With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Zachary Michael Wilcott, who died peacefully after a week in the ICU on April 10, 2025 in Vancouver, Wash. surrounded by loved ones. He was 47.
Zachary was born on Sept. 16, 1977 and spent his childhood in Hermiston. Known for his fun-loving and ornery spirit, he made people laugh and feel at ease. As a kid, he loved playing first base and pitching for Hermiston’s baseball teams. He found a strong sense of purpose and connection working on the farm with Dan and Klint Mills, who became like a second family to him.
He was curious, hands on, and never afraid to pursue new interests. He was a certified forklift operator, fascinated with Bigfoot, and he could fix just about anything. In his later years, he found joy and excitement in car racing, spending time at the track and embracing the thrill of it all. Zachary lived in Stevenson, Wash., where he enjoyed the beauty of the outdoors and the quiet of small-town life.
More than anything, Zachary’s greatest pride and joy were his children: George (16), Chad (14), and his daughter, Makayla Huling (22). He deeply loved his kids and cherished every moment with them, whether they were walking in the woods, talking, or just being together.
Zachary had a genuine appreciation for a good time. He loved to laugh, joke, and playfully tease those he cared about – humor was one of his ways of showing love. But beyond the laughs, he was a fierce protector. From stealing baby bottles as a toddler to give to his baby sister, to standing up for the people he loved when it mattered most, Zachary’s loyalty and courage ran deep.
Zachary is survived by his children, George and Chad Wilcott and Makayla Huling; his longtime partner, Desiree Weatherford; his brother, Chad Wilcott of Kennewick, Wash.; his sister, Betty Hall of Kenai, Alaska; his mother, Joella
Huntington, also of Kenai, Alaska; and his father, Dennis Wilcott of Vancouver, Wash. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins who meant the world to him.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Felipe and Esperanza Minton, and Hollis and Betty Wilcott.
He will be remembered for his big heart, his love of laughter, his sense of adventure, and the fierce loyalty he showed to his family and friends. His memory will live on in the stories, smiles, and love he leaves behind.
A memorial service to honor Zachary’s life will be held at Burns Mortuary in Hermiston on Friday, May 2, 2025 at 1 p.m.
Friends and family are warmly invited to gather afterward at a location to be announced to share stories, food, and memories in celebration of his life. We welcome everyone who knew and loved Zachary – from every stage of his life – to join us in remembering and honoring the special person he was.
Please share memories of Zach with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
