Zachary Aron King

Zak was a beautiful soul, who left us to pursue his out of body adventure, in to the spirit world.

Zak was 100% his own genuine person and a bright shiny light to everyone he met, always quick to help, to laugh and to hug. He had a beautiful face and a wonderful personality, the kind of person people wanted to be around.

Zak grew up in Calgary and attended Jerry Potts Elementary, Senator Patrick Burns Junior High and William Aberhart High school, as well as Alberta College of Art and Design. He was a talented musician and artist, with an overload of creativity and imagination, always creating out of the box ideas, art and music. He played guitar with over six different bands in Calgary, always as the lead guitar/frontman, starting at the age of 12. Zak’s art has been shared with many, in the way of murals around town and he enjoyed many commissioned art projects for friends and family. His work has been featured in the Calgary Stampede Art Exhibition

Zak worked as a Recreational Therapist for elderly dementia patients at Bowcrest Elder Care Centre in Bowness, for 11 years. He had such love and patience for the residents, who loved him dearly and were uplifted daily, by his funny, light hearted and compassionate personality. Zak later transitioned his career to the film industry, where he worked on movies like “The Last of Us” and “Joe Pickett” to name a few, as well as numerous television commercials.

Zak also worked with the Canadian Military, building entire mock towns, for the soldiers “in training”, to use as “Scenario Training” for CFB Wainwright Military Base, Alberta.

Zak was known for his quick wit and wonderful sense of humour, he had a keen eye for anything artistic or creative. His easy ability to have fun and get along with other people, inevitably led him to being a pivotal part of the “Basscoast Music Festival” in Merritt, where he spent 10 years building stages and helping with the overall success of the festival, which he enjoyed every year, with his closest friends, his girlfriend Brandi and his Mother.

His “happy place” was playing disc golf with friends, making music and art, as well as festivals such as “Shambhala”, “Circle” and “Basscoast”.

Zak is survived by his Mother Ada Routly and Father Rod King; partner Brandi Callandar; Step Father Doug Routly; Step Mother Peggy Dolan; Step Sisters; Jessie and Becky and numerous other family members.

Zak was just 35 years old and a shining light to everyone who knew him, he was a funny, outgoing and kind young man. He will be enormously missed on this earth.

Zak’s favourite thing was flowers! So, I ask anyone who wants to remember him, to do that when they see flowers or enjoy wearing floral clothing, in his honor.

Rest in peace sweet golden boy and know… how very much you were loved!

Information on celebration of life to follow.