack´s big smile, fun energy and creative side. He and Matthew together a lot in elementary in kinder and he was in my home at many bday parties and car for carpools. Of course knew him even before that since we met with Josh and Ryan same grade. And a neighbor too! He truly was a bright light in this world and will be so incredibly missed. Here are a couple of photos that made me smile of Zack. RIP wonderful Zack. Xoxo
Wendy Jessen
January 13, 2025
I will always remember Zack´s big smile, fun energy and creative side. He and Matthew together a lot in elementary in kinder and he was in my home at many bday parties and car for carpools. Of course knew him even before that since we met with Josh and Ryan same grade. And a neighbor too! He truly was a bright light in this world and will be so incredibly missed. Here are a couple of photos that made me smile of Zach.RIP wonderful Zack. Xoxo
Sarah Notter
January 13, 2025
This is Zach in first grade playing soccer with my son, Andrew. I will always remember his enormous smile and the twinkle in his eye!
Nick Snyder
January 13, 2025
Zach was genuinely such a kind soul. Being his classmate in elementary and middle school, I truly got to see what a good person he was. Rest with the angels now my good buddy
Eloise Reese
January 13, 2025
Miranda Calkins
January 13, 2025
I remember Zach popping into our car for my Neil Cummins carpool day with Brian and Lisa. A Honda Pilot full of my two boys and their two boys. He was always funny and engaged in whatever cute conversation the boys were having. Then last year my son Ben and I went to the climbing gym and had the honor of seeing Zach in his element. Huge smile on his face, with his friends, gracefully scaling a climbing wall. My son Ben, an avid climber, recognized him. That was little Zach from carpool! That image will always be in my head. A sweet kid laughing and climbing his heart out.
Eloise Reese
January 13, 2025
I love you so much Zachy, thank you for being my best friend for so many years, for protecting me and loving me when not even I knew how. I don't know how I'm supposed to do this all without you, but I will live my life every day for you
Jason Lehman
January 12, 2025
I have so many good memories of my time spent with Zach and Josh as their nanny in 2005-2006, playing (and climbing) outside and exploring nature. I'll always remember him as smiling and silly and energetic and big-hearted and loving.
One early memory I have is throwing Zach over my shoulder and calling him a "sack of potatoes". Then I did the same with Josh, who corrected me: "I'm not Zachy Potatoes, I'm Joshy Potatoes! " So adorable! I'm sad I didn't know him as a young man, but he'll always live in my heart as Zachy Potatoes.
I also have a ton of pictures-- here are some.
Beth O'Halloran
January 11, 2025
Lisa, Brian, Noah & Josh...I was absolutely heartbroken to hear about Zach. I met Zach through my son Keller and he stood out from the get-go. He was thoughtful, polite, kind, sensitive, adventurous He was a kindred spirit to Keller and I just want you to know how incredibly sorry I was/am to hear this news. Sending all of you love, strength & light as you navigate this unimaginable loss. It seems so unfair & there really are no words. If you need ANYTHJNG, pls do not hesitate to reach out.
Angie Graf
January 11, 2025
Zach´s smile, humor and hugs will be forever missed.
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