Obituary of Zachary Ryan Barber

Zachary Ryan Barber was born November 24, 1980 in Tacoma, WA. He drove his beloved red Pontiac Catalina into heaven on April 18, 2010. Zac is survived by his beautiful, sweet daughter Abigail Lynn, and her mother Sarah. Zac's parents are Rich Barber and Carla Lawson, step-parents are Elizabeth Barber and Steve Lawson. Zac left a brother Aaron, a sister Bekah, step-brothers Derrick and Dustin, and step-sister Stephany. Zac's grandparents are Walter and Mary Ann Barber, and Frank and Donna Rush. Zac's extended family was very large, including five uncles and eight aunts, and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial service will be held Saturday, May 1st, at Brooklake Community Church, 629 South 356th Street, Federal Way, WA 98003. Monetary donations can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank to the Zachary Barber Memorial Fund that will go to Abigail. From Dad --- I will sorely miss Zac's inimitable laugh, quick wit, joyous smile, and huge heart. Zac was also one of the smartest people you could ever meet. I envied his innate knack for problem-solving and superior math skills. This was also the reason Zac grew to be such an excellent electrician, until a back injury limited his ability to perform the physical demands of the job. Zac's infectious smile will bring my heart joy for the rest of my life. One example of Zac's dedication and drive was his first car. He had seen an old brown Chevy Monza buried under brambles and covered in green moss. The owner just wanted it out of there since it didn’t run and had been sitting for a long time. Zac wanted that car badly because it was "cool-looking", but I doubted if it could be restored. Zac single-handedly got the car running, paid for all repairs, cleaned the car up and drove it for quite a long time. I was so proud of his initiative and insistence, but never really told him how much it meant to me that he did it himself. Well Zac, I am telling you now and I know you can hear me, that was one example of how proud I am of you. I love you Zac, and will be there for Abigail in your place as much as I can. Thank you for the joyous years you gave us, though they were too few. Rest in peace my son, you are at peace now. From Mom ~ The Zachary I knew was tender-hearted. He had a soft spot for the underdog, maybe because sometimes he knew what that felt like. He was sensitive. Mushy description, I know because many knew Zac as strong and capable. He was caring and loved his friends! They knew it too! We keep saying how funny he was. Just watch Kevin James' "Sweat the small stuff" video and imagine Zac picking his wedgie without being obvious. I don't have to imagine it...I actually saw it, though he could not restrain his laughter like Kevin did. He would actually go from Ha ha-ing to a really high pitched almost breathless laugh that was immediately followed by tears and stomach holding. He loved to play games. Board games, card games. Anything that challenged his intellect and provoked the imp in him. He could have also been a pretty fair musician. He started band in 7th grade, technically a year behind the rest of the class. He started playing the trumpet at the beginner level and was in advanced band by the end of the year. By 8th grade he was first chair! How incredible it is to attend your child's band concerts...especially when he had a solo! So proud. I hope you had the chance to meet Zac. He really was contagious in all the desirable ways. He was approachable and sweet. Thanks for visiting this page. Leave your name. We'd love to know you were here.