WARD, Zachary Owen

Zachary Owen Ward, Born: 4/21/76 Shreveport, LA Caddo County. Died: 5/25/03 Phoenix, AZ. Cause of Death - Killed in motorcycle accident when other motorist ran a red light. Survived By: Jessica Meilani Ward, beloved wife, Aaron W. and Patricia A. Ward, brother and sister-in-law, Rozlynn Skye Ward, niece, Georgia A. and Bruce E. Cockerham, mother and step-father, Margaret N. Holden, Grandmother, Mary Lu Ward, Grandmother, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. About Zachary: Zachary was a United States Marine who had earned the rank of Sergeant. While actively serving in the Corps, Zach received numerous certificates and commendations including a Letter of Appreciation from the Commanding Officer thanking then Lance Corporal Zachary O. Ward for providing a brief to several General Officers and VIPs on the capabilities and limitation of Long Range Contact Patrols. Zach was acknowledged by USMC Captain S.P. Conley for "helping his fellow Marines to adjust well and maintain positive attitudes during the stressful time leading up to and during the Okinawa deployment," and for being "a stellar example for the more junior Marines to follow." Zachary was also a firefighter, graduating as one of the top in his class from the Academy. Zach had, as a boy, earned his Eagle Scout, and was a Journeyman Carpenter just prior to moving to Arizona. Zach had a love for Harley Davidson motorcycles, and he and Jessica had moved to Phoenix so that he could attend the Arizona Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, where he was excelling. They planned to moved back to California when he completed his studies in October. Zachary lived life to the fullest. He not only achieved, but excelled in every goal he set for himself from childhood on. All who knew Zach loved his low-key, caring attitude, and his great wit! Zach's love for fishing, building and motorcycles provided great material for the many humorous stories he would tell. Zach was loved by all who knew him, and he will be remembered as a man for whom honor and respect had great meaning. Zachary's smile, humor, and big heart will be remembered by all who had the privilege to share in his brief life. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:30, June 7, 2003, at Saint Joseph's Basilica in Alameda. There will be a second Memorial held in Phoenix, AZ on June 21st. Zach's friends have constructed a memorial at the corner of Greenway and 43rd where Zach was killed; to both remember Zach and to pray to him for strength during this difficult time. Published in The Arizona Republic on 6/6/2003.