Editor: On Saturday, Oct. 9, I was one of the many who attended the celebration of life for Zino Mezoui, over here in Lake County. Last Tuesday, seeing Jan – Zino’s wife – she told me of the tremendous turnout for the similar event in Sonoma. It comes as no surprise to me.
I have been playing piano at Zino’s restaurant in Lake County on most Saturday evenings over the past year. I had planned to say words to the effect when those who wanted to speak were invited to do so. Zino’s sudden and senseless passing has deeply saddened me to the point where I knew I wouldn’t be able to speak.
As we go through this journey called life, it is truly rare we meet people like Zino. All who met Zino liked him immediately. This was voiced over and over by those speaking last Saturday and by the many conversations overheard at this memorial. It is not hard to imagine how my fondness for Zino quickly grew to love, seeing and interacting with this man weekly over those many months.
I am very grateful for the time I was able to spend with him.
I’ve always wanted to pattern my own life on the Jimmy Stewart character in the movie “It’s A Wonderful Life.” In Zino, I found my George Bailey. “He who is truly rich has friends.” Zino Mezoui clearly had too many friends to count.
I will miss my dear friend Zino so very much. I am so much the better, and privileged and honored, for having known him so well.
David Neft
Cobb, California
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