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Bart Zachrich
Barton Mansfield Zachrich, 75, of Pentwater, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 26. He was born on Feb. 8, 1949 in Toledo, Ohio to Alvin and Roberta (Mansfield) Zachrich. The Zachrich family soon moved to Michigan, where Bart lived for most of his life. He spent some of his happiest times in childhood at the family cottage on Lake Michigan, and later carried on the tradition by bringing his own family “up north” each summer.
He received his bachelor’s degree from Albion College, where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon and met his first wife, Deborah (Overweg). They had two daughters, Sarah and Ann. An involved dad, Bart spent many hours coaching t-ball and softball, sledding, creating a backyard ice rink, and taking his (sometimes reluctant) daughters camping.
Being an educator was a lifelong passion for Bart. He began his career as a second grade teacher at Carman-Ainsworth Community Schools in Flint. He later earned a master’s degree in counseling and an education specialist degree, both from Eastern Michigan University. He was well loved and respected as a teacher, counselor, and principal, his career in the district eventually spanning age levels from elementary to alternative adult education.
Later in life, Bart married Lynn Holyfield. They built a life together in Pentwater, where they attended the Centenary United Methodist Church and Bart was a dedicated volunteer for the Pentwater Service Club, Pentwater Historical Society Museum, and Pentwater Community Dinner.
Bart was an avid golfer and runner, running or walking the Bobby Crim race in Flint almost every year. He loved Spartan football and basketball, the Lions, and the Tigers. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and especially doing his annual “ceremonial” reading of The Night Before Christmas every December 24.
Bart is survived by his wife Lynn (Holyfield); daughters Sarah (Sean) and Ann (Steven); grandchildren, Claudia, Zachary, and Mattie; and brothers Ben (Binnie) and Rob (Mary).
A service will be held on Saturday, February 1 at 11 a.m. at the Centenary United Methodist Church in Pentwater. In memory of Bart, the family would like to encourage donations to Sandcastles Children’s Museum in Ludington.
