Paradise mourns the passing of Chef Chip Mercer
November 17th, 2008
Paradise mourns the sudden and unexpected loss of our beloved Executive Chef, Chip Mercer. Chip had been a member of the Paradise family since early 2007 and never failed to amaze us with his culinary creations, which he took great pride in preparing to the highest standards. Visitors from all over the world were blessed with his food during their trips to Paradise, and we were privileged to enjoy it each day at work. He was happy to share his expertise with others and provided many of his best-loved dishes as Recipes of the Week on our website.
In addition to filling the Paradise kitchen with his expert cuisine, Chef Mercer grew his own heirloom produce and organic gardens and added a beautiful touch to the Paradise grounds with his professional landscaping talent. He loved the many animals that call Paradise home and could often be found sneaking gourmet treats to his favorites.
Paradise owner Gary Kenworthy shares, “Chip Mercer’s skills as a chef surpassed anyone whose creations we have ever sampled. Having him made us consider going out to a fine restaurant an unpleasant chore. But, that’s not why he meant so much to Paradise. His personality and temperament, his wit and kindness, his friendly attitude and willingness to share his knowledge and expertise, made him fit in perfectly at Paradise. Everyone associated with Paradise, whether visitor, staff, or long-time friend, loved him. He brought something to Paradise that can never be duplicated. I guess God heard about his talent and decided he was needed up there. Our condolences go out to his family and we mourn with them his passing. Chef Chip Mercer will be sorely missed.”
Chip is survived by his wife Shawna, his sons Josh and Caleb, and his favorite dog, Mikey.
November 18th, 2008 at 10:53 am
I am so sorry to hear this news. Chip was such a wonderful person, and we will miss him so much. Christine and I spent a lot of time chatting with Chip (and getting special samples of cookies and snacks) while at Paradise. I was so sad to hear this, and I’m sure everyone reading this is as well.
Chip was also a very caring person. One of the first times I met him, his new puppy had accidentally locked himself in Chip’s car on a hot summer day. Chip was so worried, and between a few coat hangers and an attempt to break the window, we rescued the little guy! I could tell Chip cared so much for both animals and people, and I think he really found a home at Paradise. I know he loved it there.
He will not be forgotten! We can all be thankful for the time we had with him, and he will be very missed.
-Jason Parmer
November 18th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
I am still stunned by Wanda’s call Monday morning. I have lost not only a co-worker, but a dear friend and confidant. Chip was one of the most compassionate and forgiving people I have ever known. He had a special talent for seeing the best in people. He loved those he came in contact with and was devoted to his family. He lived each day and worked to provide his boys with every opportunity possible. He was always doing for others, and willing to help those with troubles. I love and miss Chip. He always made my day with his warm greeting each morning and made me feel special. I miss him terribly and will never forget him. My heart goes out to his family I know his shoes will be hard to fill.
Theresa and Jeff Weaver
November 18th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
I am sad to hear this news. It is so tragic and hard to believe.
Chip was great human being and a talented Chef, I had the pleasure of working with him on a few occasions,and have eaten his culinary creations more than a few times , I will always remember him at Vine Street, his Boursin stuffed Tendeloin with caramelized onions was one of my favorites.
He will be missed by many. I will not forget him or his work, I am thankful to have had the chance to know him and to have tasted his incredible food.
My thoughts are with his family.
~Rick Wright
November 18th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
After the shock of hearing of Chip’s passing, I was consumed by an overwhelming sadness. I fear I will be for some time to come.
Chip had become one of my very dearest friends. We spent many happy hours at Paradise visiting , talking about family, admiring the horses, sharing recipes. He was always there to greet me when I arrived at the farm. Always a smile on his face. A “Hey girl how’s it goin?” and a hug.
My trip to Paradise today was extremely difficult, knowing he would not be there. Everywhere you look, there is a “touch of Chip”.
He may be gone from this world, but he will never be forgotten by those of us who came to love him.
Gary and I and our entire family extend our deepest heartfelt sympathies to Chip’s family.
We’ll miss you “Mr. Chips”.
Mary & Gary Putman
November 18th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
We were devastated to hear of Chip’s passing. What a special and talented young man.
Chip told me he loved working at Paradise. He said he had found his dream job.
I am quite certain I will never forget him.
Donna & Andy Gogal
November 18th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
I always enjoyed my trips to Paradise when I was able to chat with Chip. He always had a smile on his face, would eagerly share cooking tips, enjoyed going into great detail about some wonderous dish he had prepared. Just look at that picture of him preparing the salads. You can see the anticipation in his expression, knowing his guests would enjoy every bite.
The meals I had there were always delicious. When he had served the meal, and Wanda would ask him to tell us what was before us, Chip seemed to puff up his chest and would give a description that would rival any 5-star restaurant in the world. I’ll miss that greatly.
November 18th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
We met Chip through Mary and Gary Putman, and as guests to the Paradise Arabians farm. Bob and I knew from our first introduction to Chip that we were meeting someone with a true love, understanding, and gift for creating food treasures. He was a gentle young man, who, when you watched him create, made you appreciate and savor each and every dish he prepared. We could truly see how much he loved what he did. Our prayers and sympathies go out to his family and the entire Paradise Arabians family. We thank you all for sharing with us this wonderful person you loved so much. Bob and Dorie Inderbitzen
November 18th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
I was privileged to be on the receiving end of Chip’s Recipes of the Week, as I posted them on the website. I always got excited when I’d receive a new “batch” of them in his creative handwriting. He couldn’t believe that people wanted to see it instead of the recipes being typed, but everyone loved it.
Chip’s presence was one of the things I most looked forward to when coming to visit Paradise. He was such a delightful addition to the staff and looked so proud to be wearing his Master Chef Jacket with the Paradise logo and his name. He was passionate about his art and couldn’t wait for me to put his bio up on the website for the world to see. I loved watching him spoil the dogs with snacks and how he always had human snacks out for us between meals, always wanting to take care of everyone. His food was unsurpassed and I ALWAYS left Paradise a couple of pounds heavier. I was blessed to know him and inspired by his dedication to his craft–he pursued perfection and, in my opinion, attained it.
November 18th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
We were shocked to hear of Chip`s passing. We had the pleasure recently of meeting Chip during a visit to the farm, and enjoyed his wonderful meals. He was indeed a very nice man, and certainly a talented chef. I am sure he will be missed by all. Our deepest sympathies to his family, and to all of you at Paradise Farms.
Hodge and Marilyn Soileau
November 18th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
I have known Chip since high school and would run into he and Shawna from time to time. He never changed. He always made me laugh even through bad times. He even taught me to cook a few things a long time ago! I was so shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. My son Matthew passed away on November 17th, 2006. My heart is broken for Shawna, Josh, and Caleb, but I can have a small bit of comfort knowing that Chip is up there teaching Matthew all his bad habits. You will be greatly missed.
Martha Bennett Gregory
November 18th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Two good friends of mine just called this evening to tell me the very sad news. Chip and I dated for 3 years when we still kids in our early twenties, and I have always had nothing but fond memories of our time together and friendship. I have thought of him often, remembering his humor and sweet personality. Chip was not only good to me but loving and friendly to everyone he knew. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Shawna, his sister Anna, his mother, and all his friends and family. We’ll miss you, Chip.
Rosie Jolly
November 18th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Shanwna, Josh and Clay- We were blessed by food prepared by Chef Mercer. In the short time we have known this man; he has been soo kind to our family. The Heithold’s I can not imagage how difficult the loss is for yor family. If there is ANYTHING we can do for your family call me.
November 19th, 2008 at 4:08 am
We weren’t lucky enough to know Chip for years, bu our hearts and prayers go out to Shawna, the boys and Mikey. Chip was typically the first person we saw each time we arrived at Paradise and his welcome hug and cheerful smile will be sorely missed.
Chip was one in a million. Not only was he an awesome chef, he was always happiest when he was talking about his dream job and his love for Paradise and everyone who visited. He was himself a treat. Chip will be sorely missed but never forgotten by those of us who were priviledged enough to meet him and spend time talking with him.
Mercedes & Seth
November 19th, 2008 at 5:50 am
I am so shocked, it is hard to believe that Chip is gone so young, too young to leave this world. My heart goes out to his family and everyone that loved him. He was such a good friend and he loved sharing his wonderful meals with everyone. He would sometimes sit and talk with us while we ate, and share his special recipes. Every visit to Paradise was met with a smile and a hug from Chip. He will be missed so much, I never met such a friendly and fun person in my life. I always bragged about Chip to everyone when I told them about Paradise. He loved his career at Paradise, and was such a hard worker. I enjoyed meeting Shawna one weekend right after Chip started working at Paradise. Chip his family and everyone at Paradise are in my prayers.
November 19th, 2008 at 7:14 am
What a terrible tradgedy and shock. I’ve been in the duldrums all week, as I’m sure many of you have. Not only was Chip amazingly talented at his chosen craft, but he had a gift of love coming through in his creations. I always looked forward to our converations and seeing what he would come up with next. We have all been blessed by knowing him and may his compassion and giving spirit be an example to us all. And to Chip’s family ~ I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I pray God will comfort you in knowing that Chip was loved dearly by many and will be deeply missed.
November 19th, 2008 at 7:14 am
Chip, this is your Uncle Jack. I’ll remember how impressed I’ve always been with your mild temperament. It’s as if you’ve always seen the “longview” and never been ruffled by any momentary concerns. Your soothing and calming influence will be sorely missed in this world.
I was thinking happy thoughts about you just the day before your transition. “Emahpoosani”, little brother. See you at that banquet in the sky. Save a place for me.
November 19th, 2008 at 7:48 am
We visited Paradise Arabians this summer and met Chip and enjoyed his delicious food. Chip was a true “artist” and a dear person. He was one of those guys who are just compfortable to be with. We know he will be missed so very much.
Please accept our sincere sympathy. We can’t believe this has happened to such a young, truly good person.
We have you in our prayers and will continue to keep all of you in our hearts.
November 19th, 2008 at 8:31 am
I am so terribly sorry to hear of Chip’s untimely passing. Chip was a wonderful person who always gave me a hug when I went out to the farm, no matter how long it had been since I had been out there. He always remembered whatever it was that was going on last time I had been there and asked me how it ended up. His wit and “tongue in cheek” comments never ceased to bring a smile to my face. He was great at his work and great in life and he is sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and everyone at the farm.
November 19th, 2008 at 9:23 am
We were floored when we heard the news that Chip had passed away. Still can’t quite comprehend that someone so vibrant and happy is no longer with us here on earth. Even though we had just met Chip last weekend (and enjoyed some of the finest meals we’ve ever had!), it was clear to both my husband and me that Chip was not only a talented chef - he was also blessed to have been working with people who truly appreciated his talents and friendship…Those involved in any way with Paradise viewed him not as an employee, but as a treasured family member. His smile will be remembered for years to come.
Thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children, and to his Paradise family.
November 19th, 2008 at 9:27 am
I was deeply saddened and dumbfounded to hear of Chip’s untimely death. My heartfelt sympathies go out to Shawna and the boys, to Anna, his dear sister, and the rest of his family, and to all those who knew him. I never honestly heard anyone say an unkind or harsh word about Chip; he was simply one of those rare and incredible people who everyone seemed to like. I will always cherish the memories of days and nights long ago when Chip was able to make a mayonnaise and “whatever” sandwich taste like a gourmet meal. And even though the years and the complications of life caused me to rarely see him when I did on occasion run into him Chip inevitably made it seem like it was only yesterday since we had seen each other and not years. His smile, humor, and wit made everyone he encountered at ease and feel special. My thoughts and prayers to all those who knew and loved Chip, we have lost a very special person.
November 19th, 2008 at 9:44 am
I worked with Chip for a few months, after my brother passed away on May 3, 2008, and he helped me gain the insight necessary to grieve with such a tragic event. Chip always looked at me with such empathy and sympathy. Anyone who knew him felt as though they had known him for years. He treated everyone as an equal and loved what he did. His sense of humor was unbelievable. Most nights, when Chip, my brother and I were working together we would end the evening with what he called a “meat cap,” essentially just beef. We loved to eat and had fun working together. He was always willing to talk to me about any problems that I had and would be more than willing to share his wisdom with me. Chip had a picture, on his phone, of my brother smoking a cigarette and powdering cupcakes at the same time. It’s hilarious, and Chip thought it was too. He was a great human being, and he understood the world. Chip I hope that you and my brother are there somewhere, smoking cigarettes, powdering cupcakes and having a goodnight’s “meat cap.” Thank-you Chip for your wisdom and kindness. I will never forget you Chipper. You are an amazing soul, who just seemed to get it.
November 19th, 2008 at 9:44 am
I am so very sorry to recieve the message of the sudden passing of Chip Mercer. His mother is one of my grandest friends. I met Chip at Coolidge Park during Walk For The Cure. I was very impressed with his many talents as a chef and a gardener. He will be missed by everyone that has ever known him. My prayers are with you, Kay, an your family.
November 19th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Goodbye to Chip, a beautiful soul who easily made me love him from the moment he flashed that first smile. As if he knew me before, like dear friends reunited even from our very first meeting. I too agree with so many posters who note that he just seemed to “get it”. Just being near him felt warm. And to my dear friend Shawna, who has a long road of grieving ahead. May the quiet strength he exuded be your guide now, and may you always feel his presence cheering you on. Truly, there are no words for such a loss.
November 19th, 2008 at 11:04 am
i miss chip sooooooooooooooooooooooooo much he was the best. he always made me whatever i wanted.
November 19th, 2008 at 11:19 am
I am deeply saddened to here of Chip’s untimely passing. Chip was one of the greatest people that I ever had the pleasure of nowing. He was a friend
and co-worker of mine at Soutside Grill. Chip was a joy to work with, even on a bad day that I did not want to work, just nowing that I would share my shift with Chip somehow made it ok. My heart goes out to Shawna and the rest of Chip’s family. Peace out my friend!
November 19th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
I met Chip when I started working at Southside Grill several years ago. I was surprised to learn that he had also been my neighbor for years. He was so gentle and kind and working with him was always a pleasure. He had a certain wit about him that will never be matched. Over the years I was invited to his house - talking with him and Shawana and the boys, watching T.V., having a few beers and laughing - always a lot of laughter. Inevitably we’d get hungry and Chip would always whip something up and it was always great. After Southside closed and we all went out seperate ways I still kept in touch with Chip. I could always call him or just stop by and hang out. He ALWAYS greeted people with a hug and treated everyone as his neighbor. I feel blessed to have been his neighbor and friend. I am still in shock that Chip is no longer with us. I hope the family finds comfort in the fact that Chip touched so many lives and will never be forgotten. I love you, Chip and already miss you.
John Allen
p.s. holler
November 19th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
i still miss chip and i want to talk to him right now.i cant even explian how sad i am.why did he have to die? he was such a great person! tear, tear. he always tried so hard to do what was best for me. i want him back!
November 19th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Now and again, someone passes through your life that adds so much while requiring so little that they become a welcomed joy and automatic smile. Chip was that to Tanya and I, and his passing has left a void that has brought tears to our hearts and eyes. His down-to-earth personality and dry humor endeared him to us the moment we met, and in such a short time, we grew to know and love “cooky”.
The farm will always be the farm, the barn will always be the barn, the times there will always be good, but the kitchen will never be the same.
We love and miss you dear friend, and we hope God enjoys your company and culinary arts as much as we have. Thanks for the opportunity to know you.
Don and “Krykee”
November 19th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Wow! How devastating can life get sometimes . . . Chip seems to have set a Golden Standard for the way to live your own life, to the best-possible affect on those you touch. We should all be so fortunate to have loved, and to have been loved by others, as this man.
As Shawna’s uncle, I have only known Chip from those rare family visits of each year or so — and am sorely sorry that I didn’t get to see him one more time on this last week’s visit. I am envious of you others that got to share the joy of Chip in your life on a regular basis.
Heaven has gained a huge asset . . .
November 19th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Imagine, while yet in your youth, achieving a family, career and art that you passionately love. Chip’s was a life marked by success of the most enviable sort - the respect and affection of the souls he encountered. God bless those who will mourn Chip’s absence, especially his Dad, Mike, who found such pride and delight in his lovely son. My heart is heavy with sorrow for Chip’s loss.
Paula Parker
November 19th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
My heart goes out to all of you in this time of sorrow. Although no words can help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in my every thought and prayer. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead and may you take comfort in knowing an angel is watching over you.
-Terea Campbell
November 19th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
I have known Chip (through my younger sister Kathleen)since they were in high school together. He was a great friend to my sister and we always considered him and Anna part of our extended family. Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife, children and Anna. Our Prayers are with you all.
November 19th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
We had a busy week last week and Chip kept complaining with a back ache. He planted all the flowers on the bank outside the barn (he loved to garden and we all loved how it turned out). He also told me he did pushups to show Shawna up, and had pulled a muscle in his back, but not to tell her because she would think he was a crybaby. We neither one thought much about it, since he had worked hard on the yard. He told me he had a pinched nerve and I told him to ice it. A few days later, he was hurting worse and then his jaw started hurting, but he blamed it on his tooth. We all at the barn suggested he go to the Dr, but he simply didn’t want to. He knew it was just a muscle spasm..he kept telling us. He cooked dinner for a group here Saturday night. Got finished and told me he was leaving. I told him to have a good “rest” Sunday and Monday. He said “See you Tues boss”. I got the call from Shawna Monday morning. I am so Sad…Mad…Hurt…that I didn’t get to tell him goodbye or drive him to the Dr myself. I can’t believe we didn’t recognize the signs that something was wrong with his heart. He was my dear friend. We laughed about so many things and now he is gone. How can this be? What will we do without him? It is not the same in the kitchen without out Chip. This kitchen was built just for him. We picked out the dishes, pots & pans and he loved it. I loved seeing him there everyday. Oh, Chip…how did this happen? May God Bless Shawna & the boys and all your family. Chip, I loved you like family and it was a pleasure having you and Mikey (his dog) here daily. It was a pleasure to know you! Your garden is beautiful just like you were.
Wanda Kenworthy
November 19th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
We just can not believe Chip is gone. We met Chef Chip In September this year. Both my sister, Bettie and I were so impressed with his creations on our visit. We had three beautiful meals that Chip prepared for us. Each one made us look forward to the next. We wanted to take him home with us, Wanda of course, would not let him go.
His green fried tomatoes were unsurpassed. I have been making them for 30 years and mine cannot compare. His apple cake, we came home with the recipe and my sister made it 3 times in 3 weeks. I took pictures of the lovely plates that he presented us with. We were delighted to have had the chance to know Chip. We know Chip was family to Paradise Farms.
We were both so sadden to hear of Chef Chips passing and cannot express our sympathy to both his wife Shawna and children and too his Paradise family.
I was told “Our Chef will knock your socks off” with his cooking before we arrived and that he did. We do miss you Chip.
Sending our prayers to all. May God comfort and be with you.
In loving memory of our Chip.
November 19th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Chip was a very dear friend. I’m sorry we lost touch.
I love you Chip!
Richard
November 20th, 2008 at 5:03 am
I was so saddened to hear from Mary that Chip had passed away, what a loss to everyone who knew him.
I had only met him a few times,and it was and shall always be with fond memories of his quick wit and wonderful personality and spectacular culinary skills.
I am sure he will be missed by all who knew, worked with and loved.
You are all in my thoughts.
Becky Kindelberger,
Stanley New York
November 20th, 2008 at 7:11 am
Miss Erin Witt, my thoughts exactly!
I used to tell Chip that he was my better 60%.
When people used to ask, “How’s Chip?” Most of the time, I’d say: “Beautiful!” And he was so beautiful.
He will always be my hero and the love of my life.
If ya’ll thought he spoiled you at the farm…you should’ve seen him at home.
Chip was my best friend and the most precious husband. I will always miss him.
Thank you all for your kind words and sharing stories. Thank you Christine for all your work with the website. Thank you Wanda & Gary for sharing your website and farm for us all to remember & celebrate Our Chippy!
November 20th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Michael and I are just devastated about Chip. We loved him and better yet,we liked him. He was always welcoming and accepting. You had fun being around him. Wicked sense of humor!
He always had a hug for me. Always. You could talk to him about anything because he was so smart and knew a little about everything. I loved to talk about cooking with him because it was a shared passion.
He was always busy at family gatherings. Always cooking for others or helping out in some way. On the day of my Dad’s memorial service, he planted a rose garden for my Mom.
Chip was a great husband. He gave Shawna the gift of unconditional love. Everyone needs that.
I don’t really know what to say because words just can’t express the way we feel about the loss.
Love,
Aunt Gwen
November 20th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
To the family that is Paradise, and to Chips’ family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. We will miss seeing Chip at our next visit to Paradise. When we visited we always had our 5 year old Jackson in tow and Chip went out of his way to greet him and offer one of his masterpiece cookies. He was a special person who added to a special place and made our time there more meaningful and memorable.
November 20th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Kay, Kay, Kay . . . I am so sorry to hear the news of your son’s death. How does a mother lose a son? Reading all the above stories about Chip, he must have been a character and truly loved by his friends and co-workers. Prayers are lifted for you, and especially for his wife and chldren. What a tradegy. (Kay and I attended NDHS together and were close friends and only within the past few years have reconnected - we were to lunch last week.) Again, I am so very, very sorry.
JTE
November 20th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Chip was such a bright spirit. When I worked with him at Southside Grill many years ago…he was kind and smiling even on the toughest of days. He had such a sparkle in his eyes and smile, his bright spirit was contagious. Shawna, you and you family are in my thoughts…
November 21st, 2008 at 12:36 pm
My dearest Shawna,
Words cannot describe how I am feeling for you right now. I was devastated to read that line in Nikie’s email telling me that Chip died in his sleep Monday night. One just goes about their lives as if everything is like any other normal day… and then something like this happens…
I am just so, so sad for you. I know how much you loved Chip and how good he was to you, not because I knew him all that well (in fact, I think I had only met him 3, maybe 4 times in all these past years), but because you told me so. Oh, how my heart breaks for you right now. I would love to ease your pain, but that is not possible, is it?
Just know that I am thinking of you every day, and yes, praying for you too. May you feel God’s comforting arms around you, for I know they are there…
Love you so much,
Debbie
November 21st, 2008 at 4:58 pm
it was nice meeting you today mrs. mercer. im very sorry about chip. im sorry i didnt take the book! i said that without thinking! im sorry! woops! i miss chip alot.
November 23rd, 2008 at 7:26 am
I had only exchanged a few hundred words with Chip but I was looking forward to getting to know him.
November 23rd, 2008 at 10:21 am
The gathering for Chip at the Paradise Arabian Farm was beautiful and heart warming and I know Chip would be so grateful for the support of his fiends and family.
As we saw there was alot of love expressed by everyone. The warm address that Wanda gave expressed how much they enjoyed having Chip as one of their family members and his remarkable talents.
We cannot question why this has happened, but we know he is in another Paradise.
He was the most wonderful son, and we will surely miss him!
We love you Chipper.
Dad and Judy Mercer
November 23rd, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Dan and I are so deeply saddened at the loss of Chip. He was such a fine young man and a delight to be around from the first time we met. It is without saying that he was a Master at whatever he did and he will be greatly missed. His passing at such a young age is hard to understand and our prayers go out to his wife and young sons.
Wanda and Gary, We feel so bad for your pain and wish we knew some words to soften your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers as well as his family. Love, Dan and Gail
November 23rd, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Chip was my cousin and definatley a role model of mine. I will never forget him playing air guitar to Primus while we we’re closing up the kitchen at The Vine Street Market. I look back on the time I worked with him and smile. We had great conversations about everything from UFO’s to governement conspiracies. Whenever there was a family gathering, my first question would always be “Are Chip and Shawna going to be there?” I really felt like he cared about people. He always knew exactly what to say to make you feel better. I learned so much from him about so many things. He was a true artist and just an all around cool person. His passing was a great shock and I will never forget him. Here’s to you Chip.
November 25th, 2008 at 6:51 am
Dear Shawna
As you remember, Ken and I knew you and Chip since we began dating and Vine Street Market became “our place.” You have remained our “children” since then and we have kept in touch in some way - frequenting where Chip was working, through friends or running into each other for the last 22 years. Chip was a big teddy bear with a great spirit. For a couple of summers, we shared our yard and he created his own garden. We would come home to special surprises that he left for our consumption on the porch rail! As many have said, he always had a smile and a hug to give. I missed seeing him since he had taken his career to Dalton but had heard he had found his “Paradise.” Shawna, take care of yourself for Chip and know you are loved.
Love,
Nita & Ken