Chancey

So, today is Chancey's B-day. The big dummy would have been 36. It is hard to put into words sometimes the effect that someone can have on you and others. Chancey lit up any room that he walked into. If you were lucky enough to be able to call him your friend, then your life was much better off for it. He made everyone feel as though they were the only person in the room when he talked to you. His focus was on the person he was talking too and not off in the distance. This was true whether he knew you for 20 minutes or 20 years. He was a larger than life human being and though I know he struggled with that burden from time to time, I know that he enjoyed that persona. Those that were closest to Chance can attest to the true human being that he was. He juggled father, husband, son, brother, uncle and friend better than anyone I have ever known. His light still shines as bright now as it ever did. I miss him, as I am sure plenty of others do.
Those who know me, know how I feel. There is a song by Pennywise called Bro-Hymn. It is a tribute to friends still here and those that are gone. It spells out the brotherhood that some of us had with Chancey better than I ever could, so I will share it here. In honor of Chance, from the TPC, Wagon, Ja, Fish, Todd, Fat Bob and anyone else that knew him the way we did.

BRO-HYMN by Pennywise

To our best friends,
Present past and beyond
Even though they weren't with us too long
Your life is the most precious thing that we could lose
While you were here the fun was never ending
Laugh a minute only the beginning
Chancey James Smith
this one's for you

Ever get the feeling you can't go on
Just remember whose side it is that you're on
You've got friends with you till the end
If you're ever in a tough situation we'll be there with no hesitation
Brotherhood's our rule that cannot bend
When you're feeling too close to the bottom
You know who it is you can count on
Someone will pick you up again
we can conquer anything together
All of us are bonded forever
if you die I die that's the way it is
- Pennywise

Rest in Peace, my brother. Happy Birthday

Shing