Chris,
Very sad news and a big loss to this and other forums. I talked to him a few times over the years on the phone and corresponded on the forums/PMs quite a bit.
I'm sure he appreciated your friendship more than he ever told you. If there is anything I can do to help in your efforts to keep zilchlabs up and running, just say the word.
RIP, Z. May you rest peacefully in a wankless afterlife.