SPARKS, Nev.
Daryl Arthur Zeigler, 49, passed away unexpectedly June 7, at his home in Sparks, NV.
Daryl was kind, quiet, gentle and thoughtful, yet strong and resilient with a quick smile. He saw the beauty in the world around him and took the time to make sure others saw the same beauty. He loved to laugh and was a mischievous young man who was usually up to something. His adventurous spirit and love of nature made him a traveler of the U.S.
He worked on a tuna boat in Alaska and Texas on an oil rig, as a ski instructor in Colorado all the while seeing the world as one big journey. Daryl worked and lived in a tent at Yosemite National Park. Was a search and rescue worker coming from his love of rock climbing.
Daryl ‘s heart was as big as his love for adventure and the outdoors.
While driving the back roads in Brown County, he picked up a hitchhiker. The man told him he needed food and a shower. And true to Daryl’s nature, he showed him how to sneak into Brown County State Park, to shower and gave him food. What Daryl didn’t know was that hitchhiker was traveling across the U.S. and writing a book about his encounters. The book, “The Kindness of Strangers, Penniless Across America” featured Daryl the deadhead hippie with long blond hair and an angelic face.
Daryl’s deep love for exploration and nature lead him to climb several mountains. As a young boy, he raced Motocross and was ranked No.1 in his division for 14 and younger. While at Indiana University he raced in the Little 500. He earned his blackbelt in taekwondo. And even lived in a tree house.
Daryl was a hard worker and loved working with his hands, he spent many years as a carpenter. Taking things apart and putting them back together was something he enjoyed.
Daryl lived his life to the fullest and wanted all he met to do the same. Living by the quote from Geronimo, “While living I want to live well.” And following it up the peace sign.
Left to cherish his memory are his mother, Virginia Zeigler, siblings Roxanne Hood (Tony), Wanda Fisher, Marty and Paul Zeigler. Along with many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his father, William Zeigler and brothers Brian Richard and Chuck Zeigler.
A celebration of life will be held this Saturday, August 7 from 1 p.m. -4 p.m. at Donner Park- a place Daryl knew well as a child. This celebration will be a casual setting along with some of Daryl’s favorite foods.
All are welcome to help us remember a life well lived.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to a Facebook donations page, onetreeplanted.org, for trees that will be purchased and planted in his memory.
As Daryl would say at the end of conversations, “I’m not saying good-bye,” so, we won’t say goodbye.
Instead “we will continue to honor you by living ours lives to the fullest. Peace out.”
