Alan Lloyd Zachary

Alan Lloyd Zachary "Zack" Feburary 27, 1950 - April 20, 2012 Alan entered this world as a miracle, born two and a half months premature on February 27, 1950 to James and Marceline Zachary. On April 20, 2012, after battling a long illness and defying the odds set against him, Alan left this world as a miracle. Alan grew up in Northern California, until 1966 when his family moved to Bakersfield. He attended South High School, where he was active in many sports. This too is where he met the love of his life Peggy Whittemore. Alan graduated in 1968 and attended Bakersfield College. Alan and Peggy were married in 1969 and from that union had two beautiful daughters; Joey Zachary and Jennifer Cantrell. Alan began his successful career with the Bakersfield Police Department in 1971 as a 21 year old foot beat officer. Soon Alan was assigned a patrol car and worked as a patrolman until he transferred to the Traffic Enforcement Division where he served as a Motorcycle Officer, which he loved. In 1976 he was promoted to the rank of Detective where he worked primarily in the Vice/ Narcotics Unit where he excelled. In 1981 Alan was promoted to Sergeant and served as a Supervisor in both the Patrol and Traffic Division and subsequently became supervising Sergeant in the Internal Affairs Unit. In 1989, while on duty Alan suffered a severe heart attack requiring multiple by-pass surgery. Rather than retire, Alan returned to work and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 1991. During Alan's tenure as a Lt. he worked as a Watch Commander in the Patrol Division and was the Commander of the Traffic Division. At the time of his retirement in 2003 Alan was the Lt. in charge of Internal Affairs. He had a long and interesting career with many accomplishments and memories; however, the real highlight of his career is evident when you talk to Alan's peers and subordinates when the one reoccurring comment describing their feeling was that he "cared about his officers and always took care of them"...the mark of a good man. Alan enjoyed various outside hobbies and activities. Besides playing softball with the guys, one of his favorite past times were riding his Harley. From these activities he met and made so many wonderful and lasting relationships. Because of his great sense of humor and accepting nature, he knew no stranger. Alan was preceded in death by his parents James and Marceline Zachary and his Father-in-law Robert Whittemore. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Peggy; daughter, Joey Zachary and Grandson, Gavin Zachary: daughter, Jennifer and husband Jason Cantrell and grandchildren Jackson and Romy. He is also survived by his sister Julie Zachary and niece and nephew Macy and Marcus Olivas; Brothers and sisters-in-law, Steve and Becky Sinclare and Rhonda and Jeff Barnhard: nephew Seth Sinclare and wife Kristen, niece Lindsey Sinclare and mother-in-law Betty Whittemore. Alan was loved by so many, words can't express how much he will be missed. This one is for you Daddy........as you said... "Cool Breeze, Tasty Wave and I'm fine!" We would like to thank all of our family and friends for their love and support over these last few days as well as a huge THANK YOU to Alan's nurses at The Bakersfield Heart Hospital; Diane, Kara and Lucy for the amazing care and comfort you gave Alan. To Alan's Doctors for giving him the care he needed to keep him with us these past 7 years; Dr. Harold Baer, Dr. Tabassum Chowdhury, Dr. Peter Nalos and most of all to our Heavenly Father for giving us the gift of Alan. Visitation, Wednesday, April 25, 2012 from 4:00 to 8:00p.m., Hillcrest Memorial Park & Mortuary, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, CA 93306. Services scheduled for 10:00a.m. Thursday, April 26, 2012 also at Hillcrest Memorial Park & Mortuary.