"Zain was so passionate and a seriously kind human being. He'd always message me about his ideas that he wanted to do and we chatted every now and then about movies. It was a real shock to hear this news but I know that a man such as him is in a beautiful place. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. And my love goes towards him where ever he may be. I'll end this with a quote from one of his favourite science-fiction TV shows - Doctor Who.
"One day I shall come back. Yes, I shall come back. Until then, there must be no regrets, no tears, no anxieties. Just go forward in all your beliefs and prove to me that I am not mistaken in mine.""
In loving memory of
Zain Alexander Van Wyk
January 1, 1995 - November 15, 2021
Zain Alexander Van Wyk, age 26 formerly of Monroe, passed away on Monday, November 15, 2021, at UnityPoint Methodist in Des Moines. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 22, 2021 at 10:30 am at Lutheran Church of Hope in Ankeny. Burial will take place at Silent City Cemetery in Monroe. Visitation will take place on Sunday, November 21, 2021 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at Lutheran Church of Hope in Ankeny. Memorials may be directed to the church and condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com
The son of Brian and Kelly (Ritchie) Van Wyk, Zain was born on January 1, 1995 in Des Moines. He graduated from Pella High School. He then attended Columbia College in Chicago receiving his Bachelor's Degree in Film Production. Zain was a member of Lutheran Church of Hope in Ankeny, where he worked as the Production Coordinator. Zain loved his job as production coordinator at Hope. Zain's role in production focused on student ministries, weekend worship and video content. He was in the process of redoing the Hope Ankeny youtube channel and was creating different videos and playlists for it. Zain enjoyed Sci Fi movies, especially Marvel productions. He also enjoyed making films with other friends in the film industry as well as making videos for family. He's always had a love for music, animals, and working with people. His strong christian faith was very important to him.
Those left to honor his memory include his parents, Brian and Kelly; his sister, Kinzi Van Wyk; his grandmother, Connie (Terry) Stephen; aunts and uncles, Roxanne (MIke) HIcks, Rod Ritchie, Rhonda Ritchie, Byron (Margaux) Stephen, Donna (Bob) Carhill, Jerry (Brenda) Van Wyk, Brenda (Wayne) Burns, and Lori (Ken) Kizer as well as many cousins. Preceding Zain in death were his grandparents, Bill and Dorothy Van Wyk and Dennis Ritchie.
Tributes
"Zain Zain. Words cannot describe how shocked I was to hear of this tragedy. I?ve worked with him on so many projects with so many voices, Missy, Sarah Jane, and he was the first to inspire me to pick up the mic to voice act. He was always there when you needed him, ready to help and eager for more projects, Doctor Who, Marvel or his own works. I do believe he is out there in his own TARDIS, and he lives on through his many audio adventures.
?Pain and loss, they remind us of happiness and love.?
?I will not forget one line of this. I will always remember when the Doctor was me.?
Fly high star man. "
"My deepest sympathies to Brian, Kelly, and Kinzi during this difficult time. I am praying for you all. Zain was a very good friend of mine for several years. I will miss him very much. I will forever be so grateful and thankful for the great friend he was through the years."
"Zain. Zain. Where can I even begin? How about how much of a musical mastermind you were. All the pieces you produced for my silly little projects. I assure you, both them and your work will see the light of day. Also, without you, there would never have been my Doctor. I would never have got into Voice Acting. You helped me in ways I can never fully express... and now, I can't even say Thank You. I'll never be able to have another wonderful conversation or listen to a mad new piece from your ever genius mind. All the projects are now left unfinished. It's cruel. Rest In Peace, my friend. Robin/Robert. A.K.A 'Crispy Ginger.'"
"From all the times we worked together with Audio Dramas on YouTube we spent. I?ll miss you buddy, working on a Dr.Who/Marvel audio series won?t be the same without you. "
"Kelly I just learned that Zain passed away. Heartfelt condolences for you and your family. "
"I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Zain. He was not only a person you could really count on but he was witty and a joy to work with. He was a fine young man. Scott Propsom"
"Dear Kelly, Brain and Kinzi, Our heart goes out to you, Zain was a wonderful young man, he will be greatly missed. Sending you many hugs and prayers, Sincerely, Penny and Dave Hoksbergen"
"Dear Kelly. Brian and family, We were truly blessed to have known your son. He can never be replaced and was such a special person. The popularity of your son is testament to how much he was loved. He spread happiness everywhere and we were lucky to have had him in our lives. You have our deepest sympathy. Whylie Eye Care Centers"
"Thoughts and prayers to the family."
"My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Zain. I was so saddened to see this news. I have fond memories of Zain as a student and remember him as curious, friendly and kind. Linda Frazier"
"Dear Brian, Kelly, Kinzi, and family ~ I'm so deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved Zain! I, and so many others had united in prayer for Zain, for your family. Sometimes God doesn't answer our prayers the way we would wish, for that I think none of us can ever understand.. I will continue to pray for God to give you the strength to move forward as a family, one day at a time. Sending you all love, hugs,and many prayers ~ Sincerely, Lisa Blommers"
"Brian and Kelly, I am so sorry to hear of this! It has been a long time since I?ve seen you, I hope you two are able to cope with this horrible loss! Please know you are in my prayers! God be with you!"
"Kelly, I am just stunned at this news and so very sorry for this heartbreaking loss. I haven?t seen you for many years but want you to know I?m keeping your family in my thoughts. Sending my deepest sympathies. Brenda Yoakum"
"I am very sorry for your loss I didn't know him like you knew him. But, I knew enough to say he was a great friend on Production at Hope, and in the little time I had with him he will have an impact on my life forever. I can not imagine the pain you feel. I and my family are praying for you guys best wishes, Porter Schlaht."
"Please accept our sincere condolences in your loss . We will keep you all in our prayers, asking for comfort and strength, as you grieve this horrific loss. Prayerfully, Bob and Suzanne Johnson"
"We are so sorry for your loss. I remember when the kids were little and Playing soccer at the elementary school on Sunday afternoons. A very nice young man. Our prayers continue to be with your family."
"Brian, Kelly and Kinzi, Our hearts ache for you all with the loss of Zain. He was a great kid and so talented. Can't even imagine what you are going through and I hope the strength of our faith, family and friends help give you some comfort and peace. Much love and prayers.......Bill, Jodi, Kenzie and Kolten Johnon"