Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Derek Zarda Obituary
DEREK JAMES ZARDA
Derek James Zarda, 30, of Shawnee, KS, San Francisco, CA, and most recently of New Taipei, Taiwan, passed away January 30, 2015, in Taiwan, from injuries suffered in a fall at his home. His Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, March 21, 2015, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 5601 W. 62nd St., Mission, KS 66202 (corner of Shawnee Mission Parkway and Nall Ave). Reception following at the Sylvester Powell, Jr.
Community Center, 6200 Martway, Mission, KS 66202.
Derek was born February 27, 1984, in Merriam, Kansas, the son of Kathy and Dennis (DJ) Zarda. He was raised in Shawnee, Kansas, graduated from Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in 2002, and then went on to graduate from the University of Kansas in 2009 with 2 degrees: BS in Journalism and BA in Film Studies and Theater. While in high school Derek was diagnosed with a chronic disease that flared up from time to time throughout his life, however, it did not hinder him from realizing his many goals and dreams. Derek was an Eagle Scout and was proud to be a warrior in the Tribe of Mic-0-Say. He excelled at soccer
and enjoyed following his teams in the World Cup, and was an avid KU Jayhawk fan As a student at KU, Derek and his friends, Zach and Katey, formed AbleHawks, a student organization to raise awareness of and to advocate for students with both physical and non-
physical disabilities. In 2007, Derek was instrumental in getting KU to obtain a new fleet of ADA-compliant campus buses, so that disabled students could use bus transportation together with the rest of the student body. He was active in the KU Asian American Student Union and was elected President of the group at a time when he was the only non-Asian member. In 2006 Derek was awarded a scholarship from KU to travel to Japan for 3 weeks with the Kansas Asia Scholars. Prior to leaving for Japan, he studied the Japanese language using books and DVD's and used his new language skills while in Japan.
In 2010, Derek moved to San Francisco so that he could be close to his long time sweetheart, Sydney Chang, who he had met and dated while she attended KU, however, she had moved to San Francisco to finish her college degrees. Shortly after his arrival, he became employed with a non-profit association, Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco (ILRCSF), as the Assistive Technology Educator. Derek's passion was making sure people had the
technology they needed to lead independent lives. Jessie Lorenz, the Executive Director at ILRCSF and good friend of Derek's, said that "He had the rare ability to connect with people of all ages, and that although Derek was only 30 years old, he spent the time he had
on this earth making a difference for others. He touched my life and the lives of many and he will always be remembered with great warmth and fondness by all who knew him". Derek also served as a council member and co-chairman of the San Francisco Mayor's Office on Disability.
In November, 2014, Derek moved to Taipei, Taiwan, to live with and marry the love of his life, Sydney, of 11 years. He was working as an English teacher at the TaipeiLanguage Institute.
Derek is and will be greatly missed by all: his smile, quick wit and humor, compassion, love for others and being a best friend to all who knew him. We love him dearly. Derek is survived by his parents, Dennis and Kathy Zarda; sister Heidi Zarda; and brother Christopher Zarda and wife Ashley; nephew Neale Zarda; niece Rowan Zarda; and Sydney Chang; aunts and uncles, cousins, friends, and all who knew him. Derek was predeceased by his grandparents, George and Estelle Gunderson and Norbert and Lucy Zarda; and his cousins Gara Zarda and Donald Zarda. In lieu
of flowers, donations and/or fond memories and condolences may be submitted to Derek Zarda
Memorial Fund, www.gofundme.com/DerekZarda. Or may be sent to:13415 West 57th Street,
Shawnee, KS 66216.
Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Derek Zarda
Randy Gould
May 9, 2024
I know it may sound strange, but I just noticed this. I do not know DEREK, but I did know Kathy. From that knowledge, I am sure DEREK was a good person. I am truly sorry for your loss Kathy.
Lynn Zarda
March 9, 2021
I remember Derek as a kid. He was always polite and had a smile on his face. I think about him often. The world lost a wonderful soul when he died.
March 9, 2020
Derek,
The energy and good will you shared still helps sustain us and offers a warm glow when the world is not as kind as you were. Youll always be in our hearts. Rest easy now friend, youve done good.
Peace and Love to you and yours,
Jamal
Jamal Diab
June 10, 2015
Derek's kindness, understanding and compassion for others were the marks of a wonderful person. His energy and enthusiasm made anything possible; not only for himself, but also for those around him.
I'd like to send my deepest condolences to his family. I cannot imagine what a tremendous loss this has been for you. It is apparent that Derek left a positive mark on so many. His vigor and compassion make all of us better people for having known him. I hope you can find some consolation in knowing that our world can only be a better place after his stay.
Derek,
Rest well, my friend who never stopped caring, working, exploring and living. You've earned it.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Bill Malone
April 17, 2015
I just recently found out about your loss-please accept my deepest sympathies. It seems that he was an outstanding young man. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jimi Gilroy
April 8, 2015
My condolences to the family. Derek was a positive force for change as a colleague and it was always such a pleasure and a joy to work with Derek and to see the way that he could inspire others and engage with both young and old.
DS
March 27, 2015
My condolences the Zarda family for your loss of a son, brother, husband, cousin, and nephew. May you cherish your loving memories. May the God of all comfort help you through this difficult time.
(2 Cornthians 1:3)
Kim A.C. & Ted Smith
March 23, 2015
Kathy and Family , Your son seems to have achieved an touched so many lives, in so many ways for a young man to do in such a short time. We all feel very proud for you as his parents and family to have raised such a wonderful young man. As for what he has accomplished will forever be remembered, in eveyone he touched and through the programs he has set up for the future.
Our Sincere thoughts and hearts pour out to you and your family. As we are 2nd Cousins to Derek I do remember him the few times he came to Minnesota. May the knowledge of what he achieved an the wounderous young Man he became let you find confort in the Pride he brought to you an others around him. He has tought so many so much in so short of time.
Hoping it's Helpful to know you now have another Angle to watch over you with Minnesota family that are here to share in your Sorrow, an send their Love an Caring, Healing thoughts your way.
With our love Your Cousin Kim A. Churchward Smith and Husband Ted and Family Lelia Leonhardt, Samantha Smith.
Melissa Manning
March 23, 2015
Kathy I remember how hard Derek worked for his degrees and for other students with disabilities. Especially I remember how much fun Derek was, and how he could come into my office at SSD at KU full of energy and determination no matter how tough things were for him at any one time. I remember how happy we both were when he graduated, and I am so sorry and deeply regret all he still had to offer to a world that many times was not kind to him. It never defeated him, though, and it was my privilege to try to assist him and watch him succeed.
Nancy Hope
March 20, 2015
I remember Derek's determination that his disability not keep him from participating in the Kansas Asia Scholars Program. He was a role model for so many at KU in so many ways. I am sorry to hear that he has left us all too soon.
March 20, 2015
Kathy and DJ: My heart is breaking for you. I am so sorry. Love Lynn
March 18, 2015
DJ & Kathy, my thoughts and prayers are with you , what a wonderful son you shared with the world. Thinking of you. My best. Joe Setter, Englewood, Colorado
Mark Zarda
March 17, 2015
DJ and Kathy, so sorry for your loss, prayers for all of the family
March 15, 2015
We love you with all our hearts, and miss you
and your smile each and every day! Your family
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in Derek Zarda's name
Memorial Events
for Derek Zarda
People and places connected with Derek
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Derek's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Derek Zarda's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
