Zachary Blaine McKechnie

Zachary Blaine McKechnie had a way of lifting the people around him-full of life, often humming a catchy tune, already thinking ahead to the next project, the next adventure, or the next person he wanted to connect with. He passed away on March 21, 2026, as the result of a motor vehicle accident, just one day before his 36th birthday.

Born on March 22, 1990, in Belfast, Maine, Zach was raised in Hampden and graduated from Hampden Academy in Hampden, Maine, in 2008.

Zach proudly served in the United States Army from 2012 to 2016. He reported to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for basic combat training before continuing to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, where he trained as a 68W combat medic.

His service took him to Camp Carroll in South Korea, where he was stationed for a year. While there, Zach achieved one of the most demanding accomplishments of his military career-earning the Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB). The EFMB is one of the Army's most rigorous and selective medical qualifications, requiring soldiers to pass an intensive, multi-day evaluation of both physical endurance and advanced medical proficiency, with fewer than 12 percent of candidates passing. Zach earned this distinction on his first attempt-an achievement that speaks to both his skill and determination, and one that only a small number of soldiers accomplish.

While stationed in Korea, Zach formed lifelong bonds with fellow servicemembers, including Jessica Rashkovsky. These friendships were built on trust, shared experience, and a deep understanding of one another. Zach and Jessica shared a particularly strong connection, often referring to themselves as twin flames.

Following his time in Korea, Zach continued his service at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland. There, he supported high-level medical operations, including the Pope's visit in 2015 and the State of the Union in 2016. His time at Walter Reed further demonstrated his professionalism, leadership, and unwavering commitment to caring for others. During this time, he formed a brother-like friendship with fellow servicemember Brandon Ruedi. Their bond extended beyond their service, and Zach shared many special memories with Brandon and his family, who became an important part of his life.

Zach's military service was deeply meaningful to him and was greatly influenced by his grandfather, Harold "Mac" McKechnie, a member of the Greatest Generation who served in the U.S. Army during World War II, including landing on Omaha Beach during D-Day. Zach interviewed his grandfather about those experiences-stories that might otherwise have been lost and that are now treasured by the family because of him.

After his military service, Zach set his sights on the path he knew was meant for him. He attended Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, Maine, where he found his purpose on the waterfront and graduated in 2024.

Following his graduation, Captain Zachary McKechnie began his career at the MMA waterfront as a Small Craft Master. He primarily served as Captain of the Friendship, and also as relief Captain of the MV Captain Susan Clark and the tug Pentagoet. He was licensed as a 100-ton master. His role included the operation and maintenance of U.S. Coast Guard inspected vessels. He was a talented boat handler and a skilled technician who genuinely enjoyed instructing students, taking pride in sharing his experience and knowledge. Zach had a deep dedication to Maine Maritime Academy and its mission, something he passed on to his students. He became a mentor to many and was a strong supporter of the MMA Yacht Club, helping students plan and participate in weekend trips. His enthusiasm and cheerful nature made him an exceptional shipmate, and he will be missed by the entire MMA community.

Zach built a deep bond with the waterfront crew-guys who understood him immediately and shared his work ethic, humor, and love for life on the water. He valued those friendships deeply, and they became an important part of his life both on and off the water.

On the water, Zach was in his element-calm at the helm, wind in his face, a huge smile, moving with an ease and confidence that made it clear this was where he belonged.

As the eldest son and a devoted, loyal brother, he was a constant presence in his family's life-always looking out for the people he loved. His mother, Shannon, his father, Bill, and his brother, Josh, heard from him almost daily as he shared funny stories and his latest adventures on the water. No matter where he was on the ocean, Zach was thoughtful in ways that mattered most, like making sure his mother received a beautiful bouquet of flowers each Mother's Day or calling his Grandpa Mac on Veteran's Day.

Zach brought energy, humor, and a sense of adventure, just like his dad. Zach was always keeping his dad on his toes with his stories and wild antics. He had a natural ability to fit in anywhere, be himself without hesitation, strike up conversations with anyone, and make friends wherever he went. He was the one people leaned on without hesitation.

He helped his brother, Josh, troubleshoot anything mechanical, and the two were incredibly close-talking every day and constantly updating one another on life, their latest adventure, a funny movie they had seen, or their shared love for Geaghan's Reserve wings. Their bond was impossible to miss, marked by constant laughter and shared humor. Zach loved getting Josh worked up just to laugh and remind him that life didn't have to be so serious. He loved sharing recipes with his sister-in-law, Alexis, always eager to try her newest dessert recipe and always happy to bring home the extras. He had the McKechnie family trait for storytelling-always ready with a story, never running out of things to say, always keeping people laughing, and always lifting the mood around him.

Zach shared a special bond with his Sevey cousins-Megan, Bethany, Howard, Melissa, and Heather-as well as all of his beloved McKechnie cousins-Lisa, Kelly, Andrew, Brody, McKenna, Michael, Matthew, Scotty, Wyatt, and Levi-who will miss his vibrant nature and gift for storytelling that brought laughter and energy to every gathering. They describe him as the brightest light-someone who brought warmth, humor, and joy wherever he went. Many of those memories were made together at the McKechnie family restaurant, Dockside in Belfast, Maine, where time spent with family was filled with laughter, stories, and connection.

Zach was relentlessly positive, with a way of lifting the people around him no matter the situation. He was a pure soul. He made people feel seen, welcomed, and like they belonged when he was around. He never met a stranger. He was a true friend-always finding time to meet up with the people he loved and reminding others to set aside the distractions of life and truly connect, because that's what mattered most to him. He was a listener, a problem-solver, and a steady presence people trusted.

Zach was never someone who stood still. He had a love for anything with a motor and enjoyed motocross and working on engines. He was drawn to machines and to the challenge of figuring things out, taking pride in being able to fix, build, and improve anything in front of him. If something was broken, Zach was already on his way to fix it-often showing up with his Milwaukee tools in hand before anyone even had to ask.

Zach found joy in the moments that brought people together-dancing in the kitchen while cooking, watching movies with family, building Legos, and collecting memorabilia as a dedicated Star Wars fan. He was also known for his ever-changing hairstyles and his signature, questionable fashion choices-often pairing shorts with work boots without a second thought.

Zach is survived by his mother, Shannon Sevey ("Ma") and partner Greg; his father, William McKechnie ("Pops") and partner Shelly; his younger brother, Joshua McKechnie and wife Alexis; his companion and best friend, Jessica Rashkovsky; his grandmother, Rae McKechnie; his grandfather, Howard L. Sevey Sr.; his uncles, Howard Sevey Jr. and Stewart Sevey; his aunt Carol; his uncle John Gage; his aunt Sandra and uncle Larry; as well as many additional family members and friends; his beloved puppy nephew "Mad Max", and his cats, Hercules, Petey Pauly, Shadow, and Gray. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Bam, a rescue Zach patiently cared for and nurtured from a shy, uncertain dog into a loved and social member of the family.

Zach was predeceased by his grandparents, Harold "Mac" McKechnie and Avis J. Gass McKechnie, and Margaret E. Sevey; his aunt, Kelly McKechnie Gage; and his Saint Bernard, Beaumont.

Zach's life cannot be measured simply by what he did, but instead by how he made people feel. He showed up. He helped. He listened. He made people laugh. And he made life better for those around him, every single day.

A celebration of life will be held this summer, with details to be shared at a later time. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Captain Zachary B. McKechnie Memorial Scholarship Fund, established to support future Maine Maritime Academy students, may be made using the link below.

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=H6B3GZ45T73XE