Saratoga News Robert Zakhar Obituary Robert Zakhar Los Gatan Robert "Zak" Zakhar, an active member of the Hungarian Reformed Church in Saratoga, died July 1 of heart problems following surgery. He was 74. Born Nov. 8, 1924 in Delray, Mich., Zakhar worked for the Pier Marquette, Chesapeake and Ohio Railroads. In 1955, he and his family moved to California to be closer to relatives. Zakhar began his local career as a lineman with Union Pacific Railroad and later worked as an electrical engineer for the Lockheed Space Program. He eventually moved up to an executive position with Lockheed. For many years, Zakhar lived on Mountain Charley Road in the Santa Cruz Mountains. After his mother became ill, he sold the property on which they lived and moved to the town proper. After his retirement, Zakhar found many ways to keep himself busy. "Many a Los Gatos and Saratoga business owner retains memories and stories of Zak stopping in on the routine of his day and ending up helping out on some 'unsolvable' problem," recalls friend Rhonda Hoefs. "He collected all sorts of equipment, salvage and parts and set up his home with a well-ordered and labeled 'parts office' that was a wonder to behold. He was known for his dry, pun-like humor, knowledge of all things and willingness to help." A former member of the California Highway Commission, Zakhar conducted experimental studies on Highway 17 and originated the idea of painting white stripes along the shoulders of the highway, according to Hoefs. Zakhar enjoyed attending the Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Marin County. [ Back to Contents Page | Saratoga News Home Page | Archives ] This article appeared in the Saratoga News, December 16, 1998. ©1998 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.