It is with profound sadness that Brooke Lee-Junkin and Marvin and Candice Junkin announce the death of their husband and son Zachary, who died of natural causes on Thursday August 17th.
Zach will be deeply missed by his dear wife Brooke, daughter Celeste, and Baby Junkin, due to arrive in November, as well as by siblings Jeremy (Katy) Junkin, Emily (Stephen) Boss, and Isaac (Hannah) Junkin. Devoted uncle to Hannah, Charlotte, Jack, Felicity, Luke, Wesley, Piper, John, and Teddy.
Cherished son-in-law to Rob and Elaine Lee, close friend and brother-in-law to Shane (Mel) and Erinn.
Zach grew up on a dairy farm and loved working on the farm. His younger brother Isaac quickly realized that the angrier Zach became, the more hay bales he would throw, and the sooner the wagon was unloaded, leaving less bales for Isaac to deal with.
He attended EL Crossley Secondary School. His independent spirit was evident when, at the young age of 16, he and a good friend went by themselves on a BMX excursion in Texas. Though he enjoyed exasperating his teachers, at the end of the day, Zach was an intelligent, well-liked student.
After obtaining a master’s degree from Waterloo University, Zach had many varied interests, and gave his wholehearted enthusiasm to every endeavour he undertook. Some of these undertakings include: completing an Iron Man marathon, becoming a professional MMA fighter, co-authoring a book, performing stand-up comedy, working as editor for the Voice of Pelham newspaper, and accompanying Canadian Explorer Adam Shoalts on two expeditions into the Canadian wilderness.
Five years ago Zach undertook his greatest adventure yet when he married his soulmate, Brooke (nee Lee).
They bought their first house together in Sarnia, and in 2021 welcomed their daughter, Celeste.
Zach loved being a husband and a father and devoted himself to these roles with joy, and of course with his signature wholehearted dedication.
He loved making plans with Brooke for their future together, and always had a funny story to share about new things Celeste was learning.
Whether he was playing classical music specially chosen for its baby-brain-enhancing capabilities, or running around the house with Celeste hiding from pretend ghosts, there was nothing Zach loved more than his role as Daddy.
Zach and Brooke had recently purchased a new home in Port Lambton, and were looking forward to welcoming their second child.
Zach was also an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, birding, and haranguing family about planting more native plants and trees.
He was also an avid reader and never missed an opportunity for a debate.
His wit and sense of humour will be deeply missed.
Zach was many things to different people, but always compassionate and generous at his core. He always put others first and brought out the best in everyone. Your life was truly better knowing Zach.
Father, husband, son, brother, author, professional fighter, outdoor enthusiast, adventurer, dearly missed.
So many memories left unmade.
Donations can be made to the Sydenham Field Naturalists, where Zach was co-Vice President with his wife Brooke.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help support Brooke and their children: https://gofund.me/114ee24f
Family and Friends are invited for visitation at the Haycock-Cavanagh Funeral Home, 409 Nelson Street in Wallaceburg, from 6-8 PM on Wednesday and 2-4 & 6-8 PM on Thursday.
The funeral will be celebrated at the funeral home on Friday, August 25 at 1 PM.
A celebration of Zach’s life is also being planned for the Fall in Niagara.
Cherished stories and tributes may be left for the family at www.CavanaghFuneralHome.ca.
