Chuck McHose

Chuck McHose passed away on April 14th, 2020 at St. Mary's Hospital in Richmond, VA from complications of COVID-19. This is not a traditional obituary, as he would truly hate that. This is a tribute to him. Let's start with the basics. Chuck was a devoted, unconditionally loving husband. He was a supportive, helpful-at-all-times, unconditionally loving father and grandfather. He was a minister, a friend, a teacher, a carpenter, a golfer, a musician, a tennis player, a coach, and at times, a used car and tennis racket salesman. Chuck was the most generous man most of us will ever know. He was quick to help, eager to give, and demonstrated his love for the world through his service. Most of all, he was kind. He saw potential in everyone. He placed trust in everyone. He was a teacher at heart. Whether he was giving a sermon, performing a wedding, or sitting drinking a cup a scalding hot coffee with you, you were going to learn something. He did this, seemingly, without even trying. He was humble. He never would believe he had the impact he had on others, but that never stopped him from giving 100% effort. He was devoted to being a good and kind person. A generous person. Without pomp and circumstance, and without need for validation. He loved his people incredibly hard. He was known for fixing things "The McHose Way" which is a fancy way of saying "kind of half assed, but it got the job done." He would build anything you needed- and hand deliver it to you promptly. Maybe this was a car-desk (a Chuck McHose invention), maybe it was a guinea pig cage, maybe it was a bookcase, maybe it was a tool to help you build something yourself, or maybe it was even a tool he built to take the place of a tool you didn't have or didn't exist yet. He always made it happen. He always had coffee and peanuts to offer. He had a bunch of weird hats that he wore with absolutely no concern for how ridiculous they were. He broke watches constantly and had about 397 thrift store golf clubs. He could give you the theological background of any Bible story, complete with citations and a thorough understanding of the intersection of theology, history, and religion. He believed that Jesus is mostly here to teach us generosity, humility, kindness, and forgiveness. He was not a devout man. He was a faithful man, even in the face of adversity and doubt. Chuck believed in giving. He gave- in every way, to everyone- for his entire life. He continues to give, even in death, by being an example of one of the best humans this Earth will ever see. And those of us touched by him will feel his presence and spread his gifts as we move forward in life, giving to others. In light of current circumstances, there will be no public celebration of life in order to preserve the safety and health of the public. We ask that you celebrate his life daily, being led by his example. And if you must offer some sort of physical token, we suggest a donation to Feeding America or HealthWell Foundation, a blood donation, and most importantly- showing up in local, state, and federal elections to cast your vote for those who uphold the values Chuck so authentically lived for- kindness, generosity, forgiveness, and love.