Zedric Placeres

1996 - 2021

Zedric Anthony Placeres was born in Hopewell, Virginia, to Ginger David and Francisco Placeres on Nov. 12, 1996. At 24 years old, he left this world in the early hours of January 1, 2021, leaving his mother and dad, Chad David, brother Kameron, and sister Miralynn. He was the apple of his mother's eye and her very best friend.
Zed attended Woodriver Elementary, Watershed Charter School, and graduated from West Valley High School in 2015. He had friends from all walks of life and preferred to befriend those in life who needed a friend the most. He was very compassionate toward those in need. Zed participated in the Young Native Fiddler's, cross country skiing, and traveled to France his last year of high school, saying recently that this trip was one of the best experiences of his life. He continued to speak fondly of many past teachers.
Before moving to Arizona, he worked at the Pump House Restaurant for several years. He spent almost two years in the Lower 48 before returning to Alaska, surprising his mom a day early. She was preparing for his arrival the night before when someone knocked on the door; there he was! Zed knew how to make those he loved feel extra special.
He spent almost two years home with his siblings and mom but mostly fought depression. You would know him to be the kindest friend to all ages and walks of life. Auntie Roxanne Kennedy says, "He was too special for this world." Zed was a giver and his love language was acts of service. He always had a cup of tea ready for mom, was ready for errands at the drop of a hat, and handled all the things a single mother would need of her wonderful son. Zed was quick-witted and easy to strike conversation, he befriended all of his mother's friends as his own and was considered an old soul. Kathleen Hildebrand and Aunt Jen McLean were his favorite strong Athabascan female role models.
Zedric was known to be quite a character and oh so charming, even at a very young age. He could strike up and hold a conversation with just about anyone! He had an outstanding sense of humor and a smile that lit up the room. When he was 4 years old, he fell asleep between Anchorage and Fairbanks, waking up in Denali Park, he asked "Who turned on the mountains?" May our beloved Zedric soar far above the mountains and into the sweet arms of Jesus Christ.
He is preceded in death by his uncle Buster Kennedy, Aunt Violet Kennedy, uncle Eddie Kennedy, cousins Lawrence Charles Kennedy, Phillip "Max" Kennedy and others.
Zedric is survived by his sister, Isis, and brother, Isaac Placeres, both of the Lower 48; grandparents, Marilyn and Earl Adams; uncle, Willard Kennedy; uncles, Eric Adams (Anne and Tristen) and Carl Adams; special Auntie and caregiver Roxanne Kennedy; Aunt and Uncle Miranda and Cliff Wiehl; and Aunt Phyllis Erhart. His cousins were lifelong friends: Shawn Erhart, Cliff "Max" Wiehl, Charlie Erhart, Violet Erhart, Shauna Rose Kennedy, Shane Wright, Nicole Thompson and Shay Lisa McCotter. His youngest baby niece to date was Miss Violet Carmen Kennedy, all of his hometown, Tanana. Other special family friends in Tanana include Daphne Huntington and Jacqueline Edwin, Fayleen Peter, and the Wright girls.
His Fairbanks family is comprised of Grandma Flora (Bill) Demoski, Marvin (Kat) Kokrine, Henry (Marie) Kokrine, Tamira (Jim) Potdevin, Curt (Bev) Kokrine, Sharon (Tom) Huntington, Colleen (Gabe) Dayton, Robert (Deborah) Kokrine, and Byron Mayo. He leaves behind numerous beloved cousins, nephews and nieces.
He is remembered dearly by his best friend Anthony (Kiana) Peter and Coby McLean, Terrell Peter, Aysha Peter and his beloved Aunt Willow Bowen. His Aunt Valerie Hoffman of Anchorage was so proud to watch him grow into the beautiful man he was inside and out. Chad's extended family in Tok, Tetlin, and Eagle welcomed 4-year-old Zed as part of their family, and he was proud to participate in many potlatches at Tetlin Hall. Finally, he was the welcomed child of his mom's Riverboat Discovery coworkers in the late 1990s, and later the favorite kid of staff and students at Rural Student Services (UAF).
The family asks that you remember Zeddy for the kind soul he exhibited in his brief life. He leaves behind a deep sense of loss that will be carried by all who loved him forever.
The funeral service will be held Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, 3030 Peger Road, officiated by Pastors Craig Nicholia, Andrew Kirya and Marvin Carroll. Time is to be determined. Family and friends will gather at the church for a meal following the service and burial at Birch Hill. All are welcome to attend.