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KENNETH "Ken" Stanely Zelinsky, age 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 27th, at his home in Sonora, California surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.Ken is survived by his children; Steve (Cindy) Zelinsky, Lari (John) Bloom, and Matthew (Cathy) Zelinsky; 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren and brother Bre (Stephanie) Gowan.
Ken was born on June 3rd, 1936, to Harold Zelinsky and Charlotte Gowan. In 1957, after finishing his service in the Marine Corps, he decided to pursue a career in the family painting business. He spent many years working at D. Zelinsky & Sons of San Francisco, and in 1971, he moved to Honolulu, Hawaii to open a new branch. Ken built the company up to become one of the largest and most respected painting companies in the Hawaiian Islands. Ken retired in 2012 and turned the business over to his daughter, Lari and her husband John, who still operate the business to this day.
Alongside his painting endeavors, Ken purchased the Lazy Z Guest Ranch from his father in the 1980's, and with the help of his two sons Steve and Matt, they turned it into the Lazy Z Resort, which is still being operated by his children. Between the painting company and the resort, Ken's children and grandchildren have participated in the family businesses and continue to do so today. Through them, his entrepreneurial spirit lives on.
Lovingly known as "King Z" by his family and friends, Ken was widely known for his charisma and his quick wit. When he walked in the room, all eyes were on him, and he never failed to put on a show. He had the ability to make strangers feel like they were friends, and to make friends feel like they were family.
Always up for a good time, Ken constantly embarked on adventures. He enjoyed skydiving, scuba diving, cruises with his wife, Hap, and Harley trips to Sturgis with his sons. Ken lived his life to the fullest and had a whole lot of fun along the way.
Ken was extremely proud of his family and the legacy that he created. He taught them the value of hard work and that laughter is the best medicine. He knew how to brighten anyone's day with an inappropriate joke, a martini, and a smile. He will be greatly missed, and lovingly remembered.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Ken's honor
at a future date to be announced.
