Frank Murray:  “I am so very sorry for your loss Keith. I wish I could have known Colin. As one who has recently lost a partner I can imagine what you must be going through and I share your grief.”

Kim Childs:  “I just wanted to extend my deepest sympathy to Keith and Colin’s family. I knew Colin when he was in Portland. I often hung out at the radio station because i wanted to learn but i was to chicken. He said anyone that can talk as much as i do shouldn’t have a problem, ha ha, I will never forget him he was a great person and there are too few great people left in the world. ”

Linda Nappi-Flannery:  “Colin, I know that you will read this and laugh.. You brought so much joy and laughter to me. You were also a great roommate, I wanted to post the pic I have of you in the bubble bath looking like santa, but I thought I would send it to your mom,,, I have many pics of you and I will be sending some of those to her also…We did not keep in touch when you moved, but you were always thought of.. Thanks for making the music and being a part of mine and Kerrys wedding.. You will be missed baby cakes… Oh by the way Fahey says hi, LOL.. Love and prayers to your family and partner.”

Mark Pollitt: “My heart broke when I heard the news. We never actually met in person, and I don’t think I even saw a picture of Zack until this week, but there were periods of time when I was talking to him on the phone every day or two. I considered him a brother in the radio trenches and a friend. Zack produced my start up imaging packages when I launched new radio stations. Over the last 4 or 5 years that was probably about 12 stations, not to mention the retainer work he did, too.

Zack played such a big part in the success of the stations I was responsible for. He had this incredible intuition. Once he knew what sound you were going after, he didn’t have to ask any questions… he just knew… and always nailed it.

I’ll remember him for how laid back and easy going he was… just a genuinely good human being with a good heart. But like everyone else, I’ll always remember his laugh! My thoughts and prayers are with Keith as well as Colin’s family and friends. We’ll miss you, man.”

Andrew & Carla Russell:  “I only knew Colin briefly in the early 1990’s in Portland, ME.  I think he just started at a local radio station – he seemed bright, fresh, fun – just a kid.  Often times when I traveled to Portland, I thought, “What ever happened to Colin?”  To know that he became such a talented voice over personality makes me smile.  I know that his spirit will continue to shine on. ”

Jerry Dean: “It has been my great pleasure to work with Zack for the past 5 years. He was an extremely talented person and took pride in his work. His production talents really played a big part in the success of WRVR and our sister station The Buzz . I enjoyed the hundreds of phone calls and e-mails we exchanged over the years talking about radio and how it should sound. I only had to describe to him one time how I wanted a production piece to sound and he would get it on the first take. Then e-mail or call to make sure I liked what he had done, and if not, he’d be glad to change it. I wish more people had his commitment and attention to detail. From all of us at WRVR in Memphis, thanks Zack for your hard work, sense of humor and everything you did for us… We will miss you and always remember you.”

Mardie Womeldorf: “Colin was a bright and imaginative very young man when I first met him at WJTO/WKRH on Berry’s Mill Rd in West Bath. I was privileged to see his love for radio develop. I am glad I had the opportunity to know him.”

Tim Moore: “Colin/Zack was a HUGE part of the sound of WJBQ-Q97.9 Portland, Maine. When our incredibly talented MD and night guy Keith Scott introduced me to Colin, it had to be fate that they would end up as partners—and the Talent (with a capital “T”) was clearly not confined to the Keith part of that dynamic duo. As Keith’s radio career took him from us in Portland and from market to market, Colin always packed up his studio and moved, too. That’s commitment. There had to be tough times–but obviously outshined by the good ones.

Although I spoke to Colin mostly on the phone or via e-mail, his ability to capture the essence of the Q was evident in the 7+ years that he created the imaging that propelled the Q to #1. I was constantly amazed at his ability to turn Brian James vo (top notch as it was) into magic–in such short order!

I admired his ability to start and succeed in his own business–and to delight literally millions across the country with his creativity. His evergreen production will continue to grace WJBQ–and we will NEVER forget him.

My heart goes out to Keith and to Colin’s family-whom I’ve never met. Life is precious–and to lose someone so full of life must be nearly unbearable. I hope the many friends of yours and Colin’s will ease the pain somewhat as our feeble attempts to provide solace and comfort find their way to you. So many people walk the earth without making the impact that Colin did…I hope it is of some comfort to know that ZACK was bigger than life-and will leave a lasting legacy in our minds and hearts.

Peace!”

Chris Chaos: “Wow…what a shocker. I’ve never written one of these before and as you can tell (and Zack did too…) editing my rambling copy is appreciated.

I had the pleasure of meeting Zack in the late 90’s where he had just left G105 Raleigh. I knew right away he was special… his distinct voice, laugh and warm heart made me feel comfortable immediately and a working friendship that I’ll never forget, and neither will the hundreds of thousands of listeners his voice and imagery touched.

Zack was multi-format talented. He helped me launch Rhythmic / WXHT- CHR HOT 1027 Valdosta, Country WYYL Memphis, and helped garner Hot A/C WQSM Q-98 a R&R small market radio station of the year nomination in 2004. A remarkable soul and talent who understood connecting with people…. A very rare and hard fought for commodity in this business. Zack was a key factor in bringing the fourth rated rock station in the competitive Ft. Myers radio market to number #1.

To me, Zack was always there in a last minute pinch- his character and integrity always beyond the norm. A unique, colorful, friendly man who will be missed, every time I open cool edit.”

Valerie: “I worked with Keith and Colin at G105 in Raleigh and laughed more than I thought possible while sharing an office with Keith. Colin’s smile was infectious. I remember us dancing around his production studio to Geri Halliwell’s “Look At Me.” He had remixed it in his own little Zack way, made me a dance mix cd that I still have today. He had an amazing voice and I loved to hide out in his studio listening to his newest creations, dishing the latest, and just laughing. I remember New Year’s Eve when Keith and Colin got engaged and the gushing river of tears that followed. There were 7 of us on that balcony watching the fireworks at midnight. Knowing him during that time was a gift. My heart breaks for Keith. You are in my thoughts and prayers.”

Jason (J-Boy): “I was fortunate enough to have known Colin from Portland, ME when I was a bartender at The Underground. He was a true charm and a wonderful person to know. He always brought a smile everyone he met with his quick wit! I remember when he said he was leaving for Raleigh…he was so happy to be moving on to better things! Although I had not talked to him since he left Maine, I would remember him every now and then, especially when I went home to visit. It’s a shame that he was here in the same city, for so long, and our paths didn’t cross. It just re-confirms that you need to stay in touch….even if it’s an e-mail once a year to say hey…I’m here! Colin….you will be truly missed!!”

Erick Anderson: “I only had the pleasure to speak to Colin face to face a few times, but we would speak on the phone a lot when I was working for WPOR and Colin was at WTHT. I remember how talented Colin was with his craft and how down to Earth he was as a person. My PD and I even got our GM to create a job at WPOR and offered it to him…just so we wouldn’t have to compete with him any longer! His loyalty was with WTHT and he never did take that job. A great broadcaster, a better person. My prayers are with Keith and Colin’s family. My Colin rest in peace.”

Please continue to share your thoughts, memories, and stories about Colin at RememberingColin@gmail.com.

Jet Black:  “I hadn’t spoken to Zack regularly in almost six years, but when I heard of his passing, my heart sank. When I was imaging KNIN in Texas, we were one of his first client stations and I can remember, like it was yesterday, the excitement and enthusiasm he had doing what he was doing, he truly loved every minute of it. He touched me back then by reminding me of what it was like when you live life to the fullest and love every minute of every day.  Today I found an email he sent me just a few weeks ago when I first arrived at this gig, he just wanted to say “CONGRATS,” he was that kind of guy; he cared about EVERYONE. I regret not contacting him before this…but I know that his passion and energy will survive in my memory as I’m sure it’s the same for many of the people he touched. Godspeed Zack! We will miss you.”

Arielle:  “I was blown away by the news that Colin isn’t with us anymore. I couldn’t believe it was true. My second thought was about Keith, and how like many people, I’ve never known one without the other. In the past few days of reading others stories about Colin, I’ve reflected on the time I had in Raleigh working with them both. It wasn’t enough time and I was sad when they moved, and now I’m also mourning the loss of potential to know Colin like many others who have posted here and on other tributes. I remember that at first, I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to call him Zack or Colin, so initially I had decided to use both names evenly. I remember the big raver pants he’d always wear, his laugh, and how he and Keith would joke on everyone else for being lushes. Ironically, the majority of my memories of Colin outside of the station involved lots of drinking and it was ALWAYS a blast. I think there was one station Christmas party involving tequila, need I say more. Colin and Keith both are some of the best people I’ve ever worked with, talent-wise and on a personal level as just being good people. As much as I’ve been bad about keeping in touch since they left NC, I’ve continued to tell people about them, and check Colin’s website from time to time to see how his sound has evolved. I loved the audio tribute, it made me smile and think about those great times in Raleigh. Colin is greatly missed. My thoughts are with Keith, their families and friends who are still processing all of this.”

Karen Rite:  “I don’t know what to say except that I love Colin very much.  We had great times together and I will miss him.  This doesn’t seem real.”

Stephanie Smith:  “Your spirit was vibrant and you could make anyone smile.  You will truly be missed and remembered forever.”

Steve Mondor:  “I first met Colin while working at a radio station in Portland, ME in the early 90’s.  Colin actually did imaging for my college radio station, 91.5 WSJB at St. Joseph’s College in Standish, ME.  WSJB was by far the best sounding college radio station I have ever heard, much thanks to Colin.  It has been a few years since I last spoke to Colin but I remember him as a true professional and kind friend.  He will be missed.  God Bless.”

Steve Stone:  “I didn’t know Zack personally.  We had exchanged emails over the years, and were both repped by the same agency.  I’m truly saddened to hear of his passing.  May his friends and family take comfort in knowing that he is at peace, and that our memories never die as long as we continue to keep them in our hearts.”

Ali:  “Zack, I will miss you my friend. I will hold dear to all of the professional and personal advice that you have given me over the years,  which has always been solid and sincere. I am honored to have shared your friendship and I only wish you didn’t have to leave so soon. Thank you for being a shining light while you were here; you made it much more fun. I’ll love and miss you always.”

Please keep the notes, memories, and well wishes coming to RememberingColin@gmail.com.