Chris Wertman RIP

[butch8908]

Originally Posted by NewHemi

My sincere thanks to all who posted here. Chris was indeed a unique individual and my best friend, as well as my only child.

Most people will never know how truly brilliant he was, and he always flavored that intelligence with wit and humor. He could see things from a perspective that was indeed unique, and he was never afraid to step into the unknown as he learned a great deal from every life experience, good or bad.

He was a dedicated son and even more dedicated father. Continue to pray for his children. 13 year old David Michael Wertman is expecially hard hit by the loss. Max, 6 years old and Isabella, also know that Dad is gone, but don't have the perspective to understand what that really means. Some of the sting is muted by the time over the last couple of weeks that David Michael was with chris, and the last week the two younger ones were also. At least they have that time as a memory to hold for all time.

Nobody expects their children to go before them. And as have been observed here, the truth is that Nobody is promised tomorrow. Live every day as if it is your last. It may be. Make sure that the ones you love, know that you love them every day. Apologize to everyone you have wronged, and forgive everyone who has wronged you. Even if you live forever, life is still too short. Live it as fully as you can.

Drag Pak #24 was largely a product of Chris' efforts. And it will go forward as long as I can keep it going. We still need to get down the track competively, but have no fear, that is about to happen. We will start laying down records and living up to everything that Chris said.

I faced my own mortality when diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, and can face this only though my faith in God, through my savior Jesus Christ. That doesn't mean that it is easy, but it does mean that I am not alone in my grief! He is with me.

Thanks again for your thoughs, good wishes, and prayers.

David

My prayers and thoughts go out to you and his family. Also, to his crew, who we got to meet and know through his posts on CRF. I am not a racer, just a fan that loves to take pictures of S/SS and was looking forward to meeting him if he ever got to Charlotte or Atlanta in the fall.
His wit and good natured posts will be missed as I know his family will miss him also. God Bless you and his children and crew.

[treessavoy]

I'm numb.

How can this be?

Life is so fickle, so hard yet so easily lost.

Rest in peace my friend and know that you left only good behind and friends that will miss you.

My heart goes out to the family and friends.

Jim Rountree

[Jeff Lee]

I'm as shocked to hear about his passing as I am to find he was only 38. A lot of life went through that man and his parents should be proud.
I am glad to hear his dad will carry the torch as I'm sure his friends will. I chided Chris to "let it all hang out" as him and I see racing in the same light. It's on to the record books for #24 in memoriam.
To his friends and family, we are saddened but please do not let the dream die!
RIP in racers heaven where the VP is always free!

[Dave Turner]

An unbelievably cruel outcome to a truly amazing account of one man's determination. Chris represented a vanishing breed of individual; seemingly undeterred by setback and fearless in the pursuit of success. One could not help but be captivated by his accounts of the thrashes in the shop, the road trips and the small victories.

A Star Wars character, short in stature but long in wisdom said: "Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try."

I think Drooze may have been a fan of that little guy.

[Mike Fuller]

Originally Posted by Dave Turner

An unbelievably cruel outcome to a truly amazing account of one man's determination. Chris represented a vanishing breed of individual; seemingly undeterred by setback and fearless in the pursuit of success. One could not help but be captivated by his accounts of the thrashes in the shop, the road trips and the small victories.

A Star Wars character, short in stature but long in wisdom said: "Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try."

I think Drooze may have been a fan of that little guy.

I couldn't have said it better. Thanks for these words Dave, I have struggled to come up with something I thought fitting.

RIP Chris.

[SCOTT SST2871]

I too dont know what to say,rest in peace chris,take care of yourself david and remember your dad kids
scott

[darkside]

Wow, what a shock. RIP Chris!

[ChevyII]

This is truly a tragic story and very surreal. I did not know Chris but he had such a profound effect in the short time he posted here at Class Racer.

After trying to post a reply on several occassions, what does one say about an individual who did so much in so little time. His posts were many and some controversial but Chris taught us all that passion, being positive and never giving up, are all true qualities we strive to achieve in our short lives.

My condolences to David, Mandie and Chris' children and family who were blessed to have Chris in their lives. RIP in Drooze. We will miss you.

Mike Ferstl