Chris Wertman RIP

[Jim Wahl]

Words truly escape me, those of you who know me know that doesn't happen very often. Chris and I were working on the web site for the SSSSA and spoke only a few days ago. I am absolutely numb right now. God speed Chris "Drooze" Wertman.

In my former working life I was a Firefighter/ Paramedic for 33 years. Let this be a learning experience to all of us, SMOKE DETECTORS SAVE LIVES!

God bless Mandie and the rest of the Wertman family. If there is anything I or the Southern Stock / Super Stock Association can do for you please contact me. Jim

[Mike Voth]

Truely unbelievable...Had the honor of meeting Chris and Mandie at Denver last week. He was overflowing with thoughts, ideas, plans, etc. Just goes to show that our time could be up today or tomorrow. We just never know. Our prayers and sympathies go out to the entire Wertman Family, the Lynch's, and friends.

Mike, Jim, Barb, Bob, Bev, Dave
Voth Family Racing

[DIC GEARY]

Deb and I had the honor of meeting Chris ,David and mandie at the Miles Highs last week..We went up to welcome them to Colorado and our race, but, after a short visit we felt we were the ones welcomed in to their family..Truly some of the nicest people in our sport..Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and Mandie....Chris... you are missed.

Dic & Debbie Geary

[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

[Jim Wahl]

David, Please know that you are not alone!!! Please know this! God Bless You Dad. Jim

[SSDiv6]

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

David,

May God Bless You and your loved ones.
Only the Lord can fill the void in your heart with His Love and Comfort.

There is no pain like the loss of a child. Been there myself when I experienced the loss of my oldest son 5 years ago.
There are others here in this community that also have experienced the loss of a child and we are all here for you and your family anytime you need us.
God Bless.

[JP]

Wow...what a sad day...

[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!