Zane Richard Heninger

Zane R. Heninger (affectionately “Zaner” to many who loved him) was pure heart, love and life. He will be missed far and wide by all the many lives he touched so dearly. Zane was a force who brought light, joy and humor into every interaction and every moment. Never one to shy away, Zane treasured getting to know people, to hear stories and to tell stories. He was always at the ready to lend a helping hand or a caring shoulder. If you needed a companion for a long drive, a hike, a movie, or any adventure, Zane was your man. He was immensely devoted to family and friends and was a tremendously loving husband and father.

Zane’s life began in November of 1967 in Driggs, Idaho. His love of family began that day as he was welcomed into the world by his parents, Dick and Sheral Heninger and his three older siblings: Zeke, Sherene, and Sherese. In 1971 they moved to Egin Bench, Idaho – this is the first place he would conquer.

In 1972 he met his best and lifelong friend, Jared Richards, in Kindergarten at Parker-Egin Elementary School. It didn’t take long before Jared became another member of the Heninger clan. While growing up, Zane loved baseball, art, student government, scout campouts, listening to music, being a DJ, skiing, biking, swimming in the canal, and just hanging out with his many friends. His mom had many late nights waiting up for him, even though he would always reassure her, “I’m okay” or “…it wasn’t my fault.” Zane and his large group of friends - and his trusty car the “dragon wagon” - shared many adventures from the time he learned the love of driving at age 14 though his high school years.

During his younger years, he helped with the family wedding business, growing his love for cooking and learning how to throw a good party – skills that served him well throughout his life. During his high school and college years, he worked at Inkleys, a photo/stereo store, where he developed his passion for photography and music. Zane was rarely without a camera and music. Ever the entrepreneur, he also had a side business as a DJ for school functions and parties.

Zane graduated from South Fremont High School as valedictorian in May 1986, and he received a scholarship to start at Utah State University that fall. Zane took a two-year break to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints from 1987 to 1989 in Porto Alegre, Brazil, where he learned and remained fluent in Portuguese. He graduated from Utah State University in June 1993 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in business finance and a minor in Portuguese. After Utah State, he worked for Keystone Communications in Salt Lake City.

Zane moved to Miami in 1994, where he accepted a job with Goldman Sachs, a job he loved and was extremely honored to hold. Continuing with his theme of lifelong learning, he decided to go back to school to get his MBA and settled in Hanover at the Amos Tuck School of Business for a few of the most treasured years of his life. While at Tuck, Zane made some of his dearest and closest friendships with a group that he could count on. This group always held a special place in his heart. He learned, played, skied, and hiked a lot.

In 1999, Zane graduated from Tuck School of Business and was hired by Goldman Sachs again. He trained in New York City and went to Dallas, where he became roommates with big brother, Zeke. After his stint in Dallas, he moved to the city he loved, Denver, where he opened an office for Lehman Brothers.

Shortly thereafter in Denver, Zane became a first-time dad to Maddie, his beloved chocolate lab. They shared many adventures, car trips and hiking miles, as he explored the mountains of Colorado and brought back a piece of each summit.

For the next several years, Zane’s Denver family grew and grew with every new person he met. The girl next door caught his eye, and Kerri came into his life. In February 2007, Zane proposed to Kerri at Beano’s Cabin, in Beaver Creek, Colorado. A year later in February 2008, despite the weather’s best attempt to foil the special day, they again met in the mountains, where they were married in Vail, Colorado.

After a few years, Zane and Kerri had two children. Emily had Zane wrapped around her finger before she even came into the world in 2012. Nolan, his little buddy, followed up his sister in 2014. Zane adored his kids and loved encouraging their interests. He enjoyed being a soccer dad. Even as busy as Zane was, he always put his family first, as a husband and father.

Zane last worked for BCIT and Booth Creek Management Corporation.

Zane loved traveling with friends and family, visiting almost every corner of the world. He got the bug to travel as he ventured out with his family as they visited many states - his view often facing backwards from the third seat of the station wagon. When he was older, he was always on a road trip, traveling through several states. Many friends have wonderful memories of their adventures with Zane. He could never just stay on the main road - many back roads were taken to make the adventures even more fulfilling. When this country became too small, he visited places like Australia, Scotland, Fiji, New Zealand, Oman, Mexico, and many other countries in Europe and the Caribbean. With his family in tow, he began to go back to his roots and instill the joy of adventure in his kids with lots of trips to the mountains, the Lazy AZ Ranch in Wyoming, the beach, and of course, Disneyland.

Zane will be missed by all. He touched so many lives. We all benefited from his selfless giving and willingness to always lend a helping hand and listening ear. May we all keep those many fond memories close to our hearts, and pay it forward as we look to Zane as an example of being a brother’s keeper.

Those who desire to contribute to a 529 plan (please use the code 937-V14 in order to access the plan), or do a bank to bank transfer for the Memorial Fund, can contact Sherene Heninger at 713-569-5323, [email protected]. Donations to the Zane Heninger Memorial Fund can be mailed to the address listed below.