It is with great sadness that the family of Zachary “Grizz” (Reyn) Rodriguez, age 31, announces his passing on July 13, 2018 in Tacoma, Washington.
Born on August 11, 1986 in Kodiak, Alaska, Zachary and his mom moved to Seattle in 1992, where he grew up in North Seattle and was a permanent fixture of the North Seattle Boys and Girls Club for over 10 years where he loved playing basketball, football and baseball growing up. Moving south he then attended Foster High School in Tukwila, Washington.
From a young age, Zachary was always making people laugh and lived his entire life that way. He was loving, caring and larger than life. He was given the name “Grizzly” by his family and friends and was called the “gentle giant” and “Papa Bear”. He treated everyone he met like family and made everyone feel special and loved. He got his start working with the local entertainment scene as a security guard at several venues in the Seattle and Tacoma area. He started promoting events and participated at several music festivals and concerts in Washington, Oregon and Las Vegas. He worked for over 10 years at Jazzbones Nightclub in Tacoma, Washington, and the Showbox in Seattle. He had just started a job at Hot 107 in Seattle, moving closer to his life long dream of being a radio broadcaster.
Survivors include his mom, Maria Rodriguez; Dad, Whittier Smallwood; Sisters India Smallwood and Malia Smallwood of Seattle. Surviving in death: Grandmother, Jacqueline Panerio; Uncle Matthew Rodriguez from Honolulu, Hawaii and Grandfather, Joseph Rodriguez, Sr. of Tampa, Florida. Brothers in life, Charles Fix, Jeff Freeman, Jr. and Jacquis Bell of Seattle, Washington. Uncle John Rodriguez, Aunty Carrie Fukumoto and Cousin Bailey Rodriguez of Honolulu, Hawaii. Aunty Merit Rodriguez, Uncle Pat Walters and Elijiah Walters of Pensacola, Fla., Cousin Chenoa Blake and Shaun Manning of Jacksonville, Florida. Cousins Staff Sergeant Chad Blake & Ava Blake and daughter Mia Blake of Ft. Leonardwood, Mo. Uncle Joseph Rodriguez of Las Vegas, Nevada. Cousins Heather (Rodriguez) Werner, Adam Werner, Jake and Jordan Werner of Honolulu, Hawaii. Cousins Hokulani Rodriguez and Hailey of Honolulu, Hawaii. A host of family members from Honolulu, Hawaii, Canada, California and Tampa, Florida.
In our hearts forever. We are celebrating “Grizz’s” life with lots of music, laughter and memories. Just the way Zachary would want it! Sun., Aug. 12at Jazzbones, 1:00 pm, 2803 6thAvenue, Tacoma, Washington, 98406.
“One’s impact in life is not what is acquired, but what we leave behind – how many lives we have touched.” — Dr. Linda Andrade Wheeler
