Zachary Harold Reed

Zachary Harold Reed, 46, of Aurora, Colorado passed away August 30, 2023 from complications from a brain tumor. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, and mother-in-law, Claudia Roberts. He is survived by his wife, Erin (Roberts) Reed, son Jackson Jared Reed, and family Rex Alan Reed, Kathleen Reed, Tiffany (Steve) Dehek, Jared Reed, Megan (Wes) Chambers, Marcus (Jacki) Reed, Danielle (Mat) Bingham, and Nathan Reed.
Zachary was born on June 27th, 1977, in the Lakeview Hospital in Bountiful, Utah, weighing 9 pounds and 5 ounces. His sister Tiffany and brother Jared were so thrilled with a new baby brother. Later he was joined by four other siblings, Megan, Marcus, Danielle and Nathan.
Zachary was a beautiful baby with the sweetest disposition. Even as a baby he was always smiling at everyone and always happy.
Sometimes Zach could be a mischievous little boy like all little boys. When Zach and Jared were both quite young and all dressed in their best Sunday clothes, they went out to the garage of their new house and proceeded to get in the paint and get it all over their clothes. As Zachary grew older he continued to have mischievous, fun adventures with friends and family.
Zachary loved to try new things. He played baseball, football, trumpet, piano, and even snowboarding until his snowboard got stolen out of his car.
As a young boy Zach loved playing with friends, attending school, and being with his family. His dad took him and Jared to a father and son’s outing when he was still in diapers. For about 26 years one of the highlights of Zach’s life was the annual family vacation to Star Valley, Wyoming with his grandpa and grandma Tolman, uncles, aunts and cousins. He also attended many Reed Reunions creating lasting memories.
Zachary attended Summit Elementary, Cedar Ridge, North Cache and graduated from Skyview High School where he played on the football team. He also graduated from four years of seminary, where his teachers and classmates appreciated his strong testimony and example.
Zachary is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was baptized on July 6th, 1985, with his brother Jared, who has Downs Syndrome. Zachary and Jared shared a special bond. Zach helped Jared at scout camps and many other times. Jared always called Zach his “baby brother” even when he towered over him.
Zachary loved the scouting program and had so many memorable scouting trips. He had many great scout leaders that blessed his life. He received his Arrow of Light and became an Eagle Scout, also along with Jared.
On June 25th, 1996, Zachary received his mission call to the Costa Rica San Jose Mission. He shared his strong testimony and love with the people of Costa Rica.
Shortly after Zachary returned from his mission he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Zachary always kept a positive attitude through his cancer treatments and never complained. Throughout the rest of his life he met his trials and other health issues with trust and faith in the Lord.
One of Zach’s happiest days was when he married Erin Roberts in the Logan, Utah temple on June 21st, 2000 and started his eternal marriage. They loved each other so very much and their love continued to grow over the years and will last an eternity.
After four years of praying for a miracle, they were blessed with a baby boy on September 4th, 2004. Jackson is the light of their lives and Zachary cherished every minute he got to spend with Jackson.
In May 2005 Zachary graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree of Science from Utah State University.
Zachary and his family moved to Oregon where he received his PhD from Oregon State University in December of 2010.
They also lived in Wisconsin, where he was a scientist at Oscar Mayer, and Kansas before moving to Aurora, Colorado, where they have made many wonderful friends and memories.
In Colorado, Zachary found his dream job as Senior Associate, Meat Scientist at Ingredion Incorporated. His work also included working with meat alternatives. In honor of the many contributions that Zach made while working for Ingredion the company has chosen to name the cold room, which he was instrumental in designing and putting into use, after Dr. Zachary Reed.
During his career, he helped create and improve recipes for multiple companies.
Zachary always honored his priesthood and felt blessed to be able to give blessings to his family and others. He held many callings in his church, serving mostly with the youth in scouting or other capacities. Zachary and his wife also served numerous meals to the missionaries in every place they lived.
Zachary loved to be out in nature. He loved back packing, hiking, kayaking, and especially fishing.
But the thing Zach loved most in the world was cooking for his family and friends. Zachary loved to cook and his food was always delicious. In 2020 Zachary decided the world needed a new treat in their lives, so he started a business making fermented hot sauces called, “Dr. Zach’s Flavor Attack”.
Everyone that knew Zach loved him and he loved everyone. He was the peacemaker in his family and wherever he went. He loved to joke and make people laugh, especially his wife, Erin. Zachary would make sure he made her laugh every single day.
Megan never remembers a time that Zachary was ever unkind or unhappy. Dani whose youngest daughter’s birthday is on the same day that Zachary passed away, said that she will just think of it as a day she got an angel and the day she lost an angel.
Zachary brought joy to everyone who knew him and will be sorely missed. He was always an example of cheerfulness and courage. Until we meet again, we will always carry his memory in our hearts.

We want to give a special thanks to the staff at Parker Adventist Hospital for their loving care and kindness
A viewing will be held September 21st from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Cache Valley Mortuary, 80 West 4200 North, Hyde Park, Utah.
A funeral service will be held in Zachary’s honor at the Amalga Church, 6521 North 2400 West, Amalga, Utah on Friday, September 22nd at 11:00 A.M.
A viewing will be held that morning from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. at the church.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the funeral funds Venmo: @Erin-Reed-96 or go fund me link: gofund.me/15370170
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