Stanley "Ed" Edwin Zackovich Jr.

Stanley “Ed” Zackovich passed away peacefully in his home in Cle Elum on October 1, 2016. Ed was a loving husband to Enza, a father and grandfather, and a dedicated and enthusiastic founder and owner of Zacklift International. Ed was born on May 2, 1928 in Cle Elum to Stanley and Annelle Zackovich who emigrated from Lithuania. He was the youngest in the family with 4 older sisters.

He graduated from The J.M. Perry Institute in Yakima in mechanics and then began a long career in Cle Elum, starting East End Motors with his father in 1948. His early career was briefly interrupted when he was called to serve in the US Army from 1950-1952. His love of travel began when he was stationed in Austria for 2 years.

Returning to Cle Elum he married and started a family with Enza and daughters Rosanna and Michelle, who called him “the giant” because of his 6’5” stature. Soon after, Vicky and Susan came along and once again he was the only boy in a family of 4 girls.

In 1950 East End Motors acquired the Rambler and Hudson Automobile Dealership. A decade later they acquired the dealership for International Harvester and expanded the business to include a full service towing company with the catchy marketing slogan, “When in the ditch, don’t bitch, call Ed Zackovich”.

Believing in hard work, Ed and Enza grew East End Motors in to Ed’s greatest achievement, inventing and launching Zacklift International in 1981. With Enza by his side, they traveled the world, meeting customers and setting up Zacklift distributorships.

Ed loved the town of Cle Elum and was very proud to call it home for 88 years. He was an active member of the Lithuanian Society for many years.

He is survived by 4 daughters, Rosanna Bauer, Michelle Holly, Vicky Zack, Susan Zackovich, Sons in law Dean Bauer and J Swank, Sister Wanda Larsen, 6 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and his dog Tweedy. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Enza in 1997.

Ed was an inspiration to his family and friends and he will be deeply missed.

Graveside services for family will be held at the Laurel Hill Memorial Cemetery on Saturday, October 15, at 11:15. At noon a reception for friends and family will be held at the Putnam Centennial Center. Donations can be made to Roslyn ARRF Animal Rescue. PO Box 670, Roslyn, WA 98941.

The family would like to thank caregivers Nancy Shuda, Nuredin Ahmed and Kittitas Valley Home Health and Hospice.