A Rememberance of Bicyclist Zachary Parke From His Boss

This is a note from Rick Graves, owner of Clutch Couriers, about Zachary Parke, 25, the bicyclist who was killed by a hit-and-run driver after midnight Wednesday on the UC Santa Cruz campus. He was going from a friend's house to his mother's on Branciforte. Clutch Couriers delivers items by bike.

What can I say about Zack?

He was an exceptional human being.

When I first met him, and he told me he wanted to be a Clutch Courier, I wasn't convinced that the skinny kid I saw in line with the bushels of lettuce and avocado would have what it takes to get the job done.

But he kept pestering me, and I told him if he took my old Italvega road bike (with
gears and brakes) instead of his fixed gear bike, he could have the job. Over the years he became my most reliable rider.

Zachary loved mountain climbing and spent most of his weekends in Bishop or
Yosemite. When he came back down off the mountain I could still see it in
his eyes.

Here was a man who had found a way to get as close to God as possible, and he wrapped his whole life around getting back up there as often as he could. Sometimes that competed with my priorities as a business owner, but I had to give it to him, and it was a joy to see someone pursue their dream so completely.

Zack always looked for and pointed out the good things in people and in life. He exemplified them, too, always having the time to listen to you and the generosity to offer a friendly, encouraging perspective.

He poured himself fully into the life of his choosing, and we have to give him that. I keep expecting to pick up the phone and hear his voice on the other side, "Hey Rick, it's Zack. Made the drop with Jim, postering all done, keys are back. I'm off to climb Half-Dome!"

Copy that, Good Buddy. Except this time you don't have to come back down off
the mountain.

Rick Graves
Richard Graves
Clutch Couriers