Zachary Thomas Sumsion died September 16, 2020 in Salt Lake City, Utah after a long battle with mental illness. He was a beloved father, husband, son, brother, friend and caregiver.
Zach was born April 30, 1979 to Ron and Susan Sumsion in Provo, Utah. Zach had an idyllic childhood growing up in rural Utah as a middle child in a family of five kids. He graduated from Delta High School in 1997.
He later served an LDS mission in Los Angeles. Going from a small town to the big city of LA gave him a broader view of the world.
Zach graduated from Utah Valley University and he later earned a Master’s degree in Instructional Design. Zach loved his work and found a fulfilling career in Human Resources within the health care industry. This life-changing calling allowed him to connect with people that he loved. Zach found great joy in training and helping others succeed.
Zach met the love of his life, Ali Tate in the summer of 2003 and by the following summer they were married. Through the ups and downs of marriage he was unfailingly kind and supportive. Together they had two beautiful boys, Franky and Drew. He was a very engaged father whose every choice was motivated by his deep love for his family.
Music was an integral part of Zach’s life. He loved discovering new music and artists and always made time for live music. Zach was also a talented musician and song writer. He played in several bands in college and continued to play throughout his life. He introduced his boys to music early on and encouraged them in their music lessons. One of his greatest joys was jamming with his kids in the basement of their home. Zach had a competitive spirit and loved participating in the annual Sumsion “Feliz Navi-pong” tournament which he would want to remind everyone he won several times. He was analytical to a fault and had a spreadsheet for everything from his past and current health stats to features of his dream guitar. He was an avid fan of the Utah Jazz and the University of Utah Utes.
Zach spent a lot of time learning and thinking about philosophical ideas. He processed his world through writing in various capacities. His poetry, song lyrics and letters written throughout the years are now treasured mementos.
Zach was an introvert masquerading as an extrovert and he could easily engage anyone. He was so damn funny. In the words of his best friend Alex, his quick wit and sharp sense of humor consisted of layers of intellect and a unique perspective that was the catalyst for both interesting conversation and banter. His one liners will be shared for years to come.
Zach’s untimely and tragic passing leaves an unimaginable hole in our hearts. People who suffer from depression are warriors who fight an invisible battle every single day and Zach was one of the bravest. We honor his consistently valiant fight against his illness.
Although we can’t hug Zach we can be inspired by our love for him to hug our people, make the call, and reach out. Life is short, hugs should be long. Make it awkward. We love you Sumsh.
Zach is survived by his wife Ali Tate Sumsion; two sons, Franky Tate Sumsion and Drew Tate Sumsion of Salt Lake City, Utah; parents, Ron and Susan Sumsion, Oak City, Utah; siblings, Jeffrey and Nicole Hansen, Draper, Utah; Jed and Joanne Sumsion, Oak City, Utah; Rob and Jill Memmott, Pleasant Grove, Utah; Andrew and Joanna Sumsion, Delta, Utah; Ali’s Parents, Rod and Keri Tate, Murray, Utah; Ali’s siblings Mitch and Alicia Tate, Murray, Utah; Mattie and Justin Hiner, Corpus Christi, Texas; Marshall Tate, Murray, Utah; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Randall and Pam Sumsion and Clyde and Dixie Thomas; Ali’s grandparents, Lawrence and Leanne Garfield; and Robert Tate.
So sorry for your loss.... Zac and I taught Primary together for a year or so back in 2010-2011..... I loved the time spent talking with him and after giving a 10 min lesson the rest of the class time was spent trying to solve all of the worlds problems.... always loved listening to him
Although you don't know me, I feel as though I know you. My beautiful granddaughter is Calie Bradley. Your talent as a photographer proceeds you. I am so very sorry, sad, and heart broken for you. I wish I could have met Zach. Gods prayers and mine are with you.
Barbara Kelley ⚘⚘
Ali, I am so so sorry for your loss. Our family is no stranger to mental illness and have several warriors too. Please reach out if you need anything please please let me help!
Ron Susan and family, our hearts are broken for your loss, know you are in our thoughts and prayers! We love you all.
Mike and Valerie Hill
Love to you and your family.
Zach, you have been and will continue to be an inspiration to me. Your mind is so keen and your wit razor sharp and hilarious! As I think back to my time working with you I will always cherish the times we were worked side-by-side with the Grand Rapids team and the Financial Management (Finance and Accounting) Group. Thank you for being both an amazing colleague and an incredibly good-hearted friend. There has never been a doubt how much you love Ali and your boys! You will always be a positive influence in my life to help me strive to be a better person! Thank you!
I worked with Zach at CHG many years ago, and always loved working with him. Zach was always easy going, but could make us laugh with his quick wit and humor. I always looked forward to Halloween, to see what Zach would dress up as next. The highlight was Richard Simmons. My condolences to all that loved Zach, I am so sorry for your loss.
My friend of old, you will be missed. Our My Two Dollars reunion we joked about will have to take place ina different spot. I hope that you found your silvertown. I know it had been a while since we last talked, but wish that I could've been there for you. RIP my friend.
I was just thinking about what a good friend Zack was to me when I moved out west to Utah from Pennsylvania, and was kind of the only friend I had my freshman year at UVU in a new state. I lost touch with him after my mission. But today just thought to try to connect or do a search on the internet. I found this obituary and was deeply saddened to see we lost him. In college, I had my older brother but outside of family I had like 2 friends in Utah. I met Zack through rock climbing. And he helped me learn what to expect as I got ready for a mission. He gave me confidence that I needed in college. We climbed in the gym a lot and did a roadtrip to Joshua Tree in California where we got in trouble with the ranger for camping in a non-designated spot. Zach handled it really well with a laugh and some smooth talking. . I remember thinking I could easily beat him in a wrestling match in our back yard at a house we were renting in Provo. I was wrong. Despite him being lighter and shorter than me, he pinned me in a cross face cradle in less than a minute. I asked for a rematch twice more, and he showed it wasn’t a fluke by pinning me faster each time. The guy could really sing. I looked up to Zach and still do. I want his boys to know that their Dad was strong and tough and kind and humble and inspiring to me. I think I have some videos from my old camcorder of him climbing a big boulder. Have the grand-parents Call or text me at 720-785-0273. And I can send them over.