Zachary Jacob Martin Barnes

With profound sadness and broken hearts, we announce the passing of Zachary Jacob Martin Barnes, 25, of Contoocook, NH. Zach fought valiantly against the aggressive colon cancer that ravaged his body, and endured way too much suffering with grace and courage.

He had a big heart, an adventurous, creative spirit, a contagious smile, and a playful sense of humor.

Perceptive to the needs of others, Zach was a special human being. He was kind and caring, sensitive to the feelings and needs of other people. His warmth helped people feel good about themselves, cared for and safe. Through dialogue with his colleagues in the Kids4Peace program, he sought to build understanding and human connections among Palestinians and Israelis, Muslims, Christians and Jews.

His love of art led him to develop the skills necessary to become a talented tattoo artist. This became his profession and his passion. Just like the high-quality body art he himself wore, Zach worked with clients to choose designs that fit their particular tastes and personalities.

Zach had an uncanny ability to see connections and relationships that might elude others. A gifted photographer, his works evoked his artistic sensibility, highlighting unique perspectives, unusual angles, perceptive insights.

Zach enjoyed playing and listening to music across a wide range of genres. At his high school graduation talent show, Zach’s band played (and he sang) one of his own compositions.

Embracing the outdoors, Zach loved skiing/snowboarding, mountain-biking, and skateboarding. Often, his beloved coonhound Maya joined him on jaunts through the woods. Zach‘s deep bond with Maya was a source of great comfort during his illness.

Most of all, Zach loved his family: his parents, Ginny Martin and Ken Barnes, his devoted partner Kenzie Masunas, his aunts, Susan Wallace (Rob Johnston) and Pat Martin (Rick Moog), and uncle Jonathan Barnes (Anna Filosi), and 24(!) cousins.

A memorial ceremony will be held at Temple Beth Jacob in Concord, NH, at 11 AM, on Monday July 6, 2016.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Zach’s name may be sent to HIAS.org to support refugees & asylum-seekers, Kids4Peaceglobal.org, Pope SPCA in Concord NH, and the ACLU.