Zach and Kaya’s lives have been intertwined from the very start.

Their first “introduction” came at the tender age of 3 weeks old. Jeff, Zach’s Dad, was the Firth’s family doctor and when her parents, Jennifer and Duncan, brought her in for her first baby check, Jeff said to Kaya, “I have a little guy your age” and proceeded to show the picture of Zach that sat on his desk.

Fast forward to kindergarden at Harrison Public School.

Zach’s family moved to Glen Williams for the remainder of elementary school, however he and Kaya were reunited once again at Centennial Middle School. Zach, being a typical 12-year-old, thought a good way to express how he liked Kaya would be to tease her.  She took the bait and often came home quite riled over whatever jokes Zach was making at her expense that day. They eventually figured out more effective ways to express that that they liked each other, and their middle school romance began.  They enjoyed fun and simple things together and had a great time on their school trip to Ottawa and at their grade 8 Grad celebration.

They took a break from the relationship in high school, but remained friends with each other and had many friends in common. One of those friends, David Parkhill,  was instrumental in bringing Zach and Kaya back to each other in grade 12.  They began a more mature relationship after this time apart that allowed each of them to grow into themselves. They shared their intellect, humour and deep love for each other. They both integrated easily and naturally into each other’s families, sharing many laughs and conversations with their brothers and parents. In particular, they both loved the time spent in PEI with the Sutherlands and at the Firth’s cottage up north.

They were both so excited to experience University, Kaya starting at Laurier in Brantford and Zach at Guelph. Kaya decided after first year that she wanted to make a program change and felt that Guelph was a better fit for her, which it truly was. They each grew personally, academically and socially at university and their relationship blossomed. Kaya was a dedicated, prepared, organized and serious student whereas Zach was the fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants and last-minute kind of guy. They each experienced the world differently, and because they were able to communicate their perspectives and insights to each other, they both grew within the relationship. They learned how their diverse approaches and perspectives could complement each other and they actively worked together to create balance.

Zach’s charm, social ease and extroversion was balanced with Kaya’s depth of connection, emotional sensitivity and awareness. Her ability to articulate her feelings and thoughts was balanced with his ability to visualize what he wanted to create. Her penchant for organization and planning was balanced with his be-in-the-moment predisposition. When planning a trip into Toronto for a documentary film festival, Zach’s wise words to Kaya were “How about we plan the general framework for the day and let spontaneity fill in the details.”  She agreed and they had a fantastic day. A great life lesson for us all.

Zach and Kaya’s differences brought out the best in each other and both were caring, generous and genuine. They were both deep thinkers and free spirits and they expressed these qualities in different ways that were compatible. They were making plans for their next steps in life after graduation, and spent their last morning in a discussion over breakfast with Zach’s parents, filled with excitement and optimism about their shared future.

As first-born children, Zach and Kaya shared a protectiveness towards their younger brothers Ben, Nathaniel, Jackson and Isaac.  This concern for their brothers’ well-being and futures was also a topic of discussion that morning.  They appreciated the uniqueness of character that each of the boys have, they celebrated their differences (and were endlessly entertained by their various antics and adventures) and openly expressed their love for them – uncharacteristically so in our society for people their age.

Opposites in many ways, Zach and Kaya shared the same important values. They dearly loved their families and knew the importance of close family bonds. A coworker of Kaya’s said, “I don’t know her favourite colour, but I know about her mother and father; I don’t know her favourite band, but I know about her brothers.”  They both cherished their friendships, and considered many of their close friends like family. They loved the outdoors and preferred being close to nature and especially out on the water wakeboarding, slalom skiing, swimming, canoeing or kayaking.  They shared a love of children, each choosing to work with kids in their summer jobs.  Most of all, they shared a passion for living life to its fullest; in Zach’s own words, “Go all in…don’t worry.”

Although devastated at their physical loss, their families and friends take comfort in knowing two things: Zach and Kaya deeply felt in their young lives what it is to be truly loved unconditionally and knew how to give and express their love for others.  For this, we are truly grateful.  They knew what it was to love and to be loved, and have given that precious gift to us, their families, and to all who felt any degree of connection with them. Theirs is a legacy of Love, and that is available for all of us to receive and to choose to live out in our own lives.