His life was simply ‘Zan-Tastic’

Eight years is never long enough to know your child. However, this boy gave joy to all who were fortunate enough to meet him.

From the moment he came to us, Zander gave all of himself daily and packed a lifetime of happiness and love into his short 8 years. He prided himself on loving others and helping his family and friends. He freely gave hugs to people he had just met and never knew a stranger. Upon seeing his “scrunchy-faced” smile you couldn’t help but smile yourself.

Loving animals was his passion along with his love of trains. He frequented the Springfield Train Club, moving his small blue stool from place to place to be strategically placed in front the oncoming model train and watch it as it went by, his nose set just at the edge of the train table.

At the age of 5, his heart was set upon being a “Creature-Saver” and was certain to become a zookeeper. No animal was too icky, too ugly or even too prickly to not be loved and he was on a personal mission to hug, care for and bring comfort to all animals, including the human kind. He also had a special affection for Speedy Slider and the Sliders team.

In the words of Zander himself in a journal entry he wrote for his teacher, Mrs. Martel at Riverton Elementary, “I luv mi famlee, cuz I am nis, I luv mi brudr Quin and am nis and lik helping.” His life was simply “Zan-Tastic” and we are continually blessed through his never-ending spirit of joy.

In his honor, a train station will be built at the Henson Robinson Zoo to ensure that other children are blessed by him in the community for many years to come.

– Lynne and Roger Slightom, mother and father