Obituary of Zain Matthew Justis

It is with unimaginable sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved son Zain Matthew Justis. Zain passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family and embraced with love on Sept. 29th, 2021 at the age of 18. Zain was born on Sept. 5th, 2003 to parents Matthew Justis and Linnea (Ackerman) Justis of Washougal. Zain battled non-Hodgkins lymphoma with fierce determination not to allow his disease to define him. He faced the uncertainties of his battle with a level of courage and maturity that amazed us daily and will inspire us perpetually. He was a warrior in the truest sense. Zain loved fishing, playing basketball, going on drives to nowhere in particular and all of his pets, but mostly his two cats. He was a picky eater but loved blue cheese. He was a cautious daredevil. He loved his job at Chuck’s Produce, albeit only for a short time, and would regularly drop by to check in between treatments. Zain was a loyal friend. He stayed close with a core group of friends, many of whom he’d known since birth. In his final days, his greatest joy came from marrying his longtime girlfriend Amy. That day was proof that perfect doesn’t need planning. Beauty in simplicity and simply beautiful. Zain proved that the only things necessary to live a life fulfilled was to fill your life with friends, family and love. Zain is survived by his wife Amy (Benson) Justis, parents Matthew and Linnea (Ackerman) Justis, his brother Barrett, his paternal grandparents Bryant and Susan Justis of Tucson, AZ, his paternal aunt and uncle Amy and Charles Weier, and cousins Elliot and Caroline of Minneapolis, MN, his maternal grandparents Kenneth Ackerman, Connie Collins and Tom Simmons, and his maternal uncle Heath Benard of Hammond, LA. Anyone who knew Zain or was impacted by his story are welcome to attend a celebration of his life to be held on Saturday October 23rd at the Washougal High School Gymnasium at 12:00. A graveside service at the Washougal Cemetery and reception at Klopman Farms (40910 SE 30th St. Washougal) immediately following. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Make a Wish-Oregon Chapter (www.wish.org). Please contact Straub’s Funeral Home in Camas, WA for more detailed service information.