Zak PROTZ

PROTZ, Zachary "Zak" Hamilton
October 28, 1988 - March 1, 2013
Zachary "Zak" Hamilton Protz of Calgary, passed away after a short battle with cancer on Friday, March 1, 2013 at the age of 24 years. Zak lived life on his own terms from the day he was born. "Typical" and "traditional" were not words you would use to describe him. Zak had a zest for life which led to many memorable adventures with his friends and family. He enjoyed camping on long weekends, skiing, house-boating, playing with his dog and working as needed to support his lifestyle. His sharp sense of humour, his charm and his loyalty endeared him to those who knew and loved him. Zak was always keen to try something new - getting his pilot's license, obtaining his firearm's license and learning to white-water kayak. Once Zak set his mind to something, you could not change it. While his life's journey was short, he packed a lot into it and we were glad we were along for the ride. Left behind to honour his memory and celebrate his life are his parents, Andrea Merrick and Stephan Protz, his sister Megan and his dog Ruger. He will be missed by his grandparents and many aunts and uncles and friends. A Gathering will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY'S Fish Creek Chapel (14441 Bannister Road S.E.) on Sunday, March 10, 2013 between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 - 325 Manning Road N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 (Telephone 403-205-3966, email donorservices@cancer.ab.ca). We would like to thank the doctors and nurses on Unit 47 at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre for the care and support they provided both to Zak and his family. In living memory of Zak Protz, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.