Chester “Chet” Peter Zalewski passed away on Jan. 22 at the age of 43. A loving son and brother as well as a wonderful friend, Chet will be greatly missed.

Gardener. Brewer. Grill master. Passionate Redskins fan. Mischievous wit with a great laugh. Chet had many sides. Although he sometimes tried to look gruff and friends often teased him about his Clint Eastwood character like harrumphs, everyone really knew him better. Chet was an excellent listener with a big heart, always willing to offer a hug or a shoulder to cry on. He was a real animal lover and even the most standoffish of pets warmed up to him quickly.

Chet loved to be outside in the sunshine, gardening, enjoying the horse races, accompanying friends to numerous festivals and events, or just working around the house. Chet was an excellent handyman and the fences he built and other work he completed at his brother’s new home will be a lasting testament to his skills with his hands.

An avid reader and movie buff, Chet’s eclectic tastes ranged from history and politics to westerns, comedies, science fiction and everything in between. He was an analytical thinker and put the same thought and study into all of his pursuits, whether it was creating his next ingenious beer recipe, planning out his blackjack and poker strategies for an upcoming trip to Las Vegas, or beating his friends soundly at chess and other board games.

Chet is survived by his father Chet Zalewski and his brother Michael Zalewski.

A viewing will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27 at Crippen Mortuary, 2900 Honolulu Ave., La Crescenta, with rosary at 7 p.m.

Funeral services for Chet will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28 at St. James the Less Catholic Church, 4625 Dunsmore Ave. in La Crescenta.

www.CrippenMortuary.com