Jack (Zab) Zaborac
Zab passed away peacefully in Kent at the age of 90 on November 7, 2015. He was preceded in death by his wife Vivian Zaborac, and his daughter Janice Tegtmeyer. He is survived by his children Monica, Larry, Sharon, Dennis, Matthew, Shane; seven grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Zab was born on September 14, 1925, in St. David, Illinois. At the age of 17 he dropped out of high school, lied about his age, and enlisted in the US Navy. He was assigned to the U.S. Naval Armed Guard and served as a Gunners Mate on merchant and troop ships in the Pacific during World War II. He spent 36 of 39 months overseas. During the war he met a US Navy Wave who became his first wife. After the war, they settled down in Seattle and Zab took several jobs. He sold vacuum cleaners, newspapers, Watkin’s products and worked at Bethlehem Steel before landing a job at Boeing. After 17 years at Boeing, Zab gave it all up and moved to Kent in 1962 to take on the position of manager of Kent Bowl.
For the next 53 years, Kent Bowl and Zab’s love for bowling would dominate his life. As a member of Seattle’s Bowling Hall of Fame he made Kent Bowl a family oriented landmark. He turned down numerous offers to sell the place for other commercial ventures. Even at the time of his passing he was actively upgrading his establishment. It was his dream that Kent should always have a bowling center; a safe and fun place where families could play together.
Zab was a generous man who gave to many charities, local and national. He had a particular soft spot in his heart for the Special Olympics, children with disabilities, seniors and veterans.
He started special programs to ensure that those groups of people could also participate in and enjoy bowling.
While bowling was Zab’s love, his hobby was owning racehorses. Through the decades, he has stood in the winner’s circle countless time. He was a well-respected owner and his presence will be truly missed at Emerald Downs.
A memorial service celebrating Zab’s life will be held at Kent Bowl from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM on Sunday, November 15th. In lieu of flowers and donations, take your family out and play together.
In honor of Zab’s wish to see families play together; on Thanksgiving Day all bowling will be free at Kent Bowl.
Please sign his online guestbook at www.edline-yahn.com
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