Obituaries
Zachary Elias Dautrich, 43
March 06, 2017
Zachary Elias Dautrich, 43, of Richmond, CA, passed away on March 6, 2017 of cancer, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his parents, Joan and Tom Dautrich of Lititz, PA, his sister and brother-in-law, Kate and Jamie Rubin, his nephew and niece, Wyeth and Wynnie Rubin of Brooklyn, NY and his maternal grandmother, Marie Kelly of Lansdale, PA.
Zach was a 1991 graduate of Lebanon High School and in 1996, graduated from Penn State University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. In 2006, Zach completed a Naturalist and Permaculture Studies program at the Regenerative Design Institute in Bolinas, CA. He earned his level III Track and Sign Certificate from Cyber Tracker North America in 2014.
He was a Senior Solar Electrical Systems Engineer for NextEra Energy Resources in San Francisco, CA. Zach was also a naturalist, raptor specialist, puma (mountain lion) researcher, nature educator, wildlife author and photographer. His photography and naturalist work lives on through his blog: feralzach.com.
Hiking, camping, biking, yoga, meditation, music, and Penn State sports were his hobbies but his passion was clear to all who knew him; stewardship of the earth by helping people appreciate and live in greater harmony with the natural world. His gentle nature, sense of humor, deep connection to people and his love for animals will be missed by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to two organizations Zach supported: www.justgive.org/zachdautrich
A celebration of Zach’s life will be held on April 1 at Bent Creek Country Club, Lititz, PA. Visitation from 9:30-11am, celebration at 11am. On April 2 at 10am, family and friends are welcome to be part of a short hike in his honor at Hawk Mountain in Kempton, PA. A west coast memorial will be held later this spring.
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Condolences to the Family
August 07, 2017
I was late in hearing about Zach’s passing. I was only able to work with him for a short time. He was always so kind and a wonderful teacher.
Kimberly Susukida
March 30, 2017
Tom and Joan, We are so sorry for your loss. Holly’s memory of Zach is a happy one: When I worked at the Merid./Leb. branch & was demonstrating our “new” ATM, much to the resistance of our customers. Tom & Zach came up to the bank during a demo; Tom lifted Zach up — Zach wanted to press the buttons — and, to the customers’ amazement, this happy little boy completed the whole transaction with ease! The best demo ever done. And he must have been the best son, well-loved. All best wishes and warm thoughts.
Holly List & John Ferranti
March 26, 2017
So sorry Joan and Tom. Wonderful memories of this sweet little boy.
Rosemarie Christianson
March 23, 2017
I’ll miss the celebration in Pennsylvania of Zach next weekend, but I certainly hope/plan to be at the west coast celebration later in the spring. Zach was a beautiful man. I met him three years ago on an animal tracking adventure in the high desert of California, Cuyama Valley, and I had the privilege to track with him on many (but not enough!!!) adventures. Last year I volunteered with him on some Bird Language workshops at the Rotary Nature Center at Lake Merritt, in Oakland CA. Also, in October 2016, I had the privilege of attending his tracking workshop/training in the Oakland hills for my co-workers and me with City of Oakland Public Works, Environmental Stewardship. I thought he’d be around helping out for many years to come. It really hurts to learn that he’s not coming back to the East Bay. I’ve know him just three years and the pain of his passing is so hard, I can’t imagine the pain that you his family are feeling and those who’ve walked many miles with him on this journey. I offer my thoughts and prayers to you.
-Deidre Martin
March 23, 2017
I’ll miss the celebration in Pennsylvania of Zach next weekend, but I certainly hope/plan to be at the west coast celebration later in the spring. Zach was a beautiful man. I met him three years ago on an animal tracking adventure in the high desert of California, Cuyama Valley, and I had the privilege to track with him on many (but not enough!!!) adventures. Last year I volunteered with him on some Bird Language workshops at the Rotary Nature Center at Lake Merritt, in Oakland CA. Also, in October 2016, I had the privilege of attending his tracking workshop/training in the Oakland hills for my co-workers and me with City of Oakland Public Works, Environmental Stewardship. I thought he’d be around helping out for many years to come. It really hurts to learn that he’s not coming back to the East Bay. I’ve know him just three years and the pain of his passing is so hard, I can’t imagine the pain that you his family are feeling and those who’ve walked many miles with him on this journey. I offer my thoughts and prayers to you.
March 17, 2017
Tom and Joan, words cannot express how so sorry I am for your loss. I can only keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Please call if there is anything I can do to help you through this challenging time. God bless you and your family. Sam Bressi
March 16, 2017
Tom and Joan- I just learned of Zach’s passing. What a deeply sad time for you both. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Marta Ream
March 16, 2017
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Zach was the kind of student every teacher wants to have in her classroom – naturally inquizative with a sense of humor for balance. I know I certainly enjoyed the time he was in my English class at LHS. May all the good memories help you through this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Rosemary Milgate
March 16, 2017
It was with extremely sad hearts that we read of Zach’s passing in todays Lebanon Daily News. Our memories of him were renewed by the news and those memories brought smiles to our faces. Zach and his pet ferret, rides to LHS with our daughter Jen, and his ever present smile create memories for us of Zach as a fine young man. We know that you all have abundant memories of your son and brother and we hope that thiose memories can serve to ease the pain of your loss. Our deepest condolences to all.
Mike and RoseAMarie Kotay
March 16, 2017
Joan and Tom: I want to let you know how sorry and sad I am about Zach. Have often thought of you since buying your Lebanon house in 1990. I know how it feels to lose a child and all I can offer is my prayers to help you get through this and try to heal. God bless you and Kate. Linda Brown
March 16, 2017
I’m so very sorry to hear this tragic news. Zach was among my first friends when our family moved to Lebanon in 1984 — he was friendly, welcoming and clever, and was always really kind to me. When I think of my school days, he always comes to mind. To the whole family, again, I’m so very sorry for your terrible loss, and I wish you peace in the sad times ahead. With sadness, Tracey Starr
- Visitation
- Saturday, April 01, 2017
- 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
- Bent Creek Country Club
- 620 Bent Creek Dr
- Lititz, PA
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Saturday, April 01, 2017
- 11:00 AM
- Bent Creek Country Club
- 620 Bent Creek Dr
- Lititz, PA
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
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