In Memory

John Christopher Wachtel

John Christopher Wachtel 
March 25, 1957 - September 4, 2009


 
  John Christopher Wachtel  
 

John Christopher Wachtel, 52, of Pensacola, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 4, 2009. Chris leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife Lisa Barrett Wachtel, adored daughters Erin and Taylor, loving parents John Henry Wachtel and Emily Joye Wachtel, two sisters, Lisa J. Kozak (Dennis) and nephews Eric, Brian and Christopher Kozak; Judith A. Robinson (John), nephews Daryl and Jeffrey Robinson, and niece Emily Robinson; and brother Michael B. Wachtel (Jill), niece Ella Wachtel and nephew John Michael Wachtel. Born into a proud military family, in 1968 they settled in Milton, Florida where he spent an idyllic youth enjoying family camping trips, vacations and skiing on the Blackwater River with his brother and sisters. He graduated from Milton High School in 1975, where he was involved in NJROTC and the Swim Team, attended Auburn University and graduated from the University of West Florida with a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science and a Minor in Finance. Professionally, Chris was the Chief Financial Officer for Gulf Coast Community Bank and was involved in numerous civic organizations and charities, unselfishly giving. Chris was an avid sportsman and outdoorsman, master craftsman, master diver and Captain of the dive boat “TechRec”. The sea was Chris’ passion and he shared this passion and love of the ocean with family, friends and hundreds of people who sought out Chris for his knowledge and professionalism on and under the water. Chris was admired and loved by all those who knew him, whether it was for an hour or a lifetime. His quick wit and endearing smile exemplified his spirit for life, living it to the fullest. His kindness and compassion crossed all generational lines. Chris was an example to so many of our young adults in sharing his enthusiasm of the sea, love of the outdoors, and served as a mentor with his kindness, compassion and integrity. He has left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those young people who will carry his example throughout their lives. Chris was a wonderful husband, devoted father, loving son and brother, dear friend and will forever be a light in our hearts and a guiding star in the heavens. A Funeral Mass will be held at The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1616 N. 12th Avenue, Pensacola, on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. Life-long friend Monsignor Michael Reed will be officiating. Active pallbearers are Daryl Robinson, Jeffrey Robinson, John Robinson, Michael Wachtel, Major Raymond Ackerman (USMC ret), Gary Schnurer, Ron Parker and Jordan Mead. Honorary pallbearers are Colonel Craig Woods (USMC ret), Buzz Ritchie, Stef Ackerman, Jackie Feckoury, Kirby Turnage IV, Dennis Kozak, Brian Kozak, Christopher Kozak, Eric Kozak, Captain Phil Foster (USMC ret), Commander Thomas Kennedy, USN, Kevin Barrett, M.D and T. Rhett Smith, Esq. A Celebration of Chris’ life will be held in the Parrish Hall immediately following the services. In lieu of flowers, a college fund is available for donations at Gulf Coast Community Bank, 40 N. Palafox Street, Pensacola, for his beloved daughters Erin and Taylor. HARPER-MORRIS MEMORIALCHAPEL is in charge of arrangements.

 



 
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10/18/10 06:09 PM #1    

Wanda Gayle Kenton

many memories from Milton include Chris ... his sis Judy was one of my closest friends and the three of us spent lots of time together hanging out ... skiing, boating, listening to records and eight tracks, just being kids together. And then Chris went to Auburn and I introduced him to the TKE fraternity where he became a brother - I was a little sister there. We rode back and forth to college. The world is a little sadder place with Chris gone. He always had a kind heart and a ready smile for anyone. xoxoxox Rest in peace, Chris ... your spirit is bigger than life and lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved you!     


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