Chad Hunter Truscott was born in Pasadena, California on January 21, 1989. He joined his brother Cole. He left his family and friends abruptly February 14, 2017 at the age of 28.
In Little League at age 7, Chad had the focus and tenacity to play first base and then pitcher. He was small for his age, but it didn’t deter him from winding up and letting it fly. He had a baseball card collection that just kept growing and today is probably worth some serious dough.
At age 7, Chad came home from his Christian School and announced he’d given his heart to Jesus. Wow, what an important decision to make at such a young age!
Welding became a passion of Chad’s in high school, graduating in 2009 from UM-Helena on the honor roll, with an A.A. in Welding/Industrial arts. He and Ashley Stevens married that year, only to divorce later.
Chad had a knack for just about anything he tried; drumming, bass guitar, hand drum, saxophone, and his favorite source of expression was his piano. He owned two pianos, a Story and Clark in Montana and a sweet little baby grand at his grandmother’s in Pasadena. Music was to have been his destiny, but he couldn’t see the gifts he possessed, instead focusing on what he ‘didn’t have’. Nevertheless, we could see that the ease with which he picked up and mastered instruments was truly a God-given gift, something truly unique.
Jet skiing was a passion of Chad’s, always trying to nosedive and do water tricks. He and his brother Cole would perform headstands, ride the skis backwards, and just plain annoy the FWP patrolling the waters at Lakeside. He lived for summers in Montana and would spend weeks tuning, sanding, fiberglassing and getting the skids and waverunners just right for everyone to enjoy. He was the best free mechanic around!
In the past 3 years Chad had been involved in contractual work for water meter valve retrofitting, visiting Alabama, Florida and California. He enjoyed the work but found the travel and living out of a suitcase tiring. His focus lately had been to get his truck rigged up for snowy, icy trip cross country for a new contract job. Instead, he found his way into the arms of Jesus, a goal he had set for himself at age 7.
Chad’s sensitivity and deep nature sent his feelings underground so often, it was painful for him to try to express himself. Too often, depression and anxiety kept him quiet, but in the past few days of his life, he expressed his love for us and for Jesus often. We knew he was coming back to our old Chad, but then as life so often does, there was a detour. God was calling him home and he had to answer to his Father.
Preceding Chad in death was his grandmother Ann Greene, and grandfather Bill Truscott, grandfather Martin Tafolla and Helen Tafolla, and his favorite dog Molly. He is survived by his parents Scott and Carolyn Truscott, brother Cole (Missy), nephew Aiden and niece Brynlee, Aunts Martina Tafolla and Clarette Martin and numerous cousins and relatives.
A viewing will be held from 12:00-4:00 p.m. Saturday February 18th at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Avenue. The family will receive friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. following at the funeral home. A celebration of life service will be at 3:00 p.m. Sunday February 19th at Mountain Family Fellowship, 6145 N Montana Ave, Helena, MT 59602. A reception will follow the service at the church. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Chad.
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday February 18, 2017
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday February 18, 2017
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Celebration of His Life
3:00 p.m.
Sunday February 19, 2017
Mountain Family Fellowship
6145 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday February 18, 2017
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday February 18, 2017
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Celebration of His Life
3:00 p.m.
Sunday February 19, 2017
Mountain Family Fellowship
6145 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Maria Bates says
Truscott Family – There are no adequate words that can ease your pain and sorrow during this very difficult time so please try to find some comfort in knowing that Chad touched the lives of a lot of people and his memory will be in the hearts of many. Chad and my son, Steven, had a lot of fun growing-up, especially during their teenage years, and this summer Chad was there to help him work on projects setting up his home and garage. Steven will never forget that and be forever grateful for those recent times spent with him, he was also remember Chad’s kindness, his thoughtfulness, his laughter and the true friendship they had. Yes, we all struggle to try to understand what took place in Chad’s soul, but our consolation is that God does know and he understands. If there is anything we can do, please contact us, we are truly sorry for your loss.
The Bates’ Family
Melissa smith says
TO ALL THE TRUSCOTT FAMILY:
I cant express how much i am saddened by the loss of chad. He was such a good kid. Through out all the time i had the privaledge of knowing chad. He was alwasy so good to my kids and I. They loved the boat with uncle chad that is for sure. He always had a good heart. I cant even imagine the pain and loss you are feeling right now. You raised a good man and i am honored to have him a part of my family as long as i did. My actual last visit with chad he gave me his old wrestling stuff from high school for my son. He will forever be in my heart and my childrens heart. I am praying for you daily! Please let me know if their is anything I can do for you.
Love always,
Melissa, Brandon, Kaylee, Alexis, and Michael
Terry Gundersen says
From Terry Gundersen….Aaron Williams’s mom….I am so very saddened by the loss of Chad. I have not seen him for many years…..since the boys were in grade school. I was always pleased when Chad was at our house hangin’ out with Aaron after school or on the weekends. The way that kid could play the piano was just so impressive….he truely was an inspiration to Aaron. Thank you for sharing your Chad …such a happy, smiling little boy. I now feel very sad that I didn’t ever get to meet him as a grown man. I know that Aaron is very very sad about this, as are the rest of us. We will always remember Chad for all he was to our family….a sweet person, nice friend and a gifted musician. So so sad….we shall meet again, Dear Chad.
Chuck Siefert says
I know all to well that there are no words that will take away your pain or make anything even the least amount better. But please know that my heart aches for you. The path you are on is deep and wide from others who have traveled it before you, and we all hold your hearts with ours and wish you peace.
Lori Williams says
Carolyn, my heart breaks for you. I am praying for you.
Love to you and a hug,
Lori Williams
Tina Whitaker says
Dear Aunt Carolyn, Uncle Scott, Cole and Missy, There are no words to heal your wounded hearts. The comfort that Chad was adored by you for his entire life is worth noting. I will miss my young cuz and his eternal spunk. Much love and prayers for your healing.
carla irby says
I’m here for all of you. Anything I can do. I love you so very much, my dear friends.
Rachel McCullough says
We are truely saddened to hear about Chads passing and just wanted to share with his family how great we thought he was. Chad was older than me but in my art class freshman year, our art class crew with some others ended up doing our vigilante float with him that year. Chad was such a geniune person, he would always help when needed, say hello when he saw you with a smile on his face, and whenever we share stories of him we always have a smile on our face. Please know that Chad had a positive influence on our lives. Your family will be in our thoughts.
Rachel (kaiser) and Collin McCullough
Rusty Brown says
Chad was our brother. None of you know us but we know Chad. He came to work on my crew 2 years ago and learned how to exchange and collect data for water meter systems. He was a natural. He had a spark and knew he could do the job as good if not better than others. Myself, Derek Hunter, Patrick Jones, Javier Durazo, Steven Morales and Corey Tester were looking forward to him joining us here for this job. We all feel an emptiness that our friend and teammate will not join us. We will all carry his memory with us. We all have the family in our thoughts and prayers. We all feel blessed to know him if but for a little while.
Joni Pancoast says
Carolyn and family, such a terrible loss. I am so sorry. You will be in my prayers.
Allison says
So terribly saddened by the news of Chad’s passing. Your So Cal family sends you the strongest and most loving hugs possible. I have a wonderful memory of Chad playing piano with Aidan at Aunt Ann’s house in Pasadena many years ago. Such a spark he had! Reading the thoughts and memories on this page, I see that everyone who knew him felt the same way. You are surrounded by love. You are all in our thoughts.
Georgia Ann Burns says
Carolyn,Scott and Cole.
Sending my sincere condolences for the loss of Chad!! Losing a children is the worst thing that can happen to parents!
Loving thoughts, hugs and my love to all of you!!
I wish I could make it better.
God be with you and give you comfort and strength!!
Estelle Underwood says
Dear Carolyn, Scott, and Cole…my deepest condolences on the loss of your sweet Chad. I will pray that you’ll soon find peace and comfort in the peace that he has found, and I will keep you all in my heart and in my prayers. May God bless you all with strength and comfort.
Rhiannon Brown says
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My heart breaks for his friends and family. I met Chad working in Northern California when my dad hired him onto the meter crew . He was one of the best workers that we had and he was kind to us all. He was always smiling and joking and working hard. My heart is so heavy for you all but I take comfort in knowing he is at peace. Chad is just proof that you can touch so many lives and others will never even know. I am glad I had the privilege to meet and work with him. Again, I cannot imagine the grief you’re all stricken with but I offer my greatest condolences to his family.
Katina & Simeon says
All our love and all our prayers are with you. Praying that you find peace in troubling times, light in the darkness, and the strength to go on.
Beth and Tim Shields says
We loved knowing sweet Chad and are grateful for his light in our lives, which will live on . We are praying for you Carolyn, Scotty, Cole, and your entire family. We send huge hugs and much love . Xoxo Beth and Tim
Alexa and The Russell Family says
Aloha and Love sent from your family in Hawaii.
Chad must have had a beautiful soul as could been seen through his beautiful eyes. No words can begin to describe what the entire family is feeling except know that you are all loved. Whatever you need please let us any of your friends and family assist you. Many people are praying positively for you and
Chad through this time of his journey of crossing
over. Warm Love, Condolences and Aloha Always
W.W says
My sincere condolences to the Truscott family on the loss of your loved one. Death can bring much tears and pain but may your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of times spent together and have comfort in God’s promise of a new world where death will be no more.(Revelation 21:3,4) My deepest sympathy to you all.
Sioux Roth says
Carolyn, Scott, Cole and Missy– I am so very sorry for your loss. May your 22memories of Chad, find a special place in your hearts and comfort you during this time of sorrow. Gods grace and peace be with you.
John & Cherie Dahl says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Scott and Carolyn.
Andrea mcewen says
My deepest condolences are with your family. Maybe he be safe in the arms of the the lord. Sending prayers
Debby Flansaas says
I am so sorry Carolyn. Your are in my heart and prayers. There are no words, but my tears are for you and your family.
Vicki Woodrow says
I was so sad to learn from my son Gregory Woodrow about Chad. My deepest condolences to your family. I told Gregory that every memory I have of Chad brought a smile and a bit of a laugh. His sweet smile and laughing eyes will be missed.
Skip Verworn says
Scott & Family,
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you in this very difficult time.
May God bless you all.
Skip & Deena Verworn
Richard Shields says
Scott, Carolyn, Cole & Missy –
Please accept our sincere and deep sympathy for the loss of Chad. He was bright, gifted, insightful, competent, fun. Remember that he loved you, and he knew you loved him. Your family loves you!! We look forward to seeing you soon. You’all are in our thoughts and prayers. Wishing you peace and grace. Much love, Richard & Melinda Shields