Fair Haven Zachary Om Meyer-Smith Zachary Om Meyer-Smith 35, died Wednesday May 21, 2014 at his home in Fair Haven after a brief illness. Born February 12, 1979 in Bennington the son of Harry D. Meyer and Cynthia Smith. He was a Graduate of Fair Haven Union High School class of 2001. Zachary enjoyed listening to music, spending time with people and receiving massages and swimming. Because I am a mom first and foremost, I became an advocate for Zachary and for the other families who get so bogged down in the everyday struggles that they are too tired to speak out about. Everyday has become a gift for me. This is a lesson that Zachary taught me pretty early on. Perhaps when you looked at my son, who got his nourishment from a feeding tube, used a wheelchair, couldnt talk like you or I, that was all you saw. If so, you were missing the real person. Zachary has been the greatest, most profound teacher I have ever known. Zachary taught me everyday that life is a challenge, that there are always little moments to treasure and that people need to see with their hearts instead of their eyes. The lessons of patience, tolerance, perseverance are ongoing and life altering. And there are many other things he taught me all the time that I'm not ready to accept. And perhaps acceptance might be his biggest lesson of all. He is survived by his mother Cynthia Smith of Fair Haven, by his maternal grandmother Donna Welch of Michigan, by his sisters, Autumn Gee of Granville, NY and Alycin Smith of Fair Haven also by several aunts and uncles. A Celebration of his life will be held on Friday May 30, 2014 at 6:15 P.M. with visiting hours from 5 P.M. until 6 P.M. at the Ducharme Funeral Home Inc., 1939 Main Street Castleton. The Rev. Marshall Hudson-Knapp will officiate. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Fair Haven Rescue Squad at 17 Prospect Street, Fair Haven, VT 05743 or to the ARC Rutland Area In care of Lisa S. Lynch Executive Director,128 Merchants Row, Suite 302 Rutland, VT 05701 Arrangements are under the direction of the Ducharme Funeral Home Inc. www.ducharmefuneralhome.com