Dana Thomas Zak

Dana Thomas Zak, of Brattleboro, VT, died Monday, April 14, after a brief period of declining health. He was born in Detroit, MI, on October 6, 1947, to Patricia Lee (Milligan) and Francis Thomas Zak. He was educated at Olney Friends Boarding School in Barnesville, OH, and his membership in the Society of Friends was a very important part of his spiritual life. Dana was a conscientious objector to the war in Vietnam and performed community service at Cleveland’s University Hospital. He graduated from Ohio University. Prior to his retirement in 2013, he worked for 30 years at Cheshire Medical Center as an IT professional.

As a lover of Moby Dick, Dana would agree that “Wonderfullest things are ever the unmentionable; deep memories yield no epitaphs.” His complicated and gentle spirit is difficult to capture, but he left a profound impact on those who knew him, many of whom remained lifelong friends. He was an inveterate punster with a wry sense of humor, one who contributed laconic remarks from the back of the room, intended to fly under the radar and reach only those who were closest to him. Dana was a man of integrity and loving father, always willing to help his children with construction projects and anything else they needed. A devoted Detroit Tigers fan, he played right field on a local men’s softball team, and with his family was part of a winning trivia team in recent years. He loved old cars, especially his Dodge Dart. He had an affinity for places of great natural beauty, especially the Southwest, Putney Mountain, and Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Deborah Lyn Zak, his son Matthew Thomas Zak and daughter-in-law Heidi, his daughter Emily Zak Webb and son-in-law Ben, granddaughters Diana and Helen Webb, and former wife and dear friend, Louise Zak. Also surviving are his sisters Deborah Lewis, Cynthia Zak, Andrea Lingelbach, and brother Gregg Zak, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Pamela Maxwell.

A private family memorial gathering will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear, P.O. Box 453, Empire, MI 49630, or Olney Friends School, 61830 Sandy Ridge Rd., Barnesville, OH 43713.

“I know not all that may be coming, but be it what it will, I’ll go to it laughing.” -Starbuck, Moby Dick

The Cremation Society of New Hampshire has been entrusted with arrangements. To view an online tribute, leave a message of condolence or for more information please visit www.csnh.com.