Hello everyone, my name is Chris Schmid, Jr. (or CJ), and this is my Dad, Chris Schmid Sr. On January 22nd, 2022, my dad passed away after fighting through COVID-19, five cardiac arrests, being put on life support and a ventilator, going through dialysis, and eventually infection in his blood, liver, and kidneys over 11 days. After being either in his room or Facetiming him every day to keep fighting, his heart, liver, and kidneys had failed at 9:55 AM after a sixth cardiac arrest.
He spent over twenty years working in the studio business, early in my life as a single father, making sure that he did everything possible to raise his boys well. We shared a life full of joy, laughter, what many have told me in recent days as "the best food you'll ever have," and more importantly, time as a family. When he retired in 2006, he dedicated his time solely to being the best dad he could be for us, and he succeeded.
2022 was going to be the year he would marry my stepmom, Cathy, who has raised me and my three younger brothers, Trevor, Jordan, and Dylan since she came into our lives in 2007. While that wedding will not happen, we know as a family his legacy will live on through all of us and all of you who considered my dad as a great friend and family member. In his honor, and in a traditional Chris-like manner, we will have a small cremation ceremony as a family and then host a Celebration of Life for all family members and friends to attend. My dad would hate to see those close to him be sad, so to host a Celebration of Life over a traditional funeral is what he would have wanted and had shared with us in the past was his preference.
This is where, hopefully, you come in. We want all of those in his life to share great stories about the man I was thankful to call my dad and how he touched so many lives. More importantly, we want to hear a happy memory or life lesson you share with Chris so that we all can see how impactful he was to us. His stories, laughter, and memories created with all of us mean more than any dollar amount could. If you can spare any amount to help fund a proper Celebration of Life fit for celebrating Chris and help with expenses for our family at this time in our lives, it would mean the absolute world. With your help, the funds we raise will help us set up and then announce a date, time, and venue for all of us to meet and share good memories about the man I loved so, so much.
My dad is my best friend. He taught me a sport I call my career and livelihood in golf, a passion for the outdoors that I will always cherish, and how to be a shining beacon of light like he was for so many of you. Thank you again, and I look forward to hearing all of your stories.
"If you care about someone and you have a little love in your heart, there ain't nothing you can't get through." - Ted Lasso