Zach Hawe of Nampa, Idaho, died peacefully with his beloved wife, Dorothy, by his side, Monday, January 25, 2010. He had turned 90 in December. Zach was born in St. Louis, Missouri, December 6, 1919, the oldest son of Zach, Sr. and Nettie Hawe. He was educated in St. Louis at Christian Brother’s schools.
He fought in World War II in the Army serving with the artillery as a forward observer in the European Theatre. In 1942, he met and married Dorothy Whitish of Yakima, Washington. After the war, they lived in St. Louis where Zach worked at his father’s paper company.
In 1948, they moved from St. Louis to Seattle where they raised their daughters, often enjoying family camping and canoeing trips.
Zach was an active member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in West Seattle. He was a Boy Scout Master, Explorer Scout advisor, worked with the Catholic Youth Organization, and volunteered with Big Brothers. Zach and Dorothy received the For God and Youth National Catholic award. After a career with Boeing, Zach went back to school and earned an associate degree in recreation. In 1965, they moved to Monroe, Washington, where he opened the H & J Dog Kennels, boarding, training, and raising Irish Setters. He was a member of St. Mary of the Valley Catholic Church working in many ministries for his parish. Zach mentored in schools for 18 years, and won the J. C. Penney Golden Rule Award in 2000, for his work with Boys and Girls Clubs. He worked at summer camps as a canoe, swimming, and water safety instructor. He taught swimming lessons through his 70’s. An avid cyclist, he could often be seen riding around Monroe, and cycling trails with Dorothy. In 2004, the Hawes moved to Nampa, Idaho, where Zach continued mentoring at local schools, teaching ping-pong at the Nampa Boys and Girls Club, and ministering at St. Paul’s Catholic Church and Mercy Hospital. He was a life-long outdoorsman, hunter, hiker, canoeist, cyclist and his favorite, swimmer. Even after his 90th birthday he swam laps at the Nampa Rec. Center. Zach will always be in our hearts. We will miss his wild Irish sense of humor!
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, daughters, Patty Johnson (Steve), Emmett, Idaho, Peggy VanHemert,(Gary), Greensboro, Georgia, brother-in-law, Gary Whitish, Rainier, Washington, sister-in-law, Kay Whitish, Beaverton, Oregon, four granddaughters, Michelle Branton (Jeff), Sarene Reed, Daniele Lord (Jimmy), Maria Steward (Jason), three great-grandsons, three great-granddaughters, and two great-great-grandsons. He was preceded in death by his three children, Zach, Jr., Mary Elizabeth, and Patrick, and his brother, Bill. The family wishes to thank Journeys Hospice, Nampa, Idaho, for their exceptional care and loving support. We also thank Comfort Keepers and Clearwater House.
Zach’s military ceremony was held at the Idaho Veterans Cemetery, Boise, on January 29. Arrangements were entrusted to Alsip & Persons Funeral Chapel, Nampa, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Journeys Hospice, Nampa, Idaho.