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Christopher Zaczek Obituary

Christopher Szymon Zaczek Passed away peacefully at his home in Santa Rosa on Monday January 11, 2010 at the age of 55, with his wife and family by his side, after a courageous 21-month battle with melanoma. He was born in London, England on December 15th, 1954, and moved with his family to San Francisco at the age of 11. Christopher earned a BA degree in Biochemistry from UC Berkeley, and then attended graduate school at UCSF and earned a doctorate in Pharmacy. While attending UCSF Chris began working full-time as a firefighter for the SFFD. In 1981, at a fireman's dance in Glenn Ellen, Ca. he met Christina, the love of his life. Christopher worked as a firefighter for 30 years and as a Pharmacist for Kaiser for 28 years. He thrived on the diversity his dual careers offered. The strong bonds he developed with his colleagues, and the opportunity to serve and help so many people, was a great source of personal and professional satisfaction. He was a talented athlete and outdoorsman. He had a 5 index in golf, though he never took a lesson and learned to kite surf after his cancer diagnosis. He was also an intellectual who was eager to study and debate a wide range of topics. Christopher was a devoted and loving family man. Whether it was taking nature walks with his wife, biking with his kids or gardening with his granddaughters, Christopher derived his greatest pleasure from spending time with family. He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife Christina, his children Ryan, Angie (Stephan) and Kevin, his grandchildren Sophia and Juliana, his mother Jean, brother Michael (Candy), sister Stephanie (Danny), nieces Jennie and Julia, and nephews Nicholas and James. His father Stanislaw preceded him in death (04-16-05). Christopher was a generous man and quick to help others. In strength and illness, Christopher was kind and compassionate, respected and loved by his family and friends. He was a grand influence to all who loved him and he will endure with us forever as a magnificent man. Friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Friday, January 22, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Santa Rosa, 1550 Pacific Ave. There will be a private burial service at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Melanoma Cancer Research Center at UCSF. makeagift.ucsf.edu.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Jan. 18, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Zaczek

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Shayna Greener

August 15, 2010

Dear Christina, Hi this is Shayna. I am so sorry to here about Chris. My sister told me about it. We have all suffered so much over the past few years. With my mom's cancer, then my Grandpa passing away from Pancreatic Cancer and then my Great Grandpa passed away just two weeks after him. You may have already known my mom had cancer when she was with Kevin. We almost lost her three times. She has cancer again and is still in Chemo and she hates it. But Then who would. Chris was a good man and I know he loved his family a lot. I am sorry you had to go through so much. Cancer is the worst thing i think ever. My Grandpa Jim Ramey passed away July 18th From Pancreatic Cancer. He has a page on Legacy.com. He was buried at the Sacramento Vally National Cemetery in Dixon with full Military Honors. My grandma has the flag that was on his casket in a flag case. Always know that Chris is always with you all and always will be.

Shayna Greener

Shalene Campbell

August 13, 2010

Dear Chris, I just found out about your. loss. I am so sorry for you and your family. Although things didn't work our for Kevin and I, I still care about you all. You all were such a big part of my life for a long time. My daddy Passed away on July 19th from Pancreatic cancer. He had an 18 month struggle. He passed at home with all of us by his side as well. Then my Grandpa passed not even two weeks later. I understand your sarrow. Always know how much he loved you and the family. He was so loves by so many people. You were and are blessed to have such a great man in your life as well as your family. Take care of your self and always know he will always be watching over you.

With Love and Respect
Shalene

Chantel Greener

August 11, 2010

Dear Christina and family,
This is Chantel I am so sorry about your loss Chris was such a wonderfully man and I do no that he loved his family dearley. I no how bad it hurts to loose a loved one i also just lost my Grandpa to cancer and my great grandpa not even two weeks after i lost my grandpa and just like 3 weeks ago my feancee mom also passed away.
I hope you all or doing ok and i no that Chris is in heaven now looking down on his family that he loved so much.
And i hope that you are doing ok chris and i do miss you a and your family.
So Im so sorry about your Chris passing away.

Claudine Le Moal (Abrams)

February 2, 2010

Dear Chris, Angie and family,

I was so sorry to hear about Chris' passing and feel terrible that we didn't get a chance to say goodbye. We have been thinking about you ever since Stephan called to inform us about the news. Unfortunately, our messages crossed for his memorial. We will continue to mourn Chris in our own way. Chris was such the Renaissance man with admirable talent, energy and perseverence, always accompanied by a humble, heartfelt smile. I was sure that he would beat even this obstacle, for if anyone could; it should have been Chris. It does seem that the good die too young. I know that Chris will be fondly and admiringly remembered by all those who have known him and that he will continue to live in the hearts of the many who have loved him. May his memories and love for you help comfort you during these hard times, while his spirit provides you guidance for the future.

Patty Manton

January 28, 2010

Dear Christina and Family,
Chris was such an amazing man and what a wonderful father! Our son Jesse always felt comfortable hanging out at your house and I felt secure that he was with a safe and loving family. I think of you everytime I drive down Badger Ln. and have fond memories of Ryan and Jesse's high school adventures. Later, I was under Chris' excellent care at Kaiser Santa Rosa infusion lab. Everytime I was there, he would take time to come say hi to me and make me feel comfortable. He is missed dearly, and my prayers are with you all.

Jake Melville

January 25, 2010

Dear Christina and Family,

Although I've known Chris' brother Michael and Candy for many years, I never had the pleasure of meeting Chris in person. However, Mike and I shared thoughts about the courage and depth epitomized by Chris' battle. Ironically, Chris and I shared the same oncological surgeon at UCSF. Hemingway often noted that "grace under pressure" is a central element of heroism. In talking with Mike, I always left the conversation thinking not "what might of been," but what "was given every day to others." I remain inspired by his example.

Ken Harrington

January 24, 2010

I first met Chris in 1975 during a round of golf at Lincoln Park golf course, and over the years had the privilege of playing golf with him many times. What i remember most was his 'classy positive attitude' and calm demeanor. Chris had a way of teaching all of those around him valuable life lessons in a way that did not put anyone down. There are many veteran teachers & educators that could have benefited from Chris's amazingly calming influence. There is no doubt that i am partly the person i am today because of people like Chris Zaczek. Thank you Chris. May his brother Michael and I (..and all of us..) be blessed with the opportunity to play many more rounds of golf at our dear Lincoln Park,,,each time remembering his wonderful brother Chris, walking along side us as our 'true spiritual guardian'.

Elizabeth Fleming

January 21, 2010

Dear Christina and Family,

I met Chris a few months ago at the UCSF Melaoma support group. Although I only saw him a few times,after one of the group sessions, he came over to my husband and me as we were walking out of the building. He told me there was a treatment that I needed to check out asap, and get tested to see if I was Braf positive. He said there is a 70% response rate, which for stage 4 Melanoma is outstanding. I am currently getting on that treatment thanks to Chris and his advice!
I just want to say that Chris was a wonderful man, and will be dearly missed at the Support Group!

Ronna

January 21, 2010

My prayers are with you...Bets Fleming is a friend and told us of Chris' passing.

Barry Grobman

January 21, 2010

Dear Christina and Family:

I am so saddened to learn of Christopher’s passing. He was a very special person with an amazing thirst for knowledge, a gift for conversation, and love for sports. I first met him while we were attending the Pharm.D. program at UCSF. Although he would only occasionally attend classes he usually had much better grades than many of us which is a tribute to his unique talent for learning new things. After classes we would all get together (party) and it astounded me how Chris seemed to be able to carry on intelligent conversations on such a wide variety of topics. He was kind to a fault and generous with his time always willing to help friends and family.

The last time I saw him was at a class reunion a few years ago and I will cherish having had that opportunity to reconnect with him. His passing is a big loss and he will sincerely be missed by many of us who were lucky enough to have had Chris in our lives.

All the best to you and your loved ones.

Barry

Marty & Fran Weeks

January 20, 2010

Dear Christina and Family,

Chris was a joy to be around and fun to be with. He was never at a loss for words and the conversations were never boring. I truly believe that Chris was one of the two most intelligent people I've ever known. It didn't matter what the conversation was or what question you asked, from sports to philosophy and everything in between, Chris had the knowledge and the passion in his answers.

On a humorous note, my wife Fran and I remember our trip together with Christopher and Christina to Hawaii {Maui} and how Chris was always looking for coupons that we could use for dinner. Christina was becoming quite annoyed and shouted out "is there anyplace we can go without a coupon?'...you had to be there to appreciate the moment, ha.

We will really miss him and are sure that God will use his gentle personality and his many talents.

Take care, we love you.

Marty & Fran Weeks

Sharon Reid-Shonk

January 20, 2010

Dear Christina and Family,
I worked with Chris at Kaiser San Rafael Pharmacy back in the late 80's. What a great guy. I will always remember his positive outlook, quick smile and easy-going attitude.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Sharon

January 19, 2010

Christina and Family,
As you well know, Chris was a great man! We are proud to have known such a man of dignity, inner strength and warmth and he will always be remembered in our hearts.
karen and fred

fred fegan

January 19, 2010

Christina and Family,
As you well know, Chris was a great man. He touched many people with his warmth and will always be remembered for his dignity, inner strength and willingness to help others. We feel lucky to have known Chris.
Karen and Fred

Richard Gutierrez

January 18, 2010

Dear Christina and Family,
Chris was a pleasure to work with at 23 Engine. He was a very competent firefighter, and a great source of information, not only for medical issues, but for world affairs as well. He was confident and talented in many areas, yet humble about his accomplishments. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed a good laugh. He will be remembered.
With our deepest sympathy,
Rich and Debi Gutierrez

Gordon Strazzo

January 18, 2010

Dear Christina & Family,
Chris will always be remembered for all the loving thoughts and things he did for others. When I hired Chris back in the 1980'S for Santa Rosa I knew he was going to be a great asset for Kaiser patients and our staff. We played golf many times over the years and I enjoyed his company.

With my deepest sympathy,
Gordon Strazzo

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