Zachary Philip Terry Obituary (1980 - 2014)

On Dec. 22, Zac finished his 8-year battle with cancer, peacefully leaving this world on the same day he arrived 34 years ago. He fought with courage, strength, and silent tenacity to the very end, with much support from family and friends along the way. Zac was a devoted member of Salt Lake's secular community, volunteering with the Atheists of Utah organization and participating in regular philosophical discussion groups at local coffee shops. An avid free-thinker and contributor to local political dialog, Zac wrote several letters to the editor of the Salt Lake Tribune over the years, many of which were published. When not engaging in intellectual pursuits, Zac worked as a host at Italian Village, a beloved eatery in Murray. Zac enjoyed listening to metal music, writing, drawing, reading, cooking, and practicing karate. He adored his cat Milky, a companion from childhood through the early years of his battle. It is comforting to think that they can rest together in peace again. Zac participated multiple years in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light the Night Walk, which raises funds to advance research in therapies and treatments for cancers including the two that Zac fought. Zac was regarded by all who knew him as an intellectual force and a gentle giant. He is repeatedly described as kind, genuine, open-minded, curious, respectful, welcoming, brilliant, rational, accepting, courageous, strong, and many other valiant attributes. In his short years, Zac left a profound mark on the lives of those he touched. His passing creates a void that can never be filled and will always be felt. Zac is survived by mother Barbara Croft, father Philip Terry (Debbie Snider), brother Alden Terry, sisters Sarah Terry and Abigail Sloan Terry, and many other extended family and dear friends. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, Dec. 27 at 1:00 pm at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home, 4760 South State Street in Murray. A memorial book will be provided at the service, in which visitors will have the opportunity to write thoughts, memories, experiences, and bring pictures to include in the pages for all to remember Zac's contributions to our lives. The Atheists of Utah are generously collecting donations to assist with funeral expenses via a PayPal link at Facebook.com/AtheistsOfUtah. Funeral Home: Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary-Murray 4760 So. State Street Murray, UT