Zachary Steven Pace

Zachary Steven Pace was unexpectedly taken from us on July 31, 2019 at the age of 22.

Zachary was born on February 12, 1997, in Montrose, Colorado to Matthew D. Pace & Michelle R. Pace. Zach was always proud to say he shared a birthday with Abraham Lincoln.

Zach (or Louie, as those close to him called him) had a big heart and cared deeply for others.  He was always smiling and loved spending time with friends and family.

Zach was incredibly loyal and always looked for the best in everyone. He was a positive influence and beaming light in so many people’s lives. Zachary was known for helping those who needed it most, encouraging people to do their best. He was the one to go to when you needed someone to listen. Zachary would listen deeply without making judgment.

Zach was a kid at heart and loved children.  He went out of his way to spend time with his brother, sisters, niece, and little cousins. He would make them feel special by bringing small gifts, food, drinks, but most importantly showing them unconditional love.

Zachary was a natural athlete, playing football, basketball, and was an exceptional wrestler.  He placed in the top 3 at National Wrestling tournaments 5 different times as a youth. He had his older brother, Joshua, there to encourage and support him always.

He had a passion for fishing, camping, playing video games, and also loved rapping. He enjoyed family barbeques and holiday gatherings. Zach would never leave a gathering without telling everyone he loved them.

Zach was the life of the party and had a gift of words. Here is a bit of Zachary’s own words;

“Life is too short here, so I try my hardest to be the best me I can be for the ones I love. Don’t let the little things affect you, pretty much don’t let a 5 minute event ruin the other 23 hours and 55 minutes of your day. If you do something wrong or bad, or if something bad happens you can’t change it because it’s already happened…my main goal in life is to always be happy no matter what. Release the most positive energy at all times, and to make everyone friend or enemy laugh and smile…Zach’s back baby, it’s time for an always happy life. I love everyone who has been real the whole time. Much love, peace, and happy energy.” Zachary Steven Pace

Zachary’s laughter and big personality will be incredibly missed by those who knew and loved him. Our world will forever be less joyful without him in it.

He is survived by his parents Matthew and Michelle Pace, his brother Joshua (Katie), sisters Tiffany (Valor) Morgan and Lilly, niece Adeline Rose, grandparents Steve and Davine Bruno and Lloyd (Juanette) McLaughlin, Aunt Megan and Uncle Brayden Reeder, Uncle David McLaughlin, Aunt Susan McLaughlin, great-grandmother Carolyn Padratzik and many other aunts, uncles and cousins.  He is preceded in death by Grandma Mary, Uncle Mark, Great-Grandparents Evelyn and Ray, great-grandfather Raymond Padratzik and many other loved family members.  Arrangements are being handled by Crippin Funeral Home.  A service to celebrate Zachary’s life will be held on August 10^th, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at Grace Community Church, 1631 Woodgate Road, in Montrose, with Calvin Schwarz officiating.

A benefit dinner will be held at R&R Sports Bar on Friday, August, 9, 2019 from 4-7pm. All proceeds will go to the Pace Family. A GoFundMe has been set up to assist the family during this difficult time at gofundme.com under Pace Family fund.

Crippin Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family. 970-249-2121.