Zane McIntosh

1975–2012

Zane Thomas McIntosh, 37, passed away Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012. Zane was born May 27, 1975 in Napa, to Gary McIntosh of Washington and Debbie McIntosh of Rutherford. Zane’s family was the seventh generation of Scots-Irish in Napa County and Zane was very proud of his family’s ancestral heritage. He loved researching the family history and created a family tree with more than 10,000 names. Zane’s maternal family settled in Monticello (Berryessa Valley) in 1849, and his paternal family line also pioneered California during the 1849 Gold Rush.

Zane was an avid member of the Rutherford 4-H club and attended St. Helena High School. Zane attended the University of Oregon, double majoring in psychology and sociology with a minor in Spanish. He later obtained a master’s degree in counseling from Sonoma State University. At 23 years of age, Zane served on St. Helena’s School Board for four years. For 10 years Zane worked for Napa and Marin counties.

Zane realized his passion for acting, after attending one of his most memorable Halloween parties at George Lucas’ Skywalker Ranch. Partying with storm troopers in ILM facility was one of his most favorite experiences. Zane also loved playing bocce ball with his friends on Friday nights, during the summer. Zane belonged to the prestigious University Club in San Francisco and was a member of the San Francisco Opera. Zane was a sensitive, kind, loving gentlemen who believed in equal opportunities in education and health care for all people. He definitely was a man who would give his all and send out positive messages daily.

Zane is survived by his father, Gary McIntosh (Anna); mother Debbie McIntosh (Bill Smith and sons Chris Smith [Melinda] and Erick Smith); sister Amy McIntosh Johnson (Marshall); nieces Lauren Johnson, Alina Johnson, Kirsten Johnson; brother Dean McIntosh; grandmother Ruby McIntosh; uncles Larry Gardner (Lisa), Bud Gardner (Doris), Gary Mathison, Tim Mathison, Terry Mathison; cousins Dick Blum, Janet Johnston, Jerry Taylor (Pat); and numerous cousins. Zane was preceded in death by his grandmother, Florence Mathison; grandfathers Kenneth McIntosh and Eugene Gardner; step-grandfather Bud Mathison; great-grandmother Letha Samuels; great-grandfather Henry Samuels; uncle, Kenneth McIntosh; and great-aunt, Barbara White.

A celebration of life for Zane will be held on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012, 11 a.m., at the Historical Monticello Cemetery at Spanish Flat Cemetery (Berryessa), with bagpipes echoing through the hills. Family and friends are invited afterward for lunch at the Senior Center, next to the cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Helena “We Care” for animals, or your favorite charity. Arrangements are made under the direction of Morrison Funeral Chapel.