Lake Forest resident had zest for life

He died climbing a mountain, just one of the passions of Russell Scott Zenko of Lake Forest.

Known affectionately by family as "Scottie", the 36-year-old auction consultant was in Alta, Utah getting his legs ready for ski racing when he was felled unexpectedly by a heart attack, Aug. 22.

"He was an extraordinary personality," said his mother, Jere Zenko of Mettawa. "He had that gift that few of us have."

An avid golfer and competitive skier, he raced for the Pink Taco Team in Alta, and was a member of the Onwentsia Club in Lake Forest, and Racquet and Tennis Club in New York.

Zenko had a commanding presence, but was spirited and upbeat with a keen sense of people. He had friends of all ages all across the world.

"He was an incredible force," Jere Zenko said. "He was a bit of a throwback, a totally honorable guy but he lit up a room."

He grew up in Chicago and went to the Latin School. He also attended the exclusive Hotchkiss boarding school in Connecticut, and graduated from Hobart College, where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Society and its executive council.

Survivors include his mother and father, John Zenko, a sister, Starrett, a half-sister Sallyann and a godson, Brooks Pearce.

A memorial service set for 4 p.m. Sept. 4 at St. Chrysostoms Church, 1424 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. A celebration of his life will be held Sept. 9 at the Racquet and Tennis Club in New York. Additional services will be Sept. 12 at Alta Mountain.