NEWS 'We all got ripped off' says father of windstorm victim Plater remembered for his intelligence, athleticism and big heart STEVE LEBLANC sleblanc@metroland.com As the giant 'Z' bal- loon ascends the night sky, Lex Plater can't help but smile. It's an unexpected mo- ment of solace in a week- erdd filled with anguish -- for his family, and countless others. "They'd gotten this gi- ant Z balloon for Zach, but the Z was going up crooked. Knowing Zach, we all said he would have been beside himself (to see that)," recalled the still grieving father, of the memorial evening -~ friends and family put together at Brookville Public School to honour his, beloved 18-year-old son, killed during the May 4 windstorm. "It was the first time I we were able to laugh. . The whole community came (to memorial). It was really beautiful." Known for his intelli- gence, athleticism and big heart, Zach was just four days into his new job with Miller Tree when he and co-worker Adam Sura, of Orange- ville were struck and killed by a fallen tree. "He was always a big guy with a big heart," said Plater, whose son had earned multiple scholarships. "He'd give everything to a goal and then go out and set new ones. We all got ripped off (with his passing). It's such a trag- edy." Among the places Zach made an especially The former Milton meaningful impact was District High Fighting School Ath- Griffin Mar- lete of the "He was such tial Arts, Year had just a where he completed a joy to be earned his his first year black belt and at the Univer- sity of Guelph and -- due to an exception- al start to his post-second- ary studies -- had been ac- cepted into the medical sciences program. Aspirations of a fu- ture in medicine were al- ready firmly en- trenched, with thoughts of being a veterinarianin the mix for the huge dog lover. around. He was a special young man." spent about a decade train- ing before go- ing off to uni- versity. -- Hanshi Scott ay ome Hogarth pitment and respect for karate ran so deep that Hanshi Scott Hogarth felt completely confident including himon a trip to Okinawa when he was barely in his teens -- an opportunity rarely given to someone so young. "I knew I would have 2018 Cadillac Escalade RORY agavallable yz for 4 months ti 4 J I ] pl absolutely no problems with Zach. He was more mature than the 18 year olds," said Hogarth, whose club will hold a celebration of life eve- ning for his much-loved student on June 4. "He gave it (martial arts) everything and there was never any complaining. He was such a joy to be around. He was a special young man." Zach's black belt es- say was a comprehensive reflection on all that the practice had given him, including how to more effectively manage his juvenile diabetes. Exerts from the essay include: "When 1 first started karate, I thought it was all about learning how to fight. Now I know it is way more than that." . "The people that I do karate with are some of the greatest people in my life. There is a bond there that I believe will never be broken. w "They are like my sec- ond family." / "Karate has taught me so many things that I use in my everyday life. The first thing is respect. It has taught me that re- spect for others is essen- tial, and everyone de- serves it until proven otherwise." As driven in the class- room as he was on the playing field -- where he excelled in football and basketball as well as ka- rate -- Zach earned the Halton District School Board's Student of Ex- cellence Award at Brook- Steve LeBlanc / Metroland Zach Plater was known for his intelligence, big heart and athleticism. Above left, his black belt and and an essay he wrote about karate. ville Public School, and had one of Ontario's top-50 scores in a univer- sity math test when he was only in Grade 8. More important than his numerous achieve- ments was an unbridled enthusiasm and desire to take full advantage of life's many opportuni- ties. "I've had people in their 90s come up and say Zach did more in his 18 years than they did," said Plater. "He did live. "He was just so awe- some. We're so proud of him." -h - OU uoidweyn uepeue u 8L0Z 'Le Aep 'Aepsiny woo' uojjeyapisul