Zach’s Story
by Titash Choudhury
If you’ve walked through Killarney in late October, chances are you’ve seen Zach Lowe and his six-year-old son out in their front yard, hard at work on their ever-changing Halloween decorations. They’re usually out there until late evening, tweaking and transforming the display daily in the weeks leading up to Halloween. No wonder their house is one of the neighbourhood’s favourite stops. And when winter rolls around, Zach and his son keep the fun going with incredible snow sculptures like snow sharks and SpongeBob that turn their yard into a seasonal art gallery.
Zach is more than the guy with the coolest lawn displays. He is a dad, a consultant in the energy industry, a musician, and a contemporary artist. For the past few years, he has been a familiar face in Killarney, building a life with his family and adding his own creative spark to the community.
When asked about his outlook on life, he shared a simple but meaningful perspective, “Everything we take on in life, whether a project, initiative, or challenge, is about the process. It is the journey that matters, not just the outcome. One needs to enjoy the process, and the rest will fall into place”.
That approach is clear in everything he does, whether it’s working on snow sculptures or tackling high-stakes projects in Calgary’s energy industry. He carries an effortless calm, trusting that things will come together as they should.
Zach credits much of his outlook on life to his parents, who remain his biggest inspiration. Growing up in Calgary, they instilled in him the values of kindness, gratitude, and an open heart. Everything he knows about doing good, he says he learned from them, and now he carries those lessons forward, passing them on to his son.
For Zach, Killarney’s strong sense of community is what makes it home. One of his favourite memories is from August 2022, when he set up a giant slip-and-slide behind Killarney Elementary School to help his kids cool off in the summer heat. Armed with a 300-foot roll of plastic, a few sprinklers, and some hoses, he expected just a handful of kids to join in. Within half an hour, more than 40 children and just as many parents had gathered, turning it into an impromptu block party that stretched into the evening. It’s the kind of moment that, for Zach, makes this neighbourhood so special.
Zach also finds joy in the quieter moments. One of his favourite things to do is mow the lawn. It is nothing exciting, but he enjoys those 20 minutes of peace in an otherwise busy day. It is also a chance to catch up with neighbours who stop to chat as they pass by. One neighbour who has left a lasting impression on Zach is Betty, a woman in her 80s who has lived in Killarney for decades. Despite her slow pace and health challenges, she is always smiling and full of warmth.
As much as Zach loves Killarney, he acknowledges that feeling safe is important for any family. The community is strong and welcoming, but like any urban neighbourhood, there is always room for improvement. He hopes to see continued efforts to enhance safety, ensuring Killarney remains a great place for young families. For now, the connections he has built, and the sense of belonging keep him here, but if sense of safety does not improve, he and his family may have to explore other neighbourhoods that offer that sense of security they need.
For now, Zach is focused on making the most of his time here. Whether it’s building ice sculptures and Halloween decorations with his kid, chatting with neighbours, or working on his next creative project.
In the evenings, when he and his wife sit down to unwind, he takes a moment to appreciate it all, knowing these are the days he will look back on with a smile. These are the good old years. If you see Zach around the neighbourhood, be sure to say hello. Just do not be surprised if you hear the roar of his motorcycle come spring. It is neighbours like Zach who make Killarney the vibrant and welcoming community so many are proud to call home.
Share your story, your neighbour’s story, or inspiring community members with Humans of Killarney. Contact Titash, Director of Membership, at [email protected].
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