Chip Barsalou

HOLYOKE, Mass. Chip (Leo V.) Barsalou left his physical body to continue his spiritual journey on Saturday, July 19, 2008, after a valiant eight month fight against multiple medical complications. A lifelong resident of Holyoke, Chip was educated in the Holyoke Public Schools and the Williston-Northampton School in Easthampton. He was a 1962 graduate of Holyoke High School. He also graduated from Holyoke Community College and the Johnson and Wales Culinary Arts Program. Before his illness, Chip was working in food service at Hamel's Creative Catering in Holyoke, Mass. He also worked as a games planner and an animator for Clowntique. Some of his most memorable characters included flawless portrayal of Santa Claus and his energetic performance as Bill the Duck. In his earlier career he worked for many years at the Mount Tom Ski Area. He was the proprietor of the Wag'n the Dog hot dog cart and the Beck and Call cleaning service. Chip was actively involved with 12-step programs for almost 30 years. He was well known for keeping with the spirit of Tradition 12 by putting principles before personalities. His service work extended from the local to the international level and, in so doing, has made a difference in the lives of thousands. His love of Holyoke never wavered and was evident from his many walks around the Whiting Reservoir and the old Mountain Park grounds. You could often find him grabbing a hot dog and baked beans at Nick's Nest. He also had a very close connection to the Misquamicut area of Rhode Island stemming from spending many summers there with his family and loved ones. Chip is survived by his wife, Sandy Cahillane; two daughters: Courtnee Barsalou Cutler and her husband, Todd, of Queensbury and Kara Remillard and her husband, Brett, of South Hadley; a son, Bryan Barsalou of South Hadley; two grandchildren: Jacob and Emily Remillard of South Hadley; his mother, Una Moquin and her husband, Robert, of Wapiti, Wyo.; three sisters: Denise B. Edic and her husband, John, of Newmarket, N.H., Lynette Perrino and her husband, Terry, of Salem, N.H., and Deanne Rohan and her husband, Thomas, of South Hadley; five nieces and nephews; and three great-nieces and nephews. Chip was predeceased by his father, Dr. Leo V. Barsalou in 1984 and a sister, Lisa Goodine in 2005. A celebration of his life will be held Thursday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, followed by burial at 11 a.m. in Notre Dame Cemetery, South Hadley. Calling hours will be held Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round, 221 Appleton St., Holyoke MA 01040.