Hey my Viking dude! I figured I'd come say hey since its been a while. Rock on.

Lit a candle in memory of Christopher Daniel "Chris" Groce

Chris, I can't believe its been a year already. I think about all the great memories we had over the years, work and band.  I miss talking to you and hearing all your funny stories. I just want you to know that I think about you alot. Your talent is greatly missed by all. You're gone way too soon my brotha. We will jam again someday. Your friend and bandmate, Kyle Virgin

For my brother. I miss you man. We were only beginning to draw closer... much left to have been said and done for you. I wish I could have taken in my "little" brother to give encouragement, hope, and relief. With the struggle and darkness that consumed you, I hope your passing was peaceful. Our family is now like a bike with some missing gears without your presence.

Dear Chris, I miss you and i know you are at peace, that's keeps me going and helps me with the emptiness in my heart, I have your wedding band around my neck and it gives me some closeness, but I still miss you soooo much. I love you, always will....Rest in peace  "BABE".......I will see you again some day, so we can finish what we started 9 years ago........I love you......Your Wife Annie

TO THE FAMILY OF CHRIS,WE ARE VERY DEEPLY SORRY FOR YOUR LOST,AND ALL OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU! WE DID NOT KNOW HIM BUT HAVE READ AND HEARD SO MANY WONDERFUL STORIES ABOUT HIM AND HOW KIND HE WAS,I WISH WE WOULD HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING HIM..AND WE WERE VERY SHOCKED TO HEAR OF HIS PASSING,WE ARE THE FAMILY WHO WAS IN PROCESS OF MOVING IN THE HOME WERE HE WAS MOVING FROM AT RACINE AVE.WE ARE ALSO SORRY FOR ANY INCONVEINCE WE MAY HAVE CAUSED DURING THE MOVE,BUT WE HAD NO WHERE ELSE TO GO..BUT THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR UNDERSTANDING OUR SITUATION,IF IT WEREN'T FOR THAT YOU WOULD BEEN ABLE TO HAVE ALL THE TIME YOU NEEDED FOR MY HEART DEFENTLY WENT OUT TO YOU WHEN WE HEARD THE NEWS,I WISH THERE WAS SOMETHING MORE WE COULD DO OR HAVE DONE,BUT PLEASE JUST KNOW THAT THE HOME ON RACINE WILL HAVE A SPECIAL FEELING TO IT I FEEL VERY SECUREKNOWING CHRIS WILL WATCH OVER US THERE..AND IM GONNA PLANT A SPECIAL GARDEN IN HONOR OF HIM OUT FRONT OF THE HOUSE AS SOON AS ITS WARM ENOUGH..AGIN WE ARE TRUILY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS!
                                                                                     
                                                                                                         THE CASEY FAMILY

I knew Chris many years ago. He and I had a very close friendship that lasted but a short time. I can say that I have only very fond memories of Chris. Although I had not seen him in many years, I am thankful for the really good memories that I have of the time that he and I spent together. It is hard to believe that he has gone to GOD so soon but we all go in the Lord's good time. To his family I send my deepest condolences, may you find peace in knowing that a soul such as Chris' can go now where but up. May GOD shower his blessings on the loved ones that Chris has left behind. I for one am a better person for having spent time with Chris and with all of the memories that are left behind, He will live on. Peace to you. >

Chris had the ability to make us laugh until we had tears streaming down our faces.  He was generous and would always help when someone needed a hand.  He was an accomplished musician that could inspire all who were lucky enough to have the opportunity to play music with him.  Most of all, he was a true friend.  The world will miss his laughter and his soul.  My thoughts are with the family and the many friends who are feeling cheated by his presence taken away from us too soon.

I offer my deepest condolences to Jennifer, Chris's mother, to his father Rich, to brother David, to grandfather Bob, and to the rest of his extended family.

Chris was my friend and my publisher. He learned poetry and music from his earliest life from Jennifer, who built Pudding House into the largest literary small press in the United States.  He worked on publishing with her as both a child and an adult, skillfully enough that Jennifer eventually trusted him to take over her renowned publishing company, through which he continued to produce poetry chapbooks and CD's of enviable quality.  I came to know and appreciate the close bond that I witnessed between him and Jennifer as well as the connections that he built with musicians and poets.  He was a good man, a loving son, and a talented editor.  The poetry community will miss him no less than his family.

Chuck and I were very saddened to hear of Chris’s passing. He was a joy to be around and was one that could make anyone laugh and smile. I haven’t seen him for a few years, but I will always remember him as a cheerful friend with a big heart. My heart and prayers go out to his family and friends. I know he will be forever missed but never forgotten. I feel blessed and honored to have crossed paths with him in my life. I am so sorry for your loss. 

Kelly Workman

God Bless Chris.   Rich and Debbie, you knew Chris better than anyone but I knew him well enough to say that he was a kind and considerate man EVERYTIME I saw him.  He will be missed by all right now.  However, I believe it's only temporary.  For now, lets celebrate his life with the great memories about him that you can share with us.

Jim and Lynne Evans

I’d like to add my heart to the list of friends who will miss Chris but keep so many wonderful memories of him. I valued him professionally as a co-worker and cherished him personally as a friend. We still tell stories of him performing in a game of charades long past the timer because we were laughing so hard… And he generously gave my daughter guitar lessons in return for only a six-pack… Intense, talented, funny…He had a heart even bigger than he was… the memories just keep pouring in…

And to his family…Thank you. Thank you for giving the world Chris and sharing him with us. May the memory of his love and humor help keep you strong.

I , like many of Chris' friends have had a hard time thinking about what to write to Chris on this tribute wall. I met Chris when he was working with Kyle Virgin and they put together a band called LiViD. It was as if I new him most of my life. Chris had a way of meeting people and they couldn't help but to like him. I had a lot of fun hanging out with Chris when we would all go out, and I really just liked watching him play Piano, or Guitar. He was a gifted artist and a great friend, and I will miss himvery much.

Dear Rich and Debbie,
We were so sorry to learn of Chris' passing. Dad spoke of Chris often and obviously loved him very much.
I can see the two of them, Dad on his Honda and Chris on a Harley motoring down some celestial highway together.
All whom we have loved, we will be with them again.
Chris & Caroline Owens

To my wonderful friend Chris Groce and Brother of a different mother.

I loved the way to made me Laugh and the practical jokes we had on others. Some say, we only have one or two people who are real friends. You, showed me this is was not true. As you made A Lot of friends in this world. We look at friends in many ways, as you where hanging out with me you where ROCK-N-OUT the others. We all had a chance for you to share with all of us your ups and downs. You, Gave us a part of you and really thats more that what should be given by a True Friend.  You, got me thru the days by your smile and wise-cracks.. I want to thank you for your funny dance moves at our wedding * You, had Michael Jackson moves no-other had seen before * 

Oh, wait.... Other than the time we where at Victorys Bar downtown Col, on the Patio. Michael jackson came on the you started to dance as if you where part of the Jackson 5 group... It was like you where on cue! You lifted your right leg and pointed your right arm in the air with you finger pointed up a the heavens..... and a Circle of patrons started circling you as if you where the main event.. and 
They started clapping there hands and moving there feet, with the dance moves of my friend and the funky beat. You, where big with big ass moves, but fast and swift like a Ninji, Cutting it up, whiled Cracking -me up...as you where lifting me up with your Dance.

So, " PLAY THAT FUNKY MUSIC WHITE BOY" 

The music has'nt stopped. Your still dancing in my heart and the funny remembrence will never be forgot. I love you brother and when the thunder rolls in the spring and summer. Im sure you are rockin-the crowds of Heaven.
Love, you Bro...Forever.

Angel - Memorial was purchased for the family of Christopher Daniel "Chris" Groce.

Farewell to our young friend Chris, it is with  heavy hearts and tear stained faces that we say farewell.  It is beyond our understanding why after all the joy you brought to so many people why you would be called away so early.  We have reflected on the many years we have known you and can not recall anyone who knew you to have anything bad to say about you.  You're talent and drive for the joy of life will be missed and our thoughts and prayers will be for you forever.

Please rest now and we will meet again some day, do not be worried about Deb or Rich we will try to look in on them from time to time.  If we could ask a favor of you, please put togeather a new break dance routine for Bev and Clayt when we meet again.

Loving thoughts forever

Bev and Clayton Wilks

RIP ~ old friend. I'll never forget the good times. -q

I"m so sorry to hear about Chris ! I just wished he had seen his daughter Christina Daniell , She looks just like him and she loves her music as he did but we know he will  be in heaven with that big smile.as he always did.. Rest in peace big guy.

Donna G.

"Big Chris", that's how I always referred to him.  He was a talented musician, singer, songwriter, all around artist...but to me he was a friend.  I met Chris back in 1997, around the same time that I met my husband, Jayson.  Jay and Chris were the 2 guitarist in a local band, Sporadic Still.  Chris was the Best Man, standing up for Jay at our wedding.  He never actually never made it to the wedding, as he had gotten into a fender bender on his way to the ceremony.  When we got home, we found Chris sitting in his banged up Mazda w/ his head hung low...we were just glad he wasn't hurt :-) 

There are so many funny stories, inside jokes and memories involving Chris throughout the years to even count.  Chris was always the "life of the party"....when he was on a roll...laughter just couldn't be resisted by anyone....he was infectious.  I remember his singing/dancing rendition of Michael Jackson's song "Billy Jean"....still brings a huge smile to my face.  He pointed out to me that he noticed that whenever I made tacos for dinner, Jay and I would end up arguing about something.  He'd say, "Jen, why do you do it?  You know taco dinners always make the two of you argue.  Just stop making tacos 'cause you know it's gonna be on like Donkey Kong!" LOL! Dear God, we're going to miss him so much!

I hope Chris' parents will be consoled (even in a small way) knowing what a gift their son was to the people who knew him and the lasting impression he's etched in all our hearts....the short time he was here w/ us.  I also hope that his son, Hunter will get to hear some of the experiences and great stories of his Dad.  Most of all, I hope his family will know that Chris was truly loved and adored by many!

Dear Chris:  Jay and I are so broken hearted at the thought of you being gone.  You're going to be so dearly missed by so many, but know that you will always be remembered and live in our hearts....until we all meet again someday.  P.S.  I sure hope you're smiling down upon us with your Les Paul wrapped around you and rockin' it out like the  ROCKSTAR you are!!!

w/ Love & Friendship, 
Jennifer Day

Chris was a child hood friend and I will never forget all the fun times we spent together as not only small boys But into our teenage Years also. I will never forget the times that We would carry a piece of cardboard around the neiborhood and break dance on the sidewalks. I will never forget all the good times at the campground and sharrying a good old campfire with his family and mine. Most important I will never forget the larger than life way that Chris always carried himself and nomatter what was going on he always smiled like it could be worse. I wil miss You so much buddy But will NEVER forget You.

         Tommy Wilks.

20-some years ago, Chris gave me a call. I didn't know him very well at all. We had exchanged numbers at the office a while ago before I went back to school. Chris asked what I was doing, I told him I was sitting around trying to figure out how to play guitar (I had just started). He said "I know a little bit about playing guitar", and he was knocking on the door within 2 minutes.

Chris and I pretty much played guitar constantly for years after that. We'd buy a 12-pack of beer, plug the guitars in, and when the sun came up, there would still be 10 beers in the fridge cause we never stopped playing guitar.

Chris was responsible for me playing in a band for the first time. A band he just started in (Sporadic Still) needed a bass player. Chris talked me into it, so I borrowed a bass from a buddy, Rick (singer in the band) let me use his bass amp, and we rocked out on the West side!

I've since played out in several bands, and I owe it to Chis for getting it all started.

I've been there during a lot of the good and the bad with Chris. Over the years, we've moved in different directions, but we continued to cross paths periodically, and it was always great catching up on things.

I'll always remember the music.

Heath

Just got word that our Grandson Hunter has landed in Chicago from Japan ...only a few more hours to be with him

I wanted to share a saying that one of our dearest friends just sent:


When you have someone in Heaven  ...... you have a litlle bit of heaven in your home

Mom and Dad Groce

We have been trying to figure out how to write this..let us first say the pain is more than unbearable to lose our son.  The comments from all of his friends are so wonderful for us to read each day.  His parents comments are so very much like all of yours......he was so talented, witty, funny, sensitive, vibrant and most of all loved his family so much as we loved him.  It is so hard to imagine life without him.  Many of you we recognize your names and some we don't but none  the less we have the connection through Chris and would love to hear from you all in the future. Thank you all for  making his life happy with your love and friendships.

We are so fortunate to have Jacke and Adam bringing our Grandson Hunter home from Japan today.  He loved his Daddy and his Daddy adored him  and he is the other love of our life as he looks and acts and has so many of his dads talents....recenty started playing the guitar (imagine that) but never got to tell his Dad or play with him.  Pray for Hunter as well..he is only 14 years old and this will be a harder life for him without his dad.

We will miss that hug and kiss EVERY time he came over even if it was three times a day...we never left each other without that or hung up of the phone without the exchange of "I love you".  

To each and every one of you.....please call or visit us anytime in the future...or if you think of a funny story of your time with Chris..please share it with us.  

E mail dgroce@columbus.rr.com or home phone 614-274-3070.

We all know he is up in heaven "jammin" as well as riding that Harley Davidson he was hoping to have some day.

Mom loves you "baby boy" and dad loves you "brillo jr.".......

You are with God and and we know you are also tucked under your Grandma and Grandpa Owens and Grandma Millers wings in heaven.

We love you so much Chris....Mom and Dad Groce   (Deb and Rich)

Chris was a great friend to me and ALWAYS cheered me up.  He helped me laugh when i needed to the most, especially meaningful to me during some dark times in my youth.  I still chuckle thinking about times with him involving Soccer, Basketball, IGA, Southeast Career Center, and more.  I loved him like a brother and will miss him greatly!

1 file added to the album Our sons 40th birthday

3 files added to the album Our sons 40th birthday

I have so many fond memories of Chris that it would be hard to pick just one.  One of my favorites (that I think really sums up the kind of person he was) was when we were rehearsing with Livid one afternoon during the summer in the basement.  It was pretty hot down there with all of us in a tight space and our singer decided to take his shirt off right in the middle of a song.  Chris looked at him for a second and then unbuttoned his jeans and immediately dropped them to the floor - standing there in his boxers playing the guitar as if nothing had happened.  We all stopped playing and when he looked up, he had this confused look on his face and said, "Oh, I thought we were just getting comfortable?"  Chris made me laugh harder than anyone else ever has.  He inspired me as a musician and was a fierce friend.  I wouldn't be the person I am today had he not been a friend to me and I will miss him every day for the rest of my life.

Chris I'll miss you! We grew up together with our music. I felt like you were my own relative. The times with X-Factor One, and the times we shared playing music...keep playing music on your journey beyond earth. I love you, and I'll always miss and remember you. I will never forget what we had as friends and fellow muscians. Rest in peace my brother, some day I'll see you on that long road.

Chris , you will be missed sooo very much by all who knew and loved you ...My prayers go out to uncle Rich , Debbie and especially Hunter ,whom Chris loved with all his heart...another young soul taken from us way too soon ..Rest In Peace Chris

chris, jennifer and i are so heartbroken ...im so sorry . i just wished i could have spent just one more day with you man..i miss all those band reheasals with you . you are the greatest friend i ever had and all i can say now is that i wished i would have been home so that i could have been there for you..one day we'll get to play again ...love you buddy ...your best friend ..jay

I met Chris while working together over 10 years ago. He was this big guy but you knew he had a soft side. He also had a great sense of humor. It was Halloween and he came in dressed in a orange prison outfit. My thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends.

Kyle Virgin purchased the Angel Arrangement for the family of Christopher Daniel "Chris" Groce.

February 28, 2012

Dear Daddy,

If I could spend one more day with you, this is what we would do,
We would spend the day, laugh and play because that is what you love to do.

If I could say one more thing to you, this is what I would say,
I am a proud of you for all you do in every single way. I would take the sadness
and the pain away so you could enjoy your day. I would hold you close to let you know this
Will pass and it is okay.

Dad, I am playing the guitar just like you, I wish we could play together and in my heart we do. 

I will cherish our memories in my heart and soul and know I will never forget you loved me and

Dad, I love you too.


Your Son,

Hunter

To the family of Chris Groce,
 
Today I learned of the unfortunate and untimely death of your loved one and my classmate Chris. 
 
Please accept my sincerest condolences and know that your family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this time and the challenging days ahead.

With heartfelt condolences,

Angela Cline
Classmate

Chris was the sweetest most talented guy I know. Although our special friendship didn't last long, I will forever remember him always...

To the family of Chris Groce,

Thank you for allowing us to assist you today with making Chris's arrangements. We would also like to thank you for taking the time to share so much of his life with us, especially his vast artistic talents. He sounds like he was a very unique and interesting man who will be greatly missed. We are honored to serve your family and please know that you are in our thoughts during this difficult time.

Sincerely,
Holly Dunmore and Dale Heiser
Funeral Directors

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Christopher Daniel "Chris" Groce

30 décembre 1971 – 27 février 2012

Schoedinger Midtown

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