Patrick Zalucha

Patrick Edward Zalucha, 25, of Wiliamsburg MI, passed away to heaven peacefully on August 1st, 2012 in Bellaire, MI. Patrick was born to loving parents James and Christina Zalucha on April 28th, 1987 in Traverse City, MI. He attended Bertha Vos Elementary and graduated High School in 2005 from St. Francis in Traverse City, MI. He attended Northwestern Michigan Community College for an Associate Degree in Social Science and was working towards a Master in East Slavic Languages. Patrick was self-employed as a linguist for Slavic languages as well as a photographer. Patrick was very proud of his Polish heritage and often went by the Polish name "Patryk." He was fluent in Polish as well as several other languages such as Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian, and Serbian. He had a passion for genealogy, languages, learning about family history, and teaching others what he knew. He would have wanted you to know that he was Polish, Russian, Latvian, and Slovak. A lover of the outdoors and animals, Pat left behind three beloved pets and hundreds of pictures of the works of nature. His photography was beautiful and what made it unique was that much of it was developed himself and captured with cameras dating back decades. Pat had an eye for things that no one else noticed. He was the same way with people and said that he enjoys other's company even when he has nothing in common with them because "that is what makes meeting new people the most interesting." Pat was so thoughtful and always put others first. He would help anyone in need regardless as to if they needed someone to talk to, a prayer, or a place to stay. One of Pat's favorite places was in the water and his favorite activities were swimming, snorkeling, fishing, hiking, hunting, rollerblading, running, and making people laugh. Pat also enjoyed a very spiritual life and had recently been contemplating joining a religious vocation. It was Pat's dream to travel to Poland to meet his relatives, immerse himself in the culture, and utilize his language. Patrick was preceded in death by his Grandparents, Edward and Helen Zalucha and Frank and Mary Blues. His surviving family members are his parents, James and Christina Zalucha, and his siblings David and Stephanie Zalucha and special friend Mike Peters.He was to be the brother-in-law of Matt Myers. Services will be held Tuesday, August 7th, at Noon at Christ the King Church in Acme, MI. A burial will take place at Yuba Cemetery across the road from one of Pat's favorite beaches. A luncheon and celebration of Pat's life will continue after the service in the downstairs of the church. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts can be made to the Community Foundation for the Patryk Zalucha Memorial Scholarship Fund, a scholarship for diverse students with a desire to learn new languages through travel is being set up in his name. Gifts can be sent to 250 E. Front Street, Ste. 310, Traverse City, MI 49684, or made online at www.4good4ever.org. Arrangements have been handled by the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com