SEATTLE, Wash. – Zachary Loren Hardin, 30, died at home Nov. 16, 2016, in Seattle, Wash. He was born March 25, 1986, in Sitka, Ala.

Zachary graduated from Santa Fe Trail High School, Carbondale, Kan., in 2005, and South Seattle Community College in 2012, where he studied horticulture.

Zachary was an employee of Stone Soup Gardens, and recently launched his own business in Seattle, Shady Acres Fungi and Garden, specializing in mushroom gardens. He was actively involved with community gardening, participating in Food Not Bombs and other area community projects.

Zachary enjoyed growing and preserving food while creating recipes utilizing his knowledge of plants and herbs. At Chomp! 2016, he won top award with his hot sauce recipe crafted from his pepper plants, and educated attendees about urban mushroom farming. In addition, his love for adventure led to a variety of unique cross-country trips where he met and formed many lasting friendships.

Zachary is survived by his fiancee Corinne Marie Leonard, of Seattle; his mother, Rhonda Annette Hewitt and stepfather, Laverne Dean Barnhart, Carbondale; siblings, Jackson Robert Wade Hardin and Adria Nicholle Hardin, and stepbrother Dustin Dean Barnhart; grandmothers, Marjorie Ann Shrimplin and Doris Victoria Huffstetler Hardin; aunts and uncles, Jackie Doreece Hardin, Frances Margaret Hewitt, Tina Marie Hewitt, Pamela Darlene and Harold Moore, Yolanda Marcell and Allen Bond, Michael Wade Hewitt; and nine cousins.

Zachary was preceded in death by his father, Larry Everette Hardin, in 2016; grandfathers, Ronald Wade Hewitt, in 2015, and Jack Everette Hardin, in 2002; and his uncle, Raymond Wade Hewitt, in 2014.

A memorial service was held on Nov. 22 at Northgate Community Center, Seattle. Honoring his wishes, cremation services were provided by Elemental Cremation and Burial of North Seattle, Wash.

The family requests memorial contributions to and volunteering at local food banks and community gardens.