Zinkham

R. David Zinkham, 51, of Baden, formerly of Brighton Township, Beaver County, passed away at Good Samaritan Hospice House, Wexford, early Thursday morning of pancreatic cancer.

Born Jan. 31, 1960, he was the son of Ralph E. Zinkham of Brighton Township, Beaver County, and the late Luella C. Zinkham.

Dave served as a financial associate and registered representative for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans for more than 15 years.

He was a member of the Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church, Cranberry Township, where he served on the church council.

He had attended The Citadel Military Academy in South Carolina and was a graduate of University of Pittsburgh.

He formerly was the manager of Cafe 99 in Charleston, S.C., and had worked at the Kiawah Island Resort.

Dave had a wonderfully fulfilling life. He experienced more than most in his short time, and he shared with the many people he touched his love of life, his personality and sense of humor. He especially exhibited his sentimental and compassionate side with his family, most evidently with his late brother, George. He was a devoted and faithful servant in his church and his work.

Those who knew Dave knew that he was an avid sports fan and loved Pitt sports. He loved to garden and grow peppers; his belief was the hotter the better.

He will be sadly missed by his father, Ralph, and his stepmother, Helen N. Zinkham; his wife of seven years, Erin Prohaska Zinkham; his cherished 1-year-old son, George Richardson Zinkham II; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Thomas and Donna Prohaska of Chippewa; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Matthew and Bronwyn Prohaska, and a niece, Danielle Prohaska, all of Fairfield, Conn. Due to Dave's love of life, he also leaves behind a large number of special friends.

Preceding him in death, besides his mother, was his beloved special needs brother, George Richardson Zinkham I, in 2005.

<B>ZINKHAM </B>— A celebration of the life of R. David Zinkham, who died Thursday, Aug. 25, 2011, will be at the Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church, 8070 Rowan Road, Cranberry Township at 5 p.m. Sunday conducted by his friend and pastor, the Rev. Ronald Brown. The family will receive friends at the church from 4 p.m. until time of service. Private interment will take place at Beaver Cemetery later.In lieu of flowers, Dave’s family requests donations can be made to a scholarship fund to benefit George R. Zinkham II. c/o Thrivent Financial Bank, 2000 E Milestone Drive, Appleton, WI 54913-6701.Arrangements are being conducted by <B>Noll Funeral Home</B>, 333 Third St., Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com