David Erich Zager
David Erich Zager, 22, passed away in Corvallis, Ore., Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024, leaving behind a wealth of memories we’ll forever hold dear.
Born in Mountain View, Calif., Nov. 7, 2001, David’s journey brought him to Lake Oswego, Ore., where he attended West Hills Montessori Preschool, Montessori School of Beaverton and Oak Creek Elementary, Lake Oswego Junior High and Lake Oswego Senior High.
From a young age, David was known for his infectious smile and caring heart. His preschool teacher commented on David’s empathy and kindness at the age of four; he would ensure all classmates had someone to play with on the playground, so no one would be left alone.
Despite residing in different cities, David and his brother, Eddie, shared a close bond, connecting online through games and world-building. Board games are a family tradition, with David often claiming victory.
David consistently surprised his family, as he grew and evolved into his own person. Eddie recently discovered David’s love for country music, during a winter break trip to the shooting range.
His interest in shooting began with a BB gun on Grandma and Grandpa’s farm in Wisconsin. He visited them every summer, because there were always new adventures to be had. He cruised around the farm on the ATV, then made longer trips in the UTV.
David learned to kneeboard on Lake Wissota, with his uncle, Paul, and cousin, Peter. He went to tractor pulls, watched mud bogs and played BINGO with Grandma at Cadott Nabor Days. David always said his grandma was the best cook and her BLT was like no other.
In the realm of academics, David’s passion for computers emerged early, building his first computer in junior high. David was a senior at Oregon State University (OSU) Honors College, pursuing a B.S. in computer science (cyber security). David received the Finley Academic Excellence Scholarship, a testament to his academic rigor.
Additionally, he received the prestigious CyberCorps Scholarship for Service, a highly competitive and extremely selective honor, in its inaugural year at OSU, showcasing his unwavering dedication to cyber security.
Recently returning from a job fair in Washington, D.C., David sought opportunities to contribute to the defense and protection of our country, and explored roles with government agencies such as the NSA, FBI, Homeland Security and Treasury Department.
Beyond academia, David was a tech enthusiast. His summers were marked by ingenious projects, including programming robots and creating a position-tracking device for flight simulators. If a problem caught his attention, he was relentless at solving it. His friends often sought his sharp mind to help them.
After he started playing Wordle, he wrote a program to find the best starting word. He and his mother used that word daily. David had recently received his pilot’s certificate, which he was very proud of, following in his father’s footsteps as an airman.
David also lived a life of service, highlighting his giving spirit, through volunteering at events like Light the Night, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, in honor of his deceased father. He dedicated time to coaching life skills for Pathways students in junior high, serving as an academic mentor in high school, and working as a computer science tutor and teaching assistant at OSU.
He contributed his time to organizations such as the Oregon Food Bank, Tryon Creek Park and Portland Sunday Parkways.
David’s social life revolved around a tight-knit group of friends, who shared his interests in airsoft, target shooting, hiking and video games. Fondly remembered, not just as a reliable rock, but as a guiding force, David’s impact surpassed shared activities. One friend revealed that their commitment to a specific major, was made possible because of the invaluable help and steadfast support from David.
Many acknowledged David as the one who helped them navigate challenging classes, emphasizing that he was always there, ensuring everyone had the support they needed. David would not only find answers to their problems, but he would take the time to walk them through to the solution.
His friends also remember him as a prankster. They would never leave their computers alone with David, after they saw him play a prank, by changing the screen to shattered glass and placing a hammer in front of the monitor. He liked to joke around with them, and every one of them said the pranks were done with love and to share an immediate laugh.
He is survived by his brother – Eddie Zager (West Linn, Ore.); mother and father – Jackie Zager and Keith Mac Donald (Lake Oswego, Ore.); grandparents – Robert and Sachiko Gingras (Cadott); godfather/uncle – Carl Gingras; cousins – Audrey and Elena, who grew up together (Portland, Ore.); and numerous aunts; uncles and cousins, across the U.S., and in Japan. Keith brought a loving family into David’s life, adding to the circle of support, including his mother – Jeanne Mac Donald (Jacksonville, Fla.).
He was preceded in death by his father – Edward Zager; his beloved dog – Misty, who was always by his side at home, since 2009.
David Zager’s legacy is one of kindness, brilliance and selflessness. He had such a big heart. As we remember him, let’s carry forward the warmth and compassion he brought to our lives.
A service was held previously Feb. 18.
