Zack was born in Ventura, CA on February 22, 1992 to Michael and Karen Began. He graduated from Rio Mesa High School and went on to attend University of California, Davis. He was working on double Bachelor of Science degrees in Exercise Biology and in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior. Zack was a lover of many things; on finding a new interest, he went all out to master it. In high school, he competed in water polo, wrestling, and swimming and was co-captain of the water polo team during his senior year. Additionally, he was an avid, accomplished wake-boarder. He was interested in mechanical projects, including upgrading cars, customizing paintball guns, and recently, customizing bicycles. He still has a popular video on PBNation.com describing a paintball gun upgrade that he devised. He loved music of all genres and could name a song after listening for less than a minute. In college, he tried his hand at being a DJ and loved to attend concerts. Most of all, Zack spread his love to everyone around him. Whether delivering a witty joke or a sincere compliment, Zack understood what each person needed, and he loved everyone with his huge heart.

Zack endured more medical challenges than most people experience in a lifetime. This past year was especially difficult for Zack, with multiple surgeries, numerous doctor appointments, and excruciating pain. However, he was consistently optimistic and was never bogged down by these problems. Now, he is resting free of all pain and appointments.

Zack is survived by his parents, Mike and Karen; sister, Alicia; puppy Ziggy; grandparents Papa Bob, Linda, Grandma Jane, and Grandma and Grandpa Christensen; as well as aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins.

He has joined Grandpa Bill, Grandma Peggy, cousin Sean, Great-Grandma Thomas, and Papa Sage in heaven.

Zack's wonderful spirit, love of everyone around him, and infectious optimism will be celebrated at a 1 p.m. service on Saturday, June 7 at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park (2052 Howard Road, Camarillo, CA), and his internment will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you send a contribution to Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) for the Zachariah Began Memorial Scholarship.

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

Published by Ventura County Star from Jun. 4 to Jun. 7, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Zachariah Began

Sponsored by The Began Family.

61 Entries

Trevor Mulvany

May 31, 2025

Still miss him ...

David T

May 30, 2023

This past year I had the pleasure of getting to attend your sister's wedding, Zack, and it was amazing. Lots of touches and your presence was there the whole time :)

Too bad we didn't have you there for the "I respectfully agree" after Alicia and Gio's "I do's" to each other.

Lots of Love,
David

Lora Louise Broady

May 30, 2023

Sending love to Mike, Karen, and Alicia on this Memorial Day. xo

Julia Thomas (David´s Mom)

May 29, 2023

Thinking of Zack and his family this Memorial Day weekend.

David Thonaz

May 30, 2021

I have thought about Zack every year and constantly since 2014 but this year seems to be different. A lot of my conversations I find thinking about Zack and some particular overlap and speciality about him that pertains to what I'm thinking about or talking about (in present day 2021). I miss not being able to pick up the phone and call him about these ubiquitous phenomena but I know somewhere he's laughing along with me. ❤

Julia Thomas

May 29, 2021

I will never forget Zack’s warmth, upbeat spirit, and courtesy. (I am the mother of Zack’s roommate in college, David Thomas.) Blessings and peace on all of Zack’s family.

June 30, 2014

Miss my random calls telling me about doctor's appointments bud!

Too Much Love,
David

June 28, 2014

There are now words....sending our love Gino and Connie Milano, Cucina Isabella

Katie Warno

June 16, 2014

Dear Mike and Karen,
Our prayers are with you for your tremendous loss. Nothing could be worse as losing your child. Trust that he is in a good place in heaven watching over all of you. I prayer that your sorrow is not too overwhelming. Sending tons of love, Katie Warno

Kenny Compton

June 12, 2014

He was my friend and classmate. We went to concerts and swam together. Now this just feels incredibly unreal, I am so very sorry to the entire Began family. You are in our thoughts and hearts.

Jill Murch

June 11, 2014

To the Began family with my deepest sympathy. I was so shocked and sad to read about Zack. I only knew this bright, smart guy for 6 months when I was a Spanish 2 student teacher at Rio Mesa. But I never forgot him! He was so "evident" in the class, but never crossed the line - so full of life and funny, a very friendly, positive person. I'm so sad, but so glad I got to meet him.

June 10, 2014

Mike, Karen and Alicia
We are so very sorry. We can only imagine how unbearable this all must be. Please know that you have been, and will continue to be in our prayers. You have a beautiful family full of great love as was shown in the service on Saturday. May God, your friends and family continue to wrap your lives with love and comfort.
Kent, Pam, Lauren and Cole

Kathy Raedy

June 9, 2014

Mike, Karen and Alicia you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so unbelievably sad to hear about Zack. He was such a good friend to our family and especially Kevin who you adopted at the lake. We will forever remember him as young, beautiful and happy- always smiling and joking. He will be missed and please let us know if you need anything at all. With much love, Keith, Kathy, Kevin, Bailey, and Shawn Raedy.

Tammy Amick

June 8, 2014

My prayers are with your family.

June 8, 2014

Mike, Karen, and Alicia,

We are so sorry for your loss.

The time our son spent with your family and the friendship of Zach and of each of you to Michael was special.

Peace be with you during this difficult time.

Steve and Sharon Blanchard

June 7, 2014

To the Began family. We are sadden to hear of Zack's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Peggy & Ryan Trude

June 7, 2014

Dear Michael, Karen, and Alicia,

We are very heartbroken to hear of Zack's passing. Zack was so loving and open with all of us -- David's Mom, Dad, and brothers. When we would visit David up at Davis, Zack would always greet each of us with a huge, bear hug and with a greeting like we were a member of his family, too. We are thankful Zack was a close and very good friend to our son and was a shining light in our lives, as well.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

The Thomas Family (Ravi, Julie, David, Matthew, and Luke)

Tom Bunker

June 7, 2014

Mike, Karen, Alicia, We have no words that can describe our feelings about your loss. We have known Zack since he was 2 or 3 and have enjoyed watching him grow through Mesa Union and Rio Mesa into a vibrant young man. Our love and prayers are with you. Tom, Gennie, Zac, Thomas, Samantha

Colleen Poulsen

June 7, 2014

Heartfelt condolences.

Roshan Shah

June 7, 2014

Dear Dr.Began& family. I am so sorry to learn about your loss. I understand what you all are going through since I lost my 17 year old son in a car accident. May God give you peace. My prayers are with you.

Luke Gajefski

June 6, 2014

Dr. Began I am sorry to hear about you son. My prayers are for your family.

David Hantke

June 6, 2014

There are no words...
Please know that our prayers, love and strength are always with you.
With love,
David, Sue, Katie and Matthew Hantke

Rio Mesa Homecoming Dance 2009

June 6, 2014

Dear Dr Began, Karen and Alicia,

Our prayer's are with your family. Our hearts have be heavy since we heard the news. We have fond memories of Zack from pre-school at Mount Cross, Mesa Union, pony baseball and Rio Mesa High. Some of our memories bring us to laugher as we smile and remember him.

The Cristobal Family
(Ed, Diane, EJ, Steven and Mailee)

Judi Dransart

June 6, 2014

Dear Dr Began, Karen and Alicia

My heart is breaking for you for the loss of your beautiful son. With all of my sincere condolences and loving prayers for all of you during this time. May your memories sustain you and your family. With heartfelt sympathy

Judi Dransart

The Lyskin Family

June 6, 2014

Mike, Karen, and Alicia - I've been staring at ZACK's picture and praying that God would give me the perfect words that might provide some comfort for your family. What I know is that we are all devastated by your loss. Zack was a "one in a million" young man who touched so many lives in his 22 years. His clever wit and loving spirit brought joy to everyone who knew him. I will fondly remember watching our boys play pony league baseball, and attending Mesa Union Awards ceremonies (where Zack received so many well deserved awards). Praying that God will provide your family with peace and comfort to see you through this difficult time. Zack may be gone, but he will NEVER be forgotten. God Bless!

Frank Tomasello

June 6, 2014

Dear Began Family,

May God bless you and send you strength. Zack was truly a special person. Our love and prayers are with you all.

The Tomasello Family

Imelda De Forest

June 5, 2014

To the Began family,
We are deeply saddened to hear of the untimely loss of your beloved Zack. Please accept our condolences. May God Bless you , comfort you, and give you the strength to go through this time of great sorrow.
With love,
The De Forest Family

Tara Prudhomme

June 5, 2014

Dr. Began and family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family right now.

Tara & Mike Prudhomme

Brandi (Davis) Lanthier

June 5, 2014

Dr. Began, When I heard of the loss of your son, my heart broke a little for your family. My love and prayers go out to you, your wife Karen and your daughter Alicia at this very difficult time.
Much Love,

Ken Hilt

June 5, 2014

Zack was a wonderful student. I had the privilege of having him in two of my biochemistry courses at UC Davis. I will never forget him.

Lynne & Gary Nuibe

June 5, 2014

Dear Began family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.

Sol Chooljian

June 5, 2014

Dear Began Family,
We send our prayers and condolences to you on Zack's passing.
Laura McAvoy and Sol Chooljian

Nelly & PK Mac & Edwards

June 5, 2014

Dear Mike, Karen and Alicia,
PK and I are sorry for your loss. We kind of watched him grow from the X'mas cards you sent us every year. We will miss his smiling face.

Olga Guerra

June 4, 2014

Dear Dr. Began, Karen, and Alicia, I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of babysitting Zachariah, and even as a toddler in diapers, I knew he would grow up to be someone special and touch so many hearts with that beautiful Smile!! Although he will be greatly missed he will never be forgoten.

Rebecca Countryman

June 4, 2014

Dear Began Family:

Sorry for your loss, prayers for you during this time.

Michele Lamhofer

June 4, 2014

Dear Mike, Karen, and Alicia,

What an amazing son you raised. He is so loved by so many. There is only one Zack- silly, fun, hilarious, sweet, uplifting, smart, and inspiring are only a few words to describe him. You all are constantly in our thoughts and prayers.

Love,

Eric, Michele, Ashley, and Brianna

Roger Mannex

June 4, 2014

Mike and Family, we are very saddened to hear of your loss. Roger and Charlene Mannex

June 4, 2014

We are so heartbroken to hear of this news. We want to share our love and many hugs to you. There are no words to express how deeply saddened we are. He will be deeply missed but never ever forgotten . Sweet boy we have known since kindergarten ! Love and strength , Brent , Terri , Bailey, Landon, Riley , & Griffin Benado family

June 4, 2014

Our thoughts and love and prayers are being sent your way! May the love of all your family and friends enfold you and may each and every memory bring a smile to your faces and warmth to your hearts.
God Bless You All!
The Steven Carter Family

June 4, 2014

Mike, Karen and Alicia
we are very sorry for your loss. Zack was an amazing person. we feel lucky to have known him.
The Mulvany Family

June 4, 2014

Dear Mike, Karen and Alicia,
We are heartbroken to hear about Zack's passing. It's so painful to process losing such a wonderful young man with so much potential. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Rob, Marilyn, Lia and Matt Sagehorn

David Thomas

June 4, 2014

Zack, thank you for giving me the best three years of my life as a best friend. From living with you at Drake Dr to driving to see you at Lakeshore Apartments you taught me a lot more than I could ever have believed was possible. Thank you for caring about me and confiding in me and sharing your life and life stories with me. I enjoyed them all!

Patricia Litten

June 4, 2014

Dr. Began and family - We are saddened at your loss of your son. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Wally & Pattie Litten

Paul and Linda Davis

June 4, 2014

Karen and Mike- So very sorry for your loss. Zack was a special guy and he will be greatly remembered for his warmth and many talents.

June 4, 2014

My prayers go out to your entire family. My daughter attended RMHS with Zack and while I personally didn't know him, I always heard his name with reference to water polo, Spartan pride and just being an all-round great guy. My very deepest sympathies.

Denise Rotter

June 4, 2014

Dear Karen, Mike, Alicia and Ziggy, Love and prayers to you.. Zack is and will forever.., and a Day be a blessing to everyone who was lucky enough to be a part of his life...In my heart he will always be remembered as the young boy playing baseball in the red dirt at the Somis baseball field...the little bit older boy who was always laughing... And the polite and gracious young man I spoke with at his high school graduation...Thank you dear boy for the joy you brought to life... Love, Kasey's Mom

Nancy Yamamoto

June 4, 2014

Mike, Karen and Alicia.
There are no words to express how very sad we are for you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Know you have an angel in heaven watching over you.
Dean and Nancy Yamamoto

Matt Wright

June 4, 2014

You and your family will be in my thoughts Alicia. I am so sorry. It seems like yesterday we were swimming together for pleasant valley swim club, swimming and playing water polo against each other in high school. Zack was always really nice the couple of times we ran into each other at Davis. He seemed like he knew how to have fun and you guys got along great. I don't know what to say. I am so shocked and I am so sorry. You will be in my prayers. Stay strong!

June 4, 2014

Tears can't stop flowing...reading about your loss. Although I don't know you, I feel so sad! We have grandsons same age...please know "others" are affected, praying for you....

June 4, 2014

Dear Mike, Karen and Alicia,
We are so very sorry for your loss, words fail me. Our prayers are with you. love Julia, Steve Seibert

June 4, 2014

Dear Michael, Karen and Alicia,
What fine young man Zack was, a wonderful Spirit for ALL to remember. Our prayers to you and Alicia at this moment in time. God Bless you. Kevin, Cheryl Velligan

Vern Sanders

June 4, 2014

Dear Michael, our deepest sympathy to you and your family for this tragic and untimely loss. May God bless you all. With our prayers, Anna Hollifield and Vern Sanders.

David Magallanes

June 4, 2014

May you RIP Zack as you will truly be missed by all the lives you touched throughout your life. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family during this most difficult time.

Marilyn Brackett

June 4, 2014

I am totally devastated to hear about the passing of one of the most inspiring, enthusiastic, intelligent students I ever had in my teaching career. Zach exuded spirit and a love of life --- as well as a tremendous sense of humor that he always shared with those around him. I send the Began Family my love along with my very best positive thoughts, and I thank them for the privilege of sharing their son's life during his year in my classroom. We are all saddened by Zach's passing, and will truly miss him. With love, Marilyn Brackett

June 4, 2014

Dearest Mike, Karen and Alicia,

Zack was one of my favorite nephews. He made me laugh every time we shared moments together through all stages of his young life. He was quick-witted, bright-bright, empathetic, creative, confident, compassionate and with-it.

You raised a well-loved young man with a zest for life, humility, innate curiosity, grit and genuine caring for others. Well done Mike and Karen!

There are no words to lessen the pain of your loss, you three. Please accept my deep sympathy. Fred, Clay, Lars and I love you with all our hearts, forever and always.

Condolences M, K & A.

Love,

Martha

Kathy Ellis and Family

June 4, 2014

We are so sad. We will always remember Zach as he was in Pony Baseball in Somis years ago. Our hearts are heavy.

Lora Louise Broady

June 4, 2014

We love you, Mike, Karen and Alicia. Thank you, Zack, for blessing our lives.
xoxo Aunt Lora Louise, Uncle Bob, Nicholas, Carly and Ellie

June 4, 2014

Dear Mike and Karen:
No one can prepare you for a loss. Cathy and I are devastated over Zachariah's passing. Even though he has departed from this earth he never truly leaves, for he will still be alive in our hearts and minds, through us, he will live on. Please accept our condolences, he will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Cathy and Wade Gomes

Tom Doria

June 4, 2014

Dear Began family
It is with great sadness to hear of Zacks passing. Our love and prayers are with you.
The Doria family

June 4, 2014

Dear Mike, Karen & Alicia, Words cannot express my sincere sadness for your loss. Zack was a beautiful young man who shined bright because of the amazing love your family shared. Your family and especially Zack will be in our constant thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Helen, Gus & Gunderson family

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