Darrell Michael Zazen
September 23, 1947 ~ October 25, 2008
Resided in:
Arden, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Darrell Michael Zazen, of Arden, NC, loving husband, father, dedicated pharmacist, free spirit, left this world at 5:27 pm Saturday, October 25th, with his wife and a friend by his side at Mission Hospital.
Darrell died of multiple injuries related to a single Jeep accident on Sunday October 19th. Darrell is preceded in death by his mother, Arlene Zich. He is survived by his wife Nancy Zazen, son Robin and daughter in-law Alecia Zich, son and daughter in-law Daniel and Tessa Zich, 6 grandchildren.
Darrell was born in Manitowoc, Wisconsin graduated from Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston School of Pharmacy. He served 6 years in the US Navy, as a machinist mate, first class submarine service. He worked as a pharmacist at CVS Pharmacy and lived with his wife and animal family in Arden, NC.
Darrell Zazen, age 61, lived life in the moment and to the fullest. He loved his wife, sons and his animals, his beautiful home that he and Nancy have created, riding in his Jeep Wrangler, music, golf, baseball, the ocean and hiking with his dogs. Darrell believed that death was just another part of this life's spiritual journey and he would want those who survive him to remember him with love and celebration for a life well lived. Darrell loved anything Irish and he loved wizards and trees as symbols of the mystery of life and spirituality.
A celebration of Darrell's life will be held 4:00 pm Friday October 31st at Unity Center 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Road, Mills River NC 28759. Friends are asked to bring any photos to share or stories about Darrell. A reception will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, his wife has asked that donations be made to their favorite charities: Animal Compassion Network, Asheville Humane Society or any other animal related charity.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian on Long Shoals Road is in charge of arrangements.
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Nancy,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband Darrell. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Lilly Bonetti
Dear Nancy,
I will always remember Darrell as the ‘kindest and most caring’ man I have ever known. He always came into the shop with a smile on his face, and at the Pharmacy, he was always eager to answer questions no matter how busy he was. We used to talk about how he loved to go to the beach and ride with the top down. He really did love life, but even more than that, he loved his ‘Nancy and his Dogs’. I will never forget him. I loved him so much, he was a wonderful friend, and we will all miss him.
Tammy Ellison (Darrell’s hairdresser)
I always looked forward to working with, and just visiting with Darrell. I shall miss him.
Nancy, My thoughts are with your family. Darrell was a great pharmacist,friend,always had a laugh everytime I worked with him. I will miss him and his stories of his family,adventures, dogs and things he loved to do.
Nancy,
My prayers are with and for you and your family.
Dear Nancy & Family,
We send condolences at the passing of a friend and former classmate.
Only one real task is asked of us for the journey: That we go forth and discover ourself so that life might be embraced to its fullest. Darrell may have mastered that task far better than any of us.
With respect and love to the family of our friend,
Jerry Stephani
The Class of 1965 – Manitowoc Lincoln High School
Dear Nancy,
I wanted to offer our condolences and will miss Darrell dearly. I worked with Darrell when he first came to CVS and for many years after. No matter when or where you ran into Darrell he always had the time to talk and catch up with what was going on in your life. I am sorry I was not able to join you and your family in his celebration of life but I was there in spirit.
I’m so sorry to hear about Darrell’s passing, I had no idea. Darrell once played golf with me and a mutual friend, Randy Ballard. Darrell laughed the entire time we played because I was terrible, even broken my club over my knee, he was laughing so hard, watching me get mad.
I used to see him and CVS and we almost always talked about that day and how we needed to get back together and play again.
God blessed me with the chance to meet such a nice person, and I have a memory of that moment that will never leave.
My deepest sympathy to his wife, children, and other family members.
Darrell will always be remembered as a kind and wonderful person to me.