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Zachary Parke Obituary

Zachary Parke died at age 25 while riding a bicycle from a friend's home on or near the UCSC campus to the house he shared with his mother near Morrissey Boulevard, his friends said.

Parke was a Santa Cruz native who graduated from Santa Cruz High School.

"Everyone who knows him knows how gentle and kind he was," said his mother, April Parke. "Everyone loved him because he was just such a sweet guy."
Published by Santa Cruz Sentinel from Jun. 10 to Jun. 16, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Zachary Parke

Not sure what to say?





109 Entries

April Parke

May 1, 2021

You are so loved!

Zachary, Takashi, Sarah, and Faber.

Levi Goldman

March 30, 2012

Here is a nice photo of Zachary.

March 1, 2012

so so sorry... what a senseless tragedy :(
Peace and hopeful justice for the family.

Steven Herbert

December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas Zach. We know that wherever you are you are smiling. You are sadly missed and greatly cherished. May be peace be with you and your family this Christmas

Zacky

Mom

July 30, 2011

The more I read and hear from others, the more I am grateful to have had you for 25+ years. You have been my beautiful, sweet, kind, patient, funny, peaceful, stubborn, incredibly creative, frustratingly spaced out and forgetful of things I put import on (they actually weren't) and unbelievably focused on what you had passion for. As has been said, you have lived the life you chose. I am so proud of you more than you could ever know. I humbly ask if there is anyway, please help me make you proud of me. I could not love you or your sister more. You both are what my life was given to me for. Rather than "getting it from me", now I am given the task of learning from the 2 of you. You are the most awesome human beings!
My longing for your physical presence is nearly unbearable at times, but I feel you with me and in my heart. I hear your voice in my head and ask what would Zach say. You will be with me until I take my last breath and we are joined in whatever that next experience is. I'm kinda hoping you will teach me to climb there. So till then I say what I have always said when you leave "Have fun, call me when you top out, I love you"
Thank you for everything!
Love you sweetie,
Mom

July 3, 2011

Happy Birthday Zachary

Kenneth

June 24, 2011

Zach,
I travel this way every day, but it was your passing that made me change course.
We have not met but we have many mutual friends, and you would have had many more.
From one old climber to a young one, we love the journey, but we cherish the company.
Your’s is a crew that loves you dearly, and at the time when we all miss you the most, we must let you go. So,
On Belay
Belay On
Climb When Ready
Climbing
Climb, my friend, and let the wings of angels carry you home.

Cynthia Van Ness

June 24, 2011

Deepest sympathies from a friend of Zachary's uncle Bill. As a fellow cyclist, my heart goes out all of you who mourn him.

kathi lombardi

June 22, 2011

We have known Zach for over 10 years he has always been a positive person and a great spirit. Everyone loved him who knew him he was a pleasure to see with his hugs of friendship and kindness tears for you and you're family are running deep you will benefit the other side in many ways as you did in this world Zach you will always be missed you were taken from us to soon

Bruce Marshall

June 22, 2011

Although I don't know anyone involved, I know what it's like to lose someone because of a car accident. I lost my sister in 1985 she was 21 and she left behind an 18 month old daugther. I feel your pain and my thoughts and prayers are with his family. Although they have left our daily life's, they will never be forgotten. I am grateful for the time they spent with us on earth. Their memories will live forever and they will always have a place in our heart that belongs to them and only them. We will never be the same, but we must continue to move forward one day at a time. Take the time to tell those around you just how much you love them, none of us are promised tomorrow. With everything you do,and with everyone you love before you leave their sight ask youself,"If I died today, is this the way I want them to remember me?" Tell the people in your life just how special they are to you and how thankful you are that they are a part of your life. Let them know that because of them you are a better person with them in your life.
In case tomorrow never comes.
Love & Prayers, Bruce

June 21, 2011

I did not know Zach or his family but I do know what it's like to lose someone you love. My partner was killed 3 years ago by a driver running a red light. My heart goes out to April and her family. DD

Th Collabor8tor

June 20, 2011

Xxoo, raw jackpot
I hv n wl always luv u
a pocket fullo' posies fer u
metal in motion
for

Jack Reed

June 20, 2011

I remember the day Zach was born, and it is way too soon for him to have left us. My love and sorrow to April and Elizabeth.

June 19, 2011

I just met you Zach, but I love you.

Courtney

June 19, 2011

I met Zach by chance working at the farmers market. I would notice him when he biked in to help the stand next to me pack up. I thought he was incredibly handsome and was so happy when he struck up a conversation with me. I didn't know him, but how I wish I had the chance to. Rest in peace stranger.

June 18, 2011

May love surround you on your next adventure. Blessings on your journey and may you rest in peace knowing that you loved and are loved.

Zachary & Rog 2006

Barbara Paul Wibe

June 17, 2011

Cousins are a little bit of childhood
that can never be lost

My eyes filled up with tears, as I heard the news 
It never occurred to me, how much we could lose 

I find myself wishing- that it wasn't real 
Every time I think about it, pain is all I can feel 

Tears fall from my eyes, I can barely see 
But my heart tells me, that he’ll always be with me

I’m glad he feels no pain now, He lives in a perfect land 
And I will love and miss him forever, ’till I see him again

But until that day comes, I will wipe my tears away. 
And tell him I love him, just one more time today.

Cousin to cousin we'll always be,
Special friends, from the same family tree.

I miss you, my dear cousin
Zachary

June 17, 2011

They just don't come any better than Zack. I truely enjoyed every minute spent with him, whether climbing or enjoying a cold one back at the camp there is no better company you could ask for. You will be missed, Climb on buddy...

Ed Nendell

June 17, 2011

I had a chance to meet this young man. It was just a short meeting, but he left a positive impression on me. What a nice guy.

Kathy W.

June 17, 2011

Zach, I have heard and read so many wonderful words used with your name, my brother always thought you had a kind heart. I feel as though I missed knowing a very special human. Rest well young one.

Kenneth

June 16, 2011

Zack,
I travel this way every day, but it was your passing that made me change course.
We have not met but we have many mutual friends, and you would have had many more.
From one old climber to a young one, we love the journey, but we cherish the company.
Your’s is a crew that loves you dearly, and at the time when we all miss you the most, we must let you go. So,
On Belay
Belay On
Climb When Ready
Climbing
Climb, my friend, and let the wings of angels carry you home.

Susie Miller Reid

June 16, 2011

Dear Zach,

You brought such light and joy to all of our lives. I loved your smile, your loving and caring way, your humor, your talent. The Earth is missing an angel that it needs dearly. Fair well, dear friend. Thank you for the joy that you brought to our home and to our lives.

F. B.

June 15, 2011

Whoa. Zach seemed all about living lightly on our precious planet. More than anything, Zach's life should inspire us to live lightly on precious Earth. Taking less, giving more. Thank you, Zach, for your fine example.

F. B.

June 15, 2011

In some sense Zach can live on -- in the way his life (so well and positively and enthusiastically lived) inspires each of us to live more positively, with joyfulness & kindness and with appreciation of family & friends, the magnificent loveliness of nature, and of the shining mystery that surrounds us all. Let Zach's shining example light the way.

June 15, 2011

In my heart I know that none of us can feel/experience another's pain...April, Liz and all of Zach's many friends have stood by Zach through all of his days on the planet...it's time for us to stand by each other and hold each other in Zach's memory. He shared so much love and light with every one he met that his light and that amazing smile will be forever in each of our hearts. Take care of each other...remember you will need each other long after this tragedy is more exposed, long after the memorials...it's the day to day living without him which will challenge all of us. April, you have been strong and inspirational and Zach's friends have found comfort in that. Your son was your gift to the world and now we all have to give a gift back to you. Let us hold you while you cry, scream or whatever you need to do. Let us share stories with you about our time with Zach last week, last month, anytime since we have known him. They will hopefully bring you some solace during this unbelievably difficult time. I will share that when I visited the memorial site on Empire I was alone in that place and I am sure I heard Zach yell.."Don't cry for me down there. I see the most amazing wall and boulders to climb and so many open roads to ride. I will miss you too but get back to it. We will all meet again. I will be here to greet you and show you around." I thanked him for the information and dried my tears. Listen in the silence, in the wind, in the sunrise and sunsets, in the faces of those who love him...you will all hear him too.

June 15, 2011

Amazing person, Zachary. Such a beautiful soul, such an unfathomable loss... He leaves the world a better place for the life he shared with us. He has graced us all.

Mari S.

June 15, 2011

I didn't know Zach, but know he is missed and loved. I send my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

Zack describing his trip to Holly, a Matt's Climb scholar

Eliza Livingston

June 15, 2011

Zachary was one of the first Matt's Climb scholars, and returned eager to climb more, especially in the Olympics. He was so very reassuring and thoughtful as he helped prepare each year's scholarship recipient for the adventure ahead. He would describe his trip(s) with exuberance, humour and humility, conveying to the kids who followed him his enthusiasm and passion for wilderness adventure. He, and the sunshine he brought into a room, will be deeply deeply missed.

Nicole L

June 15, 2011

I did not know Zach, But I will say I am sure he wont be forgotten. The memorial spot is growing daily. It sure is nice to see such community support. I pray for his family every day...

Lauren Reppy

June 15, 2011

I met Zach while working at Bugaboo a few years ago and am so grateful to have had the opportunity to know him. Zach was a beautiful human being full of light and love. He was passionate, creative, gentle and kind and he will be greatly missed on this earth. Zach, May you bike in bliss and climb the most exquisite peaks now and for ever more!

June 15, 2011

Wishing Zach many bright and beautiful days in the sky and heavens above as a wonderful and greatly missed person on earth.

C Davis

June 15, 2011

Its so hard to lose a loved one. Please accept my condolences for your loss. God bless you.

Bill

June 15, 2011

So sorry for your loss,and my Prays go out to the family.

Karen Key

June 15, 2011

Though Zach I new you only through our encounters with my brother and your mother, I am truly saddened by your loss. You had such a ray of sunshine around you. To April I send my best to you and your family for this great tragedy that has befallen you. Zach will be greatly missed.

June 14, 2011

My heart goes out to Zach's friends and family during this difficult time. It is clear that he is loved by many and has deeply touched many lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Bill

June 14, 2011

Hi Zach, can't imagine not seeing you in the gym or on the roads. I didn't say hi on tuesday as you and Kevin were deep in conversation. Thanks for all the words of encouragement and being my friend. I remember our trips and will miss you dearly.

June and Erik Vehn

June 14, 2011

As we did not know Zach in his later years, we will remember him as a very creative and talented young boy. Our hearts go out to you, April and Elizabeth. With our sympathy,

June 13, 2011

unspeakably sad

June 12, 2011

I miss you more than you could imagine. You taught me so much every day, and I'm glad that I got to be friends with you in the time that we had. Your hugs, your laughs, your beta and your terrible puns will always be something I cherish and remember. All my love.

Jean Sibley

June 12, 2011

I had the privilege and joy to know Zack just since April, but was so touched by his loving energy, joy and presence. There is much love and prayer pouring out for this inspirational young man and his loved ones - love that will never die. My heart is with his beloved friends and family.

Kirsten Clarke

June 12, 2011

Zack was a former student of mine; he left an indelible mark on me with his humor. He received a scholarship to backpack in the Pacific Northwest, returning full of love for the outdoors. His early death is a loss for us. My condolences to his family.

June 12, 2011

I never got to know Zach, but immediately recognized him from Pacific Edge. I was always inspired when I saw him climb.. I am saddened deeply by this loss and can't imagine the pain that those who really knew him are feeling. This is a tragedy.

June 11, 2011

Dear old friend, I remember meeting you in the second grade, your scruffy blond hair, playing with red mud and making giant turtles together. Growing up, you were at times shy and sweet, but totally funny when the time was right. Never cruel, always kind, I just can't believe that it was your time to go. I am saddened that we didn't get to reconnect as adults. You were so poised and handsome! We talked about climbing on the FB, but I would have loved to look you in the eye and hear all the many things I see that you've done... it really seems like you've touched a lot of lives. I will miss you always, Zach.

David Hill

June 11, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss I can't believe this. Zach and I had many art classes together at Santa Cruz High with Katie Harper, and his sense of humor, especially through some of his drawings, made me laugh all the time. My last memory of Zach was when I was driving home one day and saw him at a bus stop. I pulled over, asked him where he was heading. I drove him to Cabrillo, and when I asked him what he was up to, he showed me his custom side bags he was working on. This was a few years ago, wish I kept in touch more. Peace be with his family.

June 11, 2011

A fellow cyclist shares your lost. As a cyclist who was hit last year by an inattentive motorist (who at least stopped) I really understand how you must feel. I am still recovering and will think of Zack every time I ride.

June 11, 2011

Seeing Zach climb in the gym, I feel I learned a lot about the way he carried himself through life; thoughtfully, carefully, and honestly. I didn't know him as well as others, but every time I talked to him I left feeling a positive vibe and calm demeanor. He had a way about him that spoke volumes about his character. I will definitely miss him.

Trevor Yee

June 11, 2011

I had lived with Zachary and his mother,April, for a few months and grew fond of Zachary's company and friendship. His big heart and ambitions made it possible for anyone who met him, feel like he was family. My dearest condolences go out to his mother, family and friends. You will be missed Zachary.

June 11, 2011

Zach was an inspiration to all who knew him, one of the most genuinely positive people i ever knew. Always staying active and making the most of life. Rest in Peace my friend, you will be forever missed.

June 11, 2011

I am so sorry to hear of this tragedy. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Zach and my thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.

Chris Daulton

June 11, 2011

I am saddened that I wasnt able to keep in closer contact with Zach after I left Santa Cruz. Every time I was out at Bishop or Yosemite though I would always be on the lookout for him and more often than not I would bump into him. He was dedicated like none other and always psyched. He had one of the most infectious raditudes around. Kind of guy you were always happy to be hanging out with because it was going to be nothing but a good time filled with laughs.

My heart goes out to his friends and families. There was none other like him and he will be sorely missed.

Rock on brother.

Friends Forever

June 11, 2011

I met Zack when he was just a little tyke. He walked into my house through the open front door, saw me and said, "Hi, I'm Zack" with a smile as broad as the great outdoors that he loved and spent so much time in. We became instant friends and spent a lot of time together hiking, swimming, body surfing, playing video games (much to his mother's dismay), going to movies, hanging out and mountain biking. When I moved out of state, he came to visit several times. I remember driving him out to the Rain Forest on his first visit and dropping him at the trail head where he intended to hike the full length of Olympic National Park (about 1 million acres). I didn't even try to talk him out of it. On picking him up after his lengthy trip, all he could talk about was how much fun it was, what he had seen - and how he never wanted to do that again. On another visit, he wanted to do some glacier work up on Mount Olympus. Those of you who have been to this part of the world know that area to be treacherous at best, but once again I found myself accompanying my lifelong friend first to the ranger station to rent a "bear can", and then to the trail head. Upon his return, he regaled me with a hair raising tale of how the snow had given way under his feet while walking across the glacier and how only his quick wit and snow axe had saved him from a 40+ foot plunge into an icy abyss. Zack was always a bit of a daredevil with an eye for the impossible and a need for speed - at least the Zack I knew. I can't remember the number of times I pulled him from the path of a speeding car he had just unwittingly stepped in front of, or mended a skateboarding wound. His love for the planet and the great outdoors has never wavered. He's always had an unshakable sense of where he was going in life and what was right for him. Both of these 'gifts' kept me in awe the entire 16 years I've known him. And on that score I can truly say he was a mentor to me. I remember many times riding that same tragic route with him at full speed - sometimes at night in near complete darkness, and sometimes in the blazing hot sun. He knew that route well and loved it. It's fitting somehow that fate chose that place for him to leave us. My last and most fond moments with Zack were at a picnic table on the beach at the Strait of San Juan Defuca near the San Juan islands where we talked about life, nutrition, friends and friendship in the warm afternoon sun. I will miss this extraordinary young man more than words could ever express. I love you Zack. Who knows, perhaps one day I'll have the opportunity to surprise you by walking into your heavenly home with a "hey Zack what's going on," and I'll bet we'll pick up the conversation right where we left off like no time had passed at all.

Zena Corby

June 11, 2011

We live near the main entrance to UCSC, and are heartsick over this loss. It is clear from the entries here that this man loved and was loved.

Scott

June 11, 2011

The brightest lights continue to shine in life and in death. Your in our hearts and minds and I will always carry you with me.

Chris Van Leuven

June 11, 2011

My deepest sympathies for the Parke family. Zach was a great climbing partner and friend. I miss him dearly.

Here is a blog post I wrote on him in Elevation Outdoors Magazine (Colorado): http://www.elevationoutdoors.com/blogs/climber-couirier-friend-killed-in-santa-cruz/

June 11, 2011

WE THE PEOPLE AT METRO PARA CRUZ WANT TO SHARE OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES AND OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH ZACK'S FAMILY. HE WAS OUR FIRST MAIL CARRIER HE WAS SUCH A RAYE OF SUNSHINE WHEN HE CAME INTO OUR OFFICE SO FULL OF JOY, LAUGHTER,AND MOST OF LIFE. HE WILL TERRIBLY MISSED, WE NOW KNOW HE IS WITH THE ANGLES IN HEAVEN JUST AS HE WAS HERE ON EARTH.

June 11, 2011

April and Elizabeth------All my thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Diana D.

Gabby

June 11, 2011

My deepest sympathies for all of Zach's family and friends. Let his passion for life be an inspiration for all.

marianne pretscher

June 11, 2011

my thoughts go out to april and elizabeth for their terrible loss.i still remember zachary as the blond little brother of liz who would be at school all the time, what a tragedy. i keep him and both of you in my prayers love marianne pretscher

Joel Steiber

June 10, 2011

If karma exists, your next life should be wonderful. I regret not having kept in touch these past few years. I always felt you were destined for greatness and having touched so many lives with your kindness you exude what it means to be a great soul. You will be missed and never forgotten.

DeeAnn Reed

June 10, 2011

You always had a way of making people laugh! Rest with the angels. Much love!

B

June 10, 2011

Please know I am deeply sorry for the tragic loss of Zachary. Tribute after tribute to this young man. He touched so many hearts and souls in his life. How truly blessed your family is to have had this wonderful being in your life. His mother must have instilled in his heart great love and understanding. So many friends have shared what positive influence he was in this world. Please take comfort in knowing he felt so much love with your family....and many, many others loved him dearly. God Bless

Nikita Taranduke

June 10, 2011

Zach, I miss you dearly. Wish we got at least one out door climb in, but hanging out at the gym and brewery after was still worth all the while. You really knew how to live life. Rest in peace, friend.

steven

June 10, 2011

peace bro, nothing but love.

Maggie Parker

June 10, 2011

Zack,
You are a kind person, a fun person, a creative person, an intellignet person, a healthy person, a person that I and the world will miss. Peace and love be with you.

Sally Gruber

June 10, 2011

My daughter Shaun was a good friend of Zach's. I know he was a very special person, because of how much she cared about him. He was the center of their rock climbing circle, and will be forever in their memory. We are grieving for Zach and for all his friends and family who will miss his presence in their lives. Our prayers to the Parke family.

Eric Decker

June 10, 2011

Zach and Morgan (my son) grew up together.

I am really really saddened by this. He looked like such a fine young man.

sarah

June 10, 2011

My thoughts are with you.

Daniel Ramirez

June 10, 2011

Zack i'm going to miss you man, you were always such a lovley person. you taught me so much about life....Your commitment for your passions were an inspiration to how to live life.
I'm going to really miss you my friend.

Joe Denicola

June 10, 2011

So, so sad...such a loss...words are ineffective...so sorry for your family...

Dennis Grady

June 10, 2011

Greatest sympathies...

Jill Esteras

June 10, 2011

Yesterday morning on my way to campus, I brought flowers to leave but there was only the orange paint on the road. This morning I found the spot full of flowers and photos, prayers and memories of Zach. I left my flowers and felt the presence of so much love for Zach and April and Elizabeth. May April find strength and peace with the love of all who surround her in this difficult time. Just let me know if there is anything I can do, April.

Bill McKirgan

June 10, 2011

I didn't know you Zachary Parke, but I would have liked to have met you while out climbing somewhere. Sending prayers of comfort to your dear family and friends. Peace.

Scott DuBois

June 10, 2011

We will miss you so much! As everyone has stated your gentle soul and spirit made you a joy to be around. I like to think that you had life all figured out and now you can move on to your next chapter. I will miss your smile and caring presence at the gym. My heart and thoughts go out to your MOM and Family. Love, Scott

Ron Anderson

June 10, 2011

Climb on Zach! You inspired many -youll be missed greatly, and we will meet again someday.

zach could do backwards circles and wheelies all day on his bike, but he would never really show off.

mike millz

June 10, 2011

hangin out at chris and chistinas house bt the boardwalk. im sure some polo ensued!!

mike millz

June 10, 2011

mike millz

June 10, 2011

rest in peace zach! you will be very missed by thousands. you inspired me and taught me alot about life.

Stephen Ford

June 10, 2011

What a great loss to not only our climbing community but the the world. Zach was so gifted in what ever he set his mind to a truly an amazing individual. To everyone who's life he touched this is a hard day to fathom. To all those who never had the chance to meet him, I am sorry for the lost opportunity of being touched by his infectious personality. The climbing community has lost a great spirit, a gifted climber but most of all I great friend.

Grandma & Grandpa's 55th Anniversary Party - All the grandkids together 2-24-2006

Teri Paul

June 9, 2011

Zachary, you are going to be missed by everyone who knew you. You touched people so deeply, as a special guy with a sweet disposition and an extremely gentle soul. I love you and will miss you. You were taken too soon from our lives, but not our hearts.

I hope to see you on the other side my beloved nephew. Your cousins and I will miss you so much, but extremely grateful to have known you. We've enjoyed all the climbing pictures and enjoyed listening to you talk of your adventures. Until we meet again, sweet, sweet, Zachary, I hold many great memories & some really fantastic pictures of you. We all love you and wish April & Liz the best comfort and support through our prayers from our hearts & souls.

Much love beautiful child, The Paul Family

Shay W.

June 9, 2011

I knew Zach through friends and would see him at the climbing gym and when we would pass on our bikes around town. I didn't know him well, but he would always smile and say hello. He never seemed upset and had a good attitude and calm demeanor.

It is clear from reading the many comments about Zach that he touched many people in big and small ways and brought so much love and light to this world.

Greg Davis

June 9, 2011

His life will always be an inspiration to those wanting to experience beautiful places with wonderful people. See you on the other side, buddy. On belay.

June 9, 2011

Hey there say, Zach--you are gone, and I can't say this to you now anymore, but: I myself, did not know you, but we enjoyed you so very much at the supertopo, you will always be an online treasure there for us...

Dear April... as a posting-person at the supertopo climber forum, I am sending you prayers for this very hard sad time, and may the good Lord's strength get you through... many climbers there read his trip reports and enjoyed him...

my deep condolences to you, Santa Cruz was always special to me, but tonight, it has heavy sadness, as I learned of your son's death...

once again, God bless you, on this very hard trail you are going through, sincerely, Neebee... (a sister of a climber)

Noam

June 9, 2011

Working with you at my first job at Staff of Life then re-meeting you again at the climbing gym years later. You were always nice, and always cool. What a good guy. Take care.

Rick Graves

June 9, 2011

We miss you Zack. Your kind and generous spirit will forever live in our hearts, and your Zackism's will always bring a smile when it is most needed. We are truly blessed and grateful to have known you.
Ride free brother.
Rick Graves/Clutch Couriers

Larry

June 9, 2011

To Zachary friends and family I work at Pacific Edge climbing gym , Zachary Will be very missed here, and in the climbing community ,there was a get together at the gym and I was very happy to here that zachary's mother had come to see some of zachar's friends in wishing him great thoughts and prayer.

Donna Herbert

June 9, 2011

My heart goes out to the Parke Family. I am so sorry for the loss of this young man, a son, brother, and an amazing friend to many. I did not get the chance to meet him but he was a climbing buddy and friend to my son Steven. God Bless you

Ryan Wilke

June 9, 2011

Zach, I've never met anyone that matched your kindness, love for life, talent, humility, sense of humor, or any other of the amazing qualities that everyone else has mentioned. You truly were an amazing person and it's painful for all of us to imagine the world without your beautiful smile. May it brighten up the heavens as much as it lit up our hearts and minds every day.

You'll be greatly missed. My heart goes out to your family.

Thanks again for sharing your love, kindness, and friendship with all of us. It won't be forgotten.

Alice Kelly

June 9, 2011

Zackie, I haven't seen you for many, many years but how sad I was to read the news and realize it was you. Although I've been out of touch for years, I'm sending you, April and Elizabeth all the love and comfort in the world. You're gone too young. xoxox to you, to April, to Elizabeth

Brooklyn Taylor

June 9, 2011

Every time i ran into him for the last few years we would say we were going to make time to hangout and catch up. Now its to late. I wish we had made that time. If you have been saying that to someone but never quite make the call, call them and go to lunch or on a ride or the beach, have some tea. I never met a person who wasn't impressed by Zack. Calm and out going. He will be missed so much. We had some good times.

love you man

Levi Goldman

June 9, 2011

I first knew Zachary from working in the arts at Cabrillo College, back in 2003, where he was engrossed in wheel throwing and jewerly. Like everything else Zach endeavored into, he excelled in the arts.

Later, when he entered into the world of climbing he quietly went to the top of the game, consistently going out climbing and gaining experience. He took his artistic skills and applied them to sewing cutting-edge bags and tools for cycling and rock climbing. There was little doubt in all of us that there was a bright future for Zachary. He had an ability to identify design flaws in mainstream technologies and innovate appropriately. I think we all knew his brand "Prototype" would eventually become a major player in the climbing/cycling market. It was just a matter of time before enough people discovered how durable and well crafted his work was. We all love our tools that Zachary made us as they are so well considered and beautiful.

My last climbing trip with Zachary was on the Leaning Tower, where he was working the 5.13 moves to free climb the West Face on lead. Zachary was psyched for me even when my climbing leads took forever, never giving me a hard time about it. Zachary patiently and enthusiastically coached me as to the intricacies of aid climbing when we were dangling in space, a thousand of feet off the ground.

Brenda Spencer-Santiago

June 9, 2011

Dear April, Elizabeth, and Family,

I cannot imagine this loss. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.

gail anon

June 9, 2011

I am heartbroken for the loss of your very special son Zach and my thoughts are with you always.

Marina

June 9, 2011

So sorry for your loss.

Zachary patiently belaying a route he ropegunned for us.

Zachary Parke

June 9, 2011

Brittany J

June 9, 2011

Zack, you are such a nice, caring, sweet person. I will always cherish the memories we had. High School would have never been the same without you. Love to your family and friends. R.I.P.

Paul McFarland

June 9, 2011

May you rest in peace and enjoy your new perspective on a world you clearly loved and enjoyed, Zack. I ride past your last resting place each morning. Prayers for all the family and friends you were taken from.

Curtis Ferris

June 9, 2011

As a cyclist, I've seen Zachary around town, and we waved at each other a few times. It pains me to think that this is one friendly face I won't be seeing anymore, and my heart is shattered when I think of the loving family our friend is leaving behind.

I offer my sincerest condolences to the Parke family during this terrible time.

Vicky

June 9, 2011

I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy. My 18-year-old son was killed in an accident a four years ago. My heart aches knowing what you are feeling now and what you will have to get through. I hope you have a lot of support. Vicky

Nick

June 9, 2011

I had the pleasure of working with Zach and knowing him as a good friend. It sounds cliche, but I had really never meet someone with such a pure love for life and all the good things it has to offer. We can all learn a life lesson from Zach, even in his passing. You will be missed Zach, next time I am mashing on two wheels I will definately be thinking of you.

Erik Loo

June 9, 2011

I didn't personally know Zach, i used to see him biking all the time while i lived in the west side.
My best wishes go out to your family and friends during this hard time. R.I.P.

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