Peter Martin Zapf Obituary
Peter Martin Zapf was an exceptional father, mentor, and friend. He passed away suddenly on February 17, 2022, in his home on Bainbridge Island, Washington at age 53.
Peter was born in Douala, Cameroon, and spent the first decade of his life living and traveling abroad with his family. From an early age, it was evident that his level of intelligence, curiosity, and drive fell far above what was considered normal. Peter took college entrance exams in middle school, skipped 8th grade, and not once bragged about his running list of accomplishments.
He received an ROTC full-tuition scholarship to Carnegie Mellon University, where he earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Engineering and Public Policy. While serving almost five years in the U.S. Air Force, Peter snuck in his first graduate degree in Computer Science from Troy State University before earning an M.B.A at Thunderbird School of Global Management.
Unsurprisingly, Peter had a distinguished career. Most recently, he was the CIO at Global Sources which took him to Hong Kong and Singapore for nearly 20 years. Peter’s friends and colleagues describe him as precise, clear in explanation, dependable, and a man of integrity. Indeed, Peter generously shared these qualities with his vast network of devoted friends and family, who loved, respected, and trusted him. Peter was an extraordinary person.
As much as Peter thrived in his professional life, being a father to his son Henrik, 12, was his greatest joy and privilege. Peter was a caring, patient, and model parent to Henrik.
Peter was preceded in death by his father, Martin L. Zapf; and his sister, Martha C. Spoonamore.
Peter is survived by the mother of his child, Suzanne Zapf; Henrik; his devoted mother, Jutta Zapf; mother-in-law, Marilyn Mitchell; father-in-law Chris Duffy, step-mother-in-law, Judy Duffy; and sisters Mariko Zapf and Susan Straszynski; as well nieces and nephews who looked up to their Uncle Pete.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Peter to Summer Search, a non-profit organization that empowers young people through a comprehensive mentoring and experiential learning program.
