Farewell Natomas Neighbor: Zachary Kane

Zach Kane / Courtesy Photo

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

Zachary Kane with his parents and sister. / Courtesy Photo

Zachary Kane / Courtesy Photo

A memorial for Zachary Kane at the Starbucks where he worked as a barista in Natomas has grown in recent days. / Photo: A. Wells

Zachary “Zach” Edward Kane passed away on Feb. 24 at the age of 23. He was an amazing son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. If you were fortunate to know Zach, you know that he was a truly beautiful and kind person.

Zach kept friends from every facet of his life – from elementary school to automotive school. He was an altar boy at St. Rose Catholic Church during his middle school years. He made many friends of his co-workers and customers during his time as a Starbucks barista. He spent four years on the wrestling team at Cardinal Newman High School and graduated in 2010.

Zach went on to Santa Rosa Junior College where he explored a career in Criminal Justice, but ultimately found his passion in Automotive Mechanics. He completed the Automotive, Diesel and Smog program at Universal Technical Institute in October 2014. After graduation, he had secured an internship working for a State of California smog center and had been busy planning for his future career at the time of his death.

Zach embodied the tenants of his Catholic faith: compassion, helping others and service to the community. He often returned to visit his 5th grade teacher and mentored students in her class. His former teacher once told his mother that when Zach came to her class, she always had him work with the more challenging students because he had a way about interacting with these youngsters that made them look up to him and want to do their work to please him.

Zach had a funny gregarious nature that drew others to him. His playful nature was balanced by a determination to use his time wisely and make the most of what life offered him. He will be truly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Zach leaves behind his parents who will always cherish him, Edward and Kathy Kane, and his sister who loved him dearly, Isabel Kane. In addition to his numerous friends, he will be immeasurably missed by his grandparents, aunts, uncles and all of his cousins.

A Funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m. on Friday, March 6th, 2015 at St. Rose Catholic Church, 398 10th St., Santa Rosa. Private Inurnment, Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

A memorial for Zachary Kane at the Starbucks where he worked as a barista in Natomas started small, but has grown in recent days. / Photos: A. Wells