Chad Vandelogt

Chad Paul Vandelogt, 43, passed away suddenly on June 4, 2019.

There will be a celebration of Chad's life on Friday, June 21, 2019 from 4:30-7:30 at Cherokee Regional Park, 700 Cherokee Heights Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55107.

In a blink he was gone from this world, a victim of severe depression, a disease that, in spite of his long, hard fight, proved incurable.  A man who was often a comfort to those around him could not escape the inner chaos that medicine could not cure, counsellors could not quiet, and our affection and love could not adequately soothe.

He very much loved his wife, Molly, his daughter, River, and his son, Michael.  He is also survived by his mother and father, Mike and Paulette, whom he not only loved but admired deeply, as well as his brother Josh. We would be remiss in not mentioning his devoted dogs, Rocky and Milo.

Chad loved music, motorcycles and his family.  He had a generous heart and a large laugh.  He helped many a lost friend find their way back to the light of sobriety.

Emerson said, “When it is darkest, we can see the stars.”  This past week, those stars all went dark for Chad.

In a blink he’s lost. An unexpected moment for most of us, but the end of a long dark night for the few closest to him.

He leaves behind family and friends whom he loved, to carry on, carry on.  Questions unanswered, pain unrelenting. An end that was neither kind nor meaningful, it just was.  A blink.

The mornings will not be the same. Nor the days. Nor the nights.  Life is cruel. So is death. The question of the day is, “WTF?”.  The answer a painful shake of the head.

Chad was a good husband, father, and friend; a good man but a tormented soul.  Our message to anyone out there suffering from depression comes from Eleni Pinnow, who wrote, “Know this, depression lies and we must tell the truth.  Depression builds a fortress through which light cannot shine. Here is the truth. You have value. You have worth. You are loved. Trust the voices of those who love you. Trust the enormous chorus of voices that say only one thing: You matter. Depression lies. We must tell the truth."

A Go Fund Me Page has been created to directly support Molly, River, and Michael as they find their footing and forge their way along this path they’d never imagined.  While we don’t know precisely what those costs will be, we can imagine that help will be needed. (click here)

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Chad Paul Vandelogt, please visit our Tree Store.