Paulette Zak Perry

STEVEN LEONARD ZAK

Steve grew up in Olmsted Falls, Ohio, where he lived until age 9 when our father was transferred to LAX as an operations manager for Air Canada. As a boy, Steve could outrun everyone in the neighborhood, (running races to try to beat Little Steve, were ongoing) and would amaze children and parents alike when he would climb to the top of the tallest trees in the neighborhood at 5 years old, and would not be coaxed down! He loved playing in the woods and creeks and was skilled at catching polliwogs with his bare hands for himself and the neighborhood kids to keep at home for pets. It was no surprise that he took up the sport of track and field and excelled in West High athletics, track and football. He passed away in a car accident on Memorial Day with another Steve, while driving to go climbing, which was a favorite sport. As my only sibling, he left a big hole in my life that no one else could fill. I have wonderful memories of our times together skiing and backpacking in Mammoth. I'm blessed to have had 20 years of fun and adventures with him...and many laughs. We Zaks are a unique bunch! He has been greatly missed by family and friends since 1977.

by Paulette Zak Perry

Michelle Dudikoff Meistrell

Well Steve, walking behind you on the way home from school most days, was one of my high school highlights!! Pam latter and myself would just marvel over your perfectly sculpted athletic muscular body!!! Sounds crazy, but for freshman girls, this was the most action we'd seen, and you had no idea we were even there!! I happened to meet one of your neighbors up the street from you on Maricopa, he was known as "Harpo", you Alex Lewis would keep me up to date on what Michael would have to say to me that day...we ended up together and dated for almost 5 years, looking back on it now, i don't know why i stayed for so long. I think of you often when I'm reminiscing about the people who came into my life during high school, and the ones that are still a part of my life.... I think you would have been my friend still, or at lest I would have hope for it!
You Steve, have been missed, and we will all remember you forever:) xo Shelly

Paulette Zak Perry

I loved your post Shelly, it made me smile, thank you. LOVE hearing the "Steve Stories" that are in the hearts and minds of those who knew him. xo You mentioned Alex Lewis...while at my dad's (still Maricopa) on Easter weekend, he stopped by to say hi and I happened to be there with my daughter. Was really nice to see him again. (I'm Steve's sister)

Paulette