A tribute to Zack

It is with immense sadness that the family of Zack Mitchell, 42, remember a devoted husband, loving father, treasured son, brother, uncle, colleague, and friend.  Zack tragically lost his life following a road traffic collision on 15 July, on the A15 close to Silk Willoughby.

For those who knew Zack best, his greatest source of pride and joy was his family. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Claire, and their four young children, whom he adored beyond measure. He was also a cherished son, a much-loved younger brother, and a proud uncle to his nephews and nieces.

To describe Zack simply as a family man does not fully capture who he was. He was, in every sense, a true partner to Claire. Together, they built a life centred on love, laughter, hard work and adventure. For 19 years they shared a bond that was built on mutual support, trust and friendship. They were, as many have described them, a real team.

Zack was one of those rare people who never stood still. Whether at home, at work or in his community, he threw himself wholeheartedly into everything he did. He loved through action. There was always a project to tackle, a problem to solve, a family activity to organise, a football match to coach or a friend to help. His famous approach was to plough through the to-do list so he could get on to the fun.

And there was always fun.

Zack had a wicked sense of humour and a gift for finding lightness in everyday life. Whether he was turning a household mishap into a joke, breaking the rules by serving cake for breakfast, or doing something silly to make his children or Claire laugh, he brought joy wherever he went. His smile was infectious, his humour was legendary, and his ability to lift the spirits of those around him was one of his greatest gifts.

As a father, Zack was extraordinary.

He was patient, encouraging, present and fun. He celebrated every achievement of his children, no matter how big or small, and they knew without question how proud he was of them as did most people around him as he showed off photos and told stories about them.

Family adventures were his favourite adventures, whether that meant fishing trips, bike rides, visits to his beloved Elland Road to support Leeds United, paddleboarding, RC car racing, or simply spending time together.

As a son, Zack's fastidious nature was evident from an early age. When he tidied his room, it wasn't simply a case of putting things away – everything would come out, including the bed, before each item was carefully returned to its proper place - a habit he still had as an adult with how he kept his garage. He approached life with that same attention to detail and quiet determination, taking pride in doing things properly. It was a quality that served him well throughout his life and undoubtedly contributed to the success he achieved in everything he set his mind to.

Sport was a huge part of Zack's life. A talented cricketer in his younger years and a keen golfer who played to a high standard, he loved the camaraderie that came with being part of a team.

That passion naturally extended to supporting his children's interests. Zack was a dedicated coach at Young Dons Football Club and was looking forward to his first league season with his team. He took great pride in helping young players develop both on and off the pitch. Zack believed in encouraging young people, building their confidence and helping them to realise their potential, and he found great fulfilment in seeing them thrive.

That commitment to helping others extended far beyond sport.

Many people have spoken about Zack's remarkable ability to mentor, encourage and support those around him. He gave his time freely, never seeking recognition or praise. He offered wisdom without judgement, guidance without ego, and kindness without condition. So many people have already reflected on how Zack helped them through difficult moments, inspired confidence in them, or simply made them feel valued.

Perhaps the greatest surprise to Zack would have been just how many lives he touched and just how highly he was thought of, according to Claire.

Professionally, Zack built an outstanding career. Beginning as an engineering apprentice at just 16 years-old for British Sugar, he steadily worked his way through many roles and across two of the factory sites to become a senior leader in operations management.  Throughout his career, he earned enormous respect for his technical expertise, enthusiasm, tenacity, and drive. Colleagues admired not only his knowledge and ability to tackle complex challenges, but his authenticity and more human side along with a confidence to say what needed to be said - he inspired and brought out the best in those around him along with always having a smile on his face.

British Sugar was far more than a workplace to Zack - it was a community, a second family, and the place where he and Claire had met. Colleagues remember Zack as someone who relished challenges, embraced opportunity, and possessed a rare ability to lead others with his way often without ever making them feel led. Zack was passionate about succeeding, in whatever he did, this coupled with his huge energy to get things done, meant he was instrumental in driving performance as well as a much more inclusive culture throughout British Sugar. His care and compassion for the teams he led, and his fellow colleagues will always be remembered! 

He worked at British Sugar for 24 years, and it was one of the hardest decisions he ever made to embark on a new challenge, because of his loyalty to the people there. Yet in moving to JG Pears, Zack once again demonstrated his ability to make a positive impact, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues in a remarkably short space of time.

One of Zack's defining characteristics was his determination. Born partially deaf and wearing hearing aids from an early age, he learned to lip read by the age of three. Yet he never allowed adversity to define him or limit his ambitions. Through hard work, resilience, and positivity, he built a life filled with achievement, friendship, family, and purpose.

Outside of work, Zack was rarely without a project. Whether landscaping a garden, building a gazebo, constructing bespoke furniture, repairing something around the house or mastering a new skill, he approached every task with characteristic enthusiasm and attention to detail. "Daddy will fix it" became something of a family motto, because more often than not, he could.

He loved fishing after being bought his first fishing rod at the age of four. He loved adventure, from skiing and surfing to cycling, golf, buggy boarding, paddleboarding and swimming, Zack embraced life wholeheartedly. If there was an opportunity to try something new, he was first in line.

Above all, Zack was a good man.

He was humble, thoughtful, practical, and fiercely loyal. He was the friend who knew exactly what to say when life was difficult. The neighbour who would quietly help without being asked. The colleague who made everyone around him better. The husband who adored his wife. The father whose children were his greatest achievement.

His loss is devastating and impossible to put into words.

Yet while Zack's life was far too short, it was extraordinarily rich. Rich in family, friendship, community, work, fun, adventure, kindness and love.

His legacy lives on in the values he has passed to his children, the support he’s given to family and friends, the colleagues he mentored, the teams he built, and the countless lives he touched along the way.

As his family, friends and colleagues remember Zack, they remember a man who lived well, loved deeply and gave generously of himself to others.

He will be sorely missed, but he will never be forgotten.

Our thoughts remain with Claire, their four children, Zack's parents, his brother, nieces, and nephews, and all those whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

Pictured: Zack Mitchell