Zelamire Petrus Terluin

Zel spent his early years in the Netherlands before immigrating with his family to Palo Alto, California, in 1961. Growing up surrounded by his close-knit extended family, he formed lifelong bonds with his cousins. He graduated from Palo Alto High School in 1973 and attended West Valley College. Zel worked as a driver for the Palo Alto Ambulance Service and later for Kelly-Moore Paints.

He married Margie on September 21, 1980, at Lake Tahoe, and their son, Daniel, was born in 1981. The family moved to Maui in 1989, where Zel continued his paint career at Sullivan's House of Color and learned pizza making at Wiki Wiki Pizza in Kihei. He later served as Resident Manager at Maui Banyan and then at Keonekai Villages, where he worked for nearly 28 years before retiring in 2021.

Zel had a gift for music and enjoyed singing throughout his life. After the passing of their son Daniel in 2001, Zel and Margie joined Kihei Lutheran Church, where he became an active member of the choir, hand chimes, and the quartet Forgiven. He also served on the Church Council and took pride in caring for the church facilities.

His community involvement extended beyond the church. Zel was Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 66 and later helped form Troop 22, serving for more than a decade. He was a proud member of the original Maui County CERT team. Zel sang joyfully with the Maui Chamber Orchestra's Chorale, singing under the direction of Music Director and Conductor Bob Wills, performing at the Iao Theatre and the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.

Zel touched countless lives during his 36 years on Maui. He will be remembered for his love of his dear wife, Margie and son Daniel, his San Francisco 49ers and his kindness, compassionate dedication, and generous spirit.

A memorial service will be held on April 18 at 11:00 a.m. at Kihei Lutheran Church, 220 Moi Place, with lunch to follow.