DANIEL MARCOS ZAPATA

Palmer resident Daniel Marcos Zapata, 19, died unexpectedly Sept. 28, 2003.

He and his family moved to Alaska in 1995. Mr. Zapata attended Wasilla High School.

A funeral service was held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. A wake was held at Valley Funeral Home on Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. Pallbearers were Leonard Hall, Charlie Williams, Michael Haire, Jim Clawsen, Mat christensen, Stepan Harford, Chris Needham, Robert Chapman, Raul Eguiza and Jed Farm. Burial was at Valley Memorial Park in Wasilla.

His family wrote, "He was the best friend anyone could have. His personality was magnetic to everyone he came into contact with. He had so much love and was very protective for his family and friends. He loved his music and wrote a few raps (poems), and made CDs for everyone. He has given a lifetime worth of memories and an eternity worth of love, said by one of his closest friends, Chris, and he has spoken for everyone. The world lost someone special when we lost him. His smiles lit every room and heart. His memory will always be with us."

Mr. Zapata is survived by his mother Juanita Haire and her life partner, Leonard Hall, who was like a father to him; his two brothers Christopher and Brandon; his Nana Ester Haire; Mr. Hall's children Laticka, Lenise and L.J.; his aunts and uncles Kristina Haire, Michael and Jennifer Haire, and Michelle Haire; cousins Desiree, Nycole and Mark; Lil Mike, ShyAnn, Junior, Addrianne, Nicholas and Kaylee; friends Sally Johnson, who was like everyone's mom; his girlfriend Sherry Tischner who is carrying his child; local family members Charlie Williams, Stephon Hardford, Chris Needham and Matt Christensen; family from San Diego including his father Daniel Rueben Zapata; grandmothers Kathy Peraza and Virgie Zapata; his sister Gracie; aunts April Zapata and Alana Zapata and cousin Raul Eguiza, and many others.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Daniel Zapata, his cousin, Abigail Sorrow, and his brother Nicholas Randy Toves.

Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory in Wasilla.