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harles
“Wizard” M. Zap was a man of many facets. His hopes,
dreams and inspirations are outnumbered only by the stars in the
sky. His family and friends extend further than even this universe
which he so deeply loved.
He was born in Montreal, Canada on September 27, 1955. Later
in life his compassion for space grew when he worked for NASA
in Houston, Texas for ten years. He graduated from the University
of Arizona with a bachelors of Science in Computer Engineering
but never lost his compassion for space. He built his own home
in Sierra Vista among great views of the open sky.
As a child, Charlie’s intelligence led to a thirst for
more. He was limitless in his talents and desires to fly freely
through this world. From a young age he put his talent to use
and built an entire city of model trains.
As he got older, he proved to have a passion for motorcycles
and became certified to build them. The imaginative but free world
of trains was finally matched by a more real freeing activity,
riding a Harley.
His wonderful mother inspired his strong Jewish faith. So strong
was his faith in Judaism that he practiced every holiday. He had
his friends light Hanukkah candles at his home when he could not
be there. Every year he would buy a live tree and plant it in
his yard. Charlie’s father was also a very intelligent man,
whom Charlie took after in many ways. The love for people, plants
and all living things is just one aspect of the sort of great
wisdom this man entailed. He wanted to see the good in people
and gave everyone the benefit of the doubt.
Charlie had a love for women, and although he only married one
in his life, he extended his heart to many along the way. He only
had one natural daughter but was a father to many. The birth of
his grandchildren helped bring Charlie’s hopes and dreams
to full fruition. He collected dragons, Harley’s, trains,
cars and boats as an extension of love through the things he loved
most.
Charlie was a shooting star. As a former NASA employee, Charlie
dreamed about space. His remains will now become “one”
with the stars. He often talked about space and found delight
in science fiction books, movies and shows. Star Trek
was just one outlet that Charlie used to help feel closer to the
stars while here on earth.
It is appropriate, yet sad that the day Charlie left us, he was
accompanied by all the things he truly loved. The meteor shower
came that night while Charlie, his loved one and friends all enjoyed
their final moment together on a midnight ride from Tombstone.
Charlie, Dad, Pokey, Grandpa, you are forever our guiding star!
We love you and will always remember you! RIDE CHARLIE RIDE!
I am the soft
stars that shine at night
Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there I’m in the sky!
SEE YOU SOON!!
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