“The trick is to care about everyone without caring what they think.” I saw this quote hours after Chad was so tragically taken from us during the storm on Saturday, May 21, 2022. This is how Chad lived everyday of his 44 years. He never left an interaction without telling the people in his life, how much they meant to him, and how much he loved them. If you were with him in person, you better believe there was a hug involved, and countless goodbyes as he followed you out, and down the driveway.
Chad grew up in Kanata, Ontario with his loving family of four, always surrounded by friends and his extended family. They had a trailer up at Waterways Campground, on the Big Rideau, where he developed his love for fishing, camping and the outdoors.
As a teen, he worked at the A&W in the Hazeldean Mall. Even in his 40's, he called it “the best job I ever had”. He loved telling stories of wearing the mascot costume at events, and how the “Ringer'' burger he invented won a prize and was put on the menu. Man, Chad loved his burgers.
His Honda CRF 450 and 50’s were a huge part of his life. Havin’ a time with friends ripping the 50’s, jumping the big bikes at the sand pit, and trail riding. The 50 was there at the beginning of our love story, at our wedding, as we rode off into the sunset, and now on our adventures with our girls. The girls would say “It’s my bike now Daddy” and he didn’t care one bit, he loved nothing more than to watch Brynn ride and let Jovie take the throttle.
Chad was an amazing Heavy Equipment Operator. “I dig holes” for a living, is what he would say. He worked at Tomlinson and loved to wear his Taggart gear just to stir the pot and get a laugh. He didn’t always love the work, but he most definitely loved the people. His crew was his extended family, and I probably don’t have to tell you, because I’m sure he made you all feel it.
His family was everything to him and he was everything to us. He is survived by his loving wife Rhonda (nee Comeau); his two beautiful daughters, Brynn and Jovie; his parents, Bill and Nancy; his big brother, Trent; his father and mother-in-law, Mike and Sue; his brother and sister-in-law, Drew and Steph; his niece, Leighanna (Noah), and his nephews, Dylan, Owen and Kieran.
We don’t want to do this life without you Chad, but we are going to. We are going to follow your lead, live with authenticity, love hard, be present and do it all knowing your energy and love surrounds us. I sure hope you are havin’ a time up there, until we meet again.
Please join us as we celebrate Chad’s life in style at Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm, 2452 York's Corners Rd. Edwards, ON on Wednesday, June 15 between 3-7pm.
Professional services have been entrusted to Zohr Family Funeral Home, Renfrew. Memorial contributions may be made to the Canadian Congenital Heart Alliance online at www.zohrfuneralhome.com
Update: A go fund me page has been set up for Chad's daughters' education please follow the link below to donate. https://gofund.me/b3e40b3e