7 years pops!! Miss you so much, and I feel that the longer it goes the more I miss you. I know this is the normal process of life and kids lose their parents , but I can’t help but feel I lost you and mom too soon. You deserved more time here and more memories with us.  I know my pain is so deep because of so much love we had , and for that I am grateful.  Hug everyone for me, and know that you are the best father I could have ever asked for. Miss ya daddy.

5 Father’s Day… with out my pops! Some days it feels like forever ago that we said goodbye and others feel like it was yesterday. I miss you more now than I did yesterday or the day before . I am still at a loss as to why you were taken from us , but I know it was Gods plan. I close my eyes and picture all of our family together enjoying a wonderful meal, laughing, making fun of each other , but mostly just joy .. I see joy when I picture this.  My heart aches that you are gone from earth, and that you didn’t get to see some of the amazing milestones that have happened for your grandkids. I do feel your pride and they know how proud you are of them. A lot of who they are is because of you and mom. You gave them not only a grandpa but a hero and they will never forget it and neither will we.  I picture you slow cooking some bad ass chicken legs on the grill , mom making an amazing desert, and grandma making her potato salad , and grandpa just taking it all in. What a wonderful vision… and that is how I’ll picture this day for you . Love ya pops today , more tomorrow , and always . Love mag pie

Pops! Miss you tons and this world just isn’t the same
With out you. Simple things take on new meanings and at any moment I can flash back to the times you were here , the laughs, the  tears, the lessons , the love, the pure joy of life we all shared . Love ya pops and make sure to spoil momma today, and celebrate her. 

Love your Mag-Pie 

Pops,

I miss you, it is heartbreaking to think it has been over 4 years since I have heard your voice or hugged you. I love you and miss you . I know you wouldn’t want us sad ever , but somethings are out of even your control :) I am
Sure you are sad for us, but would want us to know you are fine and with so many loved ones. 

I will never say it is getting easier , but I am working on living my best life for you , mom, and grandpa and grandma . We know that’s what is wanted by all of you .

Love,

Your MagPie 

Pops! The holidays are done and we have made it a year.  A year of firsts with out you, and everyday there is something that happens that proves you are always right next to me. I miss you more everyday .. and often drift away in thought and I can hear, see, and feel you. I love you so much and it is such an empty burn of agony with out you here. Leo hung a couple bird feeders right by our bedroom window and I know you
Have stopped by . I Am doing all i can to stay strong and carry on .. but dad it is hard . You made this family, you brought something to this family that most can't and that is unlimited selfless love and support.  You always put people infront of yourself and never expected anything in return from anyone. You are by far the most amazing father in this world. I hope to be half as amazing as you . 

Love you so so so much !
Love Your Mag Pie

It's been 365 days. I often think, where are you? My mind thinks you must be hunting and fishing. That's exactly what you are doing, however, I will not see you walk through the door. I need to close my eyes and then you are there. Even though it's been a year, I still miss you now as much as I did then and it still hurts.
I love you Big Dude....
Love, Little Dude

Happy Birthday Pops! I hope you had the best birthday yet, I know you and Grandpa celebrated in amazing fashion. I am sure you had the most amazing hunt of your life today and probably shot a monster. I miss you so much dad, and I would do anything to watch you open the card I got you for your birthday and turn to me and say " Awww Pie " I also know that even though I couldn't hand you the card this year ..I know you got it and read it. Ry made JV basketball today and I know it hurt that he couldn't call and tell you..but I assured him that you know. So much of who we are is because of you dad, and it will always be that way. I love you with all of my heart and I am sending you a birthday hug ..when I close my eyes I can feel your hug back.  Day by Day ! Happy Birthday in Heaven ..miss you and love you always!

Happy Birthday Al.  It is so hard to believe that you have been gone for almost a year.  You are missed each and every day.  Today, you and dad celebrate this day with a drink and a toast.  
Not only is it your birthday, but opening day of deer hunting.  The deer are roaming free because you are not in the woods this year and they are not worrying when you will find them!
Miss you and love you.
Your sister.......Marie Tanis, Columbia, SC

I love you dad.... with every bit of my soul. I can't believe it has been almost a year since you left . There are days it seems like yesterday and days  it seems like a lifetime ago. Fall is finally here .. and with every thing this season brings I think of you . The colors, the food, the smells, the weather, the joys of watching you and Leo and Ry do what you love ( hunt). You left an imprint in my heart and soul that will carry me through. I love you dad and thank you so much for being the most amazing father in the world . Love your mag pie

Well Pops It has been 8 months since you went home...there are days it seems like yesterday and days it seems like a lifetime ago. I am trying everyday to continue to smile and grow ( so far so good ...I think) I know one thing you hated was to see any of your loved ones upset..so for you I try. I want nothing more then to honor you and continue to make you proud. We brought the boat and suburban( air force one)home...I have decided to name the boat Sheldon from all the memories heading out to the Big Lake at port Sheldon. Your Lil Bud is 6ft 3" and 180lbs now ..do you know that is 2 inches taller than just 8 months ago..he has grown 2 inches since you have been gone, my heart breaks that you don't get to see that! I see you in him just little things and my heart is whole for a few minutes when I get a glimpse of that. He went and helped your buddy Roger again this summer ( I know you loved that he does that)! I cant ever thank you enough for the life you provided for us and the love you showered us with. We are trying to be all that you would expect us to be and make you proud. I hope you and Grandpa are catching all the Lunker perch and walleyes and enjoying every minute with a cold Whiskey and 7UP! I love you and miss you so much POPS SOOOOOO Much

It's been six months today.  It still brings tears to my eyes.  I miss you today as much as I missed you six months ago.  There isn't a day that goes by that I do not think of you.  The only comfort I have today is, you and Dad are together.  Miss and Love you so much.

3 months with out you here , there are still days I wake up and can't wait to call you to discuss the latest BS.  This world changed when you went to be with the Lord... and finding my new normal has been difficult. I can never thank you enough for the amazing life you worked so hard to give us. The thought that I will never be on Lake Michigan perch fishing with you sends stabbing pains through my heart.  I can close my eyes and hear you , when my heart wonders I can feel you hug me! I am blessed to
Be your daughter and I love and miss you with every ounce of my body . Love your MagPie

Everyday that passes is just one more day since I've seen you or talked to you! It sure has not gotten easier. I can't believe it has almost been 3 months pops. I know you are in the Lords arms and that helps comfort us here. I see you, hear you , and feel you in almost everything I do in life.  I swear my memories are so vivid that my brain forgets your not here on earth with us. You made this world work pops, and I know you will continue too! I love you so much and will continue to work at making you proud. I love you so so much and want you to know that you are my hero !

It's been a month and the pain is still so deep that it feels like hours or days.  I know your soul is in heaven.  I am happy for that.  They tell me the pain will lesson.  I know it will.  I am not sure when.  I hurt not only for myself.  I hurt for Betty, Allan, Meagan, Leo, Riley, Mom, Dad, and so many others.  It wasn't supposed to happen this way.  God had a different plan then us.  I am trying to figure out his plan.  In time, I think I will.  For now, I am trying to continue on.  As a family, we will be stronger for this.
As my eyes well up with tears, I can only think that Lake Michigan is made up of 6 quadrillion gallons of water and Lake Erie is make up of 127.6 trillion gallons of water.  Between us all, I believe all the tears we have cried and continue to cry, amount to more than this.  I know you would not want us to be hurting this much, if at all.  We are hurting because of all the love we have for you.  I love and miss you so much.

Pops !!!! If my tears could bring you back you would have been back a long time ago.  36 years of awesome is the only way I can explain it.  I would have liked 36 more but God had bigger plans. Everyday I was and am thankful that you are my father, best friend ,and hero.. what a blessing.  You made this world work pops , you created an amazing family and friendship that live-in me and will always live in me. You sir showed us what matters in this life and that is love, honesty, and happiness.... Ry has more memories and life lessons in 13 years than kids get with their grandpa in 40... you did that .. like everything else you did you put 150% into being his best bud just like you did with us. I miss you with every ounce of my being and i am so so proud to call you dad. I see you in nature ,  I know your here I feel it.  Till I see you again ol man.. love your mag pie

As a fellow Vietnam Veteran & neighbor, we will miss his friendly smile as we met him working in his yard! Our condolences to Betty & Allan Jr and Meghan! It was a great loss as well when my Grandfather passed in early December many years ago!
Our prayers are with you & immediate family & Grandchildren!

I got to know Al through the Businessmen's bowling league.  He was such a super nice guy, very caring, and I loved his sense of humor.  Al, you will be missed very much.
Scott Smith (Secretary Businessmen's Bowling league)

So sorry and sad to hear of Al's passing.  So many hours spent hunting, fishing and sitting around talking with Al.  He was one of a kind, no B.S. and he would tell it like it is.  Betty, Allen and Meghan I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  Al was loved and will be missed by so many.  Russ Fincher

We are so grateful that we had the opportunity to meet this incredible family.  May your wonderful memories wrap all of you with warmth and love. So very sorry.  Rick and Lola Campbell

Betty, Meghan & Allan;
  We are so sorry we cannot be there with you. Al and I have been more than just friends for over 55 years. Life will be far less enjoyable without him. One is lucky to have a few true friends, we just lost one.

What a good friend and neighbor for 40 years, Sure will miss you buddy. We pray for the family

Where do I begin?  My older brother was taken from us way too soon.  Al was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend.  Al did not want to burden any of us with his concerns, instead, he always asked about us.  Selfless is one of the best ways to describe him.
Al was also an avid (excellent) hunter and fisherman.  How could he not be when his birthday is on opening day of gun season?  He would always share the game he shot or the fish he caught with me.  Whenever we would find something good to eat, yes, there are other good things to eat besides wild game and fish, we would bring some of it to each other's house.  As a matter of fact, we did this very thing, just last week.  
There are so many things I am going to miss about my brother, here are a few.  I am going to miss hearing his view of the world.  He was straight and to the point.  I am going to miss hearing my brother tell me he loves me and me telling him I love him.  I wish I could tell him, I love you one more time.  I wish I could call him and hear him answer the phone Yaaah one more time.  I wish I could share another great food find with him one more time.  However, there many things I am grateful for, here are a few.  I will be forever grateful that he and my other brother Ed were able to walk me down the aisle last year.  I am also grateful that our family spent Thanksgiving together last week.   Family was very important to Al.  
I will forever cherish these memories and so many more.  I really miss you Big Dude and thank you for leaving your imprint in my heart.

Love,

Little Dude

So sorry to hear about your loss.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  
Charlie & Bea Egbers and Family

Betty & Family, We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. We're sending you a hug from afar.

what I'm feeling right now is hard to put into words,I have  known Al and Betty since we were teenagers, Al will be missed by family and friends and he was loved by all of us

 Betty, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow.  
Don and Sue Geddie

Allan, Mary & Family,

We had the pleasure of meeting Allan Sr. over the summer and we know he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

God Bless You All,

There are no words. We are sorry and praying for your family. We were blessed to know Al and are so sorry for your loss.
Godspeed!
Shawn, Kishelle and Mason Stahl
(Allegan)

Betty, Allan and Meagan and family, I know your hearts are broken at this time.I am so sorry.  Al was a wonderful husband and father, who loved his family and spent time with each of us.He also was a great brother, who I am so glad to have had him in my life.  Al I miss you terribly.

Betty my heart goes out to you and your family at this time. I pray for peace and comfort. Love you Betty your friend 
Liz Huizenga

Betty,
I am so sorry for your loss.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  Hugs to you,  my friend!
Joni

Rest easy my friend. You won't be forgotten. You were a good friend. 
Dave Lokker

I am so heartbroken and I cannot find the words I would like to express right now. I will post again later. I love you Al and miss you terribly.

Donna

OBITUARY

Allan L. Zych Sr.

November 15, 1949 – November 30, 2016

Lakeshore Memorial Services

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