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Charles Lawrence "Chip" Chan
Charles Lawrence "Chip" Chan
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Charles Chan Obituary
For Charles L. Chan, a small-town boy from the Midwest, life was going according to a plan he mapped while at the University of Illinois College of Commerce and Business Administration. He graduated in January 2000. That May he took a job at the World Trade Center, trading currencies for Cantor Fitzgerald on the 105th floor of the north tower.
He bragged to his family back home in Peoria, Ill., that the views of New York Harbor from his office were awe-inspiring, said his mother, Julia Chan.
Mr. Chan, 23, lived with two roommates in the heart of the financial district on John Street in a trendy apartment building. His only telephone was a cellular, like most young, hip professionals. "He had thousands of hours and the best long-distance plan you can imagine," Mrs. Chan said.
Mr. Chan, whom relatives called Chip, learned the importance of mapping strategy through growing up with five brothers. They were always competing against one another in basketball, soccer or baseball.
"With five brothers you learn to interact because you are living in a group," Mrs. Chan said. "There is always compromise, and there is always knowing how to work with someone. He was always trying to get someone in backyard to get a game going and teasing them about how he was going to win. They are all very competitive."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Cindy Roe
September 4, 2021
Remembering Charles on the 20th anniversary of 9/11....
Del Newberry
September 17, 2020
My thoughts and prayers go out today for Chip's family and friends. We could sure use more people like him who know how to work with others and the art of compromise. Much love from Texas, we will never forget.
Donia Douglas
September 11, 2019
Forever may you shine bright from the heavens. Comfort and love to your friends and family left behind.
Arabella Chan
January 14, 2019
Love you, Uncle Chip. I wish you could see me and all of the cousins.
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Taylor Weiss
September 11, 2015
I will always remember my mom telling me your story Chip.
Big Frank McGoldrick
September 12, 2014
On 9/11/2014 I was part of a LARGE Motorcycle Ride "2MB2DC" it was a "RIDE to REMEMBER" on this ride we are handed stickers with names of people who had lost their lives on this VERY SAD day ... I was HONORED to be handed YOUR Name and Will PROUDLY wear it on my Helmet !!! RIP my Brother God Bless.... Big Frank...
September 11, 2014
With deepest sympathy to the Chan family.
March 17, 2014
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Dan Des Jardins
September 12, 2013
God Bless all the Chans!
Kristin
September 11, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kristin
September 11, 2013
You and your family are in my thoughts in prayers. God Bless!
September 11, 2012
Thinking of you today Chip.
Paul Johnson
September 7, 2012
I am currently stationed in Sicily Italy while active duty in the U.S. Navy. Today we did our 9/11 rememberance run on base with each military member running for someone lost during the September 11th attacks. I ran for "Chip". We will not forget the events that took place that day and the victims will never be forgotten.
Ginny Harman
September 11, 2011
One of my fondest memories of Chip was one day when the kids were playing on the tire swing at Granny & Papa's, he was in junior high. He had been shy and quiet that day, and all of a sudden he came into the house giggling and laughing at something that happened to one of his brothers. I loved his smile.
Breanna (Harman) Carlson
September 11, 2011
Even though Chip and I were not close as cousins I think about him often. I think about my aunt Julie and uncle John Chan and the pain that they went through that day and the pain that will forever be in their hearts. Now that I'm older I'm sad that I will not get the opportunity to see and understand the man you grew up to be. You will always be in my heart! And one day we will see each other in heaven and get to know each other very well.
Drew Van de Motter
September 10, 2011
Yesterday, i participated in a ceremony for the victims of 911 at my school, Rising Starr Middle in Fayette County, Georgia. I was issued a ribbon with the names of two casualties of this horrible event, one of them being Charles Lawrence Chan. After reading all of these other reveiws I can conclude that Charles was a great man and will be missed very much.
John Cremer
May 2, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the Chan family this day. Though I did not know him, I have thought of him and your family many times over the last several years. I am told that he lived up to his namesakes, all three of them. Forgive me for my silence all this time. God bless all of you.
John Cremer
Andrea "Rea" (McLelland) Dochtermann
September 10, 2010
To the Chan Family,
My deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers are with you. I regret only finding this website now. I remember still being pretty fresh out of college and in my third year teaching when I heard Chip had passed. We were in the same class at St. Thomas but then parted ways going to different high schools in Peoria. I will always remember what a "genuine nice guy" he was at school and seeing him with your family at church. He was continually with a smile on his face.
Know how loved he was and that he will never be forgotten in so many of our hearts. My husband, Major Hans Dochtermann has served in 4 tours of duty to Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan and it is our deepest desire that your family, as well as our nation, finds peace.
God Bless,
Andrea, Hans & Eva Dochtermann
Former Peorian
September 9, 2010
Our prayers continue for you and your family. We can't believe it has been nine years since that fateful day. We will never forget you or the other victims and their families. God bless you and God bless our nation.
Michael Iezzi
September 25, 2009
Father we entrust our brother Charles to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
May God hold Charles in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathies.
Stacey & Nate Kilburg
September 11, 2009
Our thoughts are with you today.
Please know we will never forget.
Kelly Skinner
September 11, 2009
Mark was one of my physics students and I still remember watching the terrible events unfold on tv in class and I've never stopped thinking of the impact all of this would have on him and his family. I just wanted you to know that none of this will ever be forgotten.
Jodi Bauers
September 11, 2009
Praying for you, especially today. As the years go by, may you still be surrounded by the caring thoughts and prayers of many. Chip's memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him...and countless who only knew of his story. Praying for strength, peace and comfort to each of you.
Doug Abraham
January 7, 2009
Happy Birthday!!!
October 2, 2008
I want you to know that when I was in NYC last year, visiting ground zero, I said a prayer for Chip while finding his name listed with the victims. I am also from Peoria. May the Lord bless the Chan family.
Sister Carol Royston
September 15, 2008
We are thinking of you and the sacrifice you made on September 11. 2001. We prayed for Chip and the rest of the family at Mass on Sept 11. Monsignor Prendergast told us a little of Chip's story. May you have peace.
Mary Miller
September 14, 2008
We prayed for Chip at Mass. We are sorry. We know he was a good person. We will pray for his happiness in Heaven and for his family. St Anthony Second Grade Mrs. Miller's Class Streator IL
St. Anthony 6th grade
September 14, 2008
In mass on Thursday, we prayed for you and your family and the victims of 9 11 and their families. May God be with you always.
September 12, 2008
The fourth grade class learned about Chip on 9/11 at church. We prayed for Chip and his family. Please know that we will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Mrs. Graves' Fourth Grade Class
St. Anthony's School, Streator, IL
Sheila Brockman
September 12, 2008
The 8th grade class of St. Anthony School in Streator, Illinois heard Chip's story today. They all were deeply moved and wish to add their prayers in memory of this very special young man.
Anne, Joe, Max, Olivia, Jack Starkey
September 11, 2008
Our 8 and 9 year old children learned of Chip today at their school mass at St. Anthony in Streator IL. I wanted to say that Chip does live on through remembrance. Our family hadn't known of him until today when he was prayed for and his story was told during the school mass. It left an impression on the children
because our son wanted to learn more about him and events of this date. We pray for Chip and for those he left behind.
Mark Chan
September 11, 2008
7 years and not a day goes by that I dont think about you. We all love you and miss you!
3rd grade class: Mrs. Durdan St. Anthony School
September 11, 2008
Msgr. Prendergast shared the story of your son Chip with us at mass today. We wish to say how very sorry we are for the loss of your loved one. We prayed for Chip and for you as well as all of those who died in 9/11. We believe Chip's soul is with God in heaven.
September 11, 2008
The 7th Grade Homeroom at St. Anthony School in Streator, Illinois, prayed for Chip and his family at Mass today. We are sorry for the loss of your son and brother.
Laury Janus
September 11, 2008
Chip,
I think of you every day and dream of you often!
Julie, John and the boys: I pray for you every day....and hope that God will heal your hearts!!
Saint Anthonys 5th Grade Homeroom
September 11, 2008
The students of Saint Anthony School, fifth grade homeroom wish the best to the Chan family. May God continue to strengthen and protect you each day; and may Chip always enjoy the bliss of Heavenly glory along with all of God's angels and saints.
Kevin, Linda, Luce, and Lilly Porter
September 11, 2008
It has been 7 years since we lost you and yet it seems like yesterday. There is not a day that goes by that you are not in our thoughts and prayers. Life has forever changed since 9-11. Whenever I see a rainbow or beautiful sunset I think of you looking down on all of your family with a smile. Until we see you again keep watch over us. We love and miss you.
Rev. Msgr. John Prendergast
September 11, 2008
We prayed for Chip and the entire family today at the Immaculate Conception, St. Stephen's, and St. Anthony School Masses in Streator, Illinois, that the Lord has brought Chip to His table in heaven and the He will give peace to the entire family. We also prayed that the Lord will show all of us how to bring greater justice and peace to our world.
Dan Des Jardins
September 11, 2008
I grew up with Chip on the baseball diamond at Kellar in Peoria when we were inspiring young baseball players. It amazes me more and more each year that something of this magnitude happened to people and a person like Chip! Know that Chip is and always will be in great hands! The Des Jardins' family continuously sends thoughts, prayers and blessings to all of you!
Karen Tatgenhorst Cordes
September 11, 2008
Chan Family:
I was driving to work today, looking into the sky, thinking about Chip and happy knowing he was watching over everyone, when I saw a large rainbow in the eastern sky! No rain in sight, just a rainbow. I took it as a gentle reminder that a wonderful place awaits all of us!
Matthew Chan
January 31, 2008
Not a day goes by that i dont think about my brother. I miss him dearly and appreciate everyones thoughts and prayers for him.
John Harman
January 23, 2008
John, Rhonda, & Luke Harman
Barbi Nordvall
December 28, 2007
I was thinking of Chip this Holiday season. Weston looks so much like him. I hope your family is doing well. And my thoughts and prayers are still with you.
Barbi
Joshua Johnson
September 11, 2007
Chan family,
My heart and mind are with your family today. It has been a year since my last post and it has been a hard one. I am sitting here in my tent in Baghdad, thinking about the hardship your family has gone through. Never forget that he is looking down on you everyday.
SGT Johnson, Joshua
1BCT 1ID
Alison Daley
July 24, 2007
Chip was best friends with my brother, Adam, who also lived in New York at the time and I've know him since I was about 12 years old (I am now 27). I think about all the time he spent with my family. He was like a third brother to me and I miss him very much!
Kristine
October 19, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Melissa
September 12, 2006
I never knew Chip but we were about the same age on 9/11 and I just felt compelled to write. I pray that your family has found peace.
Al Harms
September 11, 2006
Although I never met Chip, I had the pleasure to know his mother and aunt from school. I know that Chip must have been a wonderful young man based on my expierences with his family. Please accept my deepest condolences on the anniversary of your loss. May God bless the entire Chan Family.
Tripp Cremer
September 11, 2006
I never got to say this, but I'm so sorry for your loss. I pull up Chip's profile often. Family is important to me.
Tripp
Michelle Emory
September 11, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with your family today.
CPL Johnson, Joshua D.
Joshua Johnson
September 10, 2006
God bless you Chan Family. I know how hard it is every year that passes. Chip was a great brother and he was a great person to know. I am glad I had the opportunity to know him. (St. Thomas) Always remember...
CPL Johnson, Joshua D.
1BCT 1ID
Fort Riley,KS
"IRAQ BOUND..SO LETS BOUND TO IRAQ!" -Sept 19, 2006 (lets go)
P Tabbernor
September 9, 2006
In remembrance....
Steve, Carrie & Evan Hrasch
September 11, 2005
Today we said a prayer for Chip and his family. We attend Immaculate Conception Church in Streator, Illinois and Mon. Pendergast mentioned Chip and his family. We are very sorry for your loss. God Bless.
Zielinski Family Zielinski
August 12, 2005
Our family was a top the World Trade Center on August 17, 2001, just 3 weeks prior to 9/11. The devastation made an everlasting on our entire family, but an even greater impact on my children, Adam and Nicole, both graduates of Richwoods High School.
Our prayer's will always be with the Chan Family.
Susan Nathan
December 12, 2003
Dear Chan family,
I have been meaning to write to you for some time since I came across Chip's portrait last year, but somehow never found the words or got around to it until tonight. Chip's portrait stayed in my mind, not only because of his glowing smile, but because we both come from dear old Peoria, IL and somehow ended up in this big crazy city. I work in One Liberty Plaza, just across the street from the WTC, being from Peoria, I so remember my amazement and the overwhelming sense I felt about living in New York when I first moved here. I can imagine Chip felt very much the same. I just wanted you to know that two years after the horrors of 9/11, we here in New York have not forgotten, will never forget, there is not a day that I got to work, on the way from the subway to my office that something about that day and all the poor souls that were lost doesn't cross my mind. And, on special days like the anniversaries we have had, when I do take a moment to stop by the site instead of just hurrying by, I often think of your Chip, his hopes and dreams I feel that I can understand, and I wonder if his family or friends from Peoria have made it here. If not, just wanted to let you know that somebody here in New York, but from Peoria, thinks of him from time to time and says a prayer that he and all that were lost on that day have found peace.
Ellen Brown
September 18, 2003
Dear Julie,John, Craig, Matt, Mark and Mike, Bart and I think of all of you often and miss you. You are always in our thoughts and prayers, as is Chip. We were very aware of September 11 this year and of the horror you all went through. We wish we were able to help in some way, and wanted you all to know that we think of you constantly and consider you all part of our family. We miss you.
Ellen, Bart and Will
John Chan
September 12, 2003
Another September 11 has passed and yet we miss Chip more than ever.
We thank all of you who have remembered Chip with an kind message and thoughts. You have helped our Family.
Thank You.
John Chan, Father of Chip Chan.
Lorin
September 11, 2003
It was weird, I was looking at a website of all the people who passed away that day. I was looking at people my age and noticed Chip so I clicked on his name and more information came up. I was surprised that he was from Peoria and went to U of I. Out of all the people I could have looked at, I go to the one that is from my hometown and went to a school 45 minutes away from my school. My prayers and thoughts go out to Chip's family.
LeGuillow Alicia
February 24, 2003
I was Chip administrator and he was a great worker and he knew alot of the work that came to him. Chip was the pricer in our desk and he handle all the brokers very well and was fast doing his job. He was very quiet but always had a smile everyday. I worked directly with him and it was a pleasure working with him. I also lost my son and he and chip use to talk about certain kinds of sport. It has been hard for me also since I am the only one who survive out of the group and I don't know why. I miss all of the guys they were wonderful people and I know they are all together. To the Chan family my prayers and my love go out to you. May you find peace. I know Chan is an angel since he was such a wonderful person.
shelly vanetten
September 16, 2002
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!!
Barbi Nordvall
September 15, 2002
My prayers and thoughts go to the Chan family. I am Joe's (Julia's brother - Chip's mom) sister in law. Janet Harman's little sister.
Even though I didn't know Chip, I always see his picture in Joe's office and I pray for the entire family. God Bless you.
My mom once said to me when I lost a dear friend "God doesn't always want old wrinkled up Angels, sometimes he wants the young good looking ones too."
GOD BLESS THE CHAN FAMILY. You are in my thoughts and prayers eveyday.
Jessica
September 11, 2002
To the Chan family:
I'm 15 years old an a sophomore in high school. During school on the 1 year anniversary, we received bracelets with the name of one of the victims. I received Chip's. I really very sorry about your loss and I hope it eventually gets easier to bear the loss. Much love.
Melanie Gray
September 11, 2002
I think of Chip daily, and pray for your whole family. When Chip worked for me at the Health Club, he was such a great young man, he is truly missed. May we never forget that great smile and "can do attitude!" Forever in my heart and mind...
Sincerely,
Bill, Melanie, Adam and Alex Gray
Nikki Fisher
September 11, 2002
To the dear Chan Family,
I remember growing up with all of you. All of the horse shows and family gatherings that our family was also invited to attend. My heart aches for you. I remember Chip as one of the most beautiful children I had ever seen. Such a precious little smile and eyes that could tear even the hardest heart apart.Your entire family is in my prayers daily.
Love,
Nikki Fisher
Anonymous
September 10, 2002
To Julie-John and the boys:I can't express in words how sorry I have been...My heart aches at the pain all of you are going through...not a day goes by that I don't think of Chip..I told a story the other day I remembered about him water skiing...I cry for him and all of you very often and would like you to know my prayers are with you guys every night!! May God bless you all and keep you safe!!!
Mary
September 10, 2002
To the Chan family:
You do not know me, but I am a friend of one of Chip's aunts...I didn't know Chip, but have felt the impact of his absence through my friend's tears...My thoughts, prayers and hopes for a happier future are with you on this eve of Sept. 11...God bless your family and God Bless America...MKF...Peoria,IL
Katie Beierwaltes (Losch)
May 30, 2002
My prayers are with your family and we will all miss the happiness you brought into everyone's life.
Angela Bragdon-Brennan (RHS)
March 12, 2002
To the Chan Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your son/brother. We are all grieving together over the tragic occurances that took place on Sept. 11th. Hardly a day goes by that I do not think about the families that lost loved ones. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Through this overwhelming act of violence I think we have all learned that the presence of evil is greater than we could imagine. I pray that through your grief the love of God will bring you closer together as never before. May the Lord's presence be upon you all and may His protection be around you. God bless you all! You are loved!
"The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You." Psalm 9:9-10
March 11, 2002
For what it's worth, I didn't even know Chip and I cry for him. My thoughts and prayers are with him and the Chan family. This has been the ultimate loss, and I'm sorry..
Becky (Anderson) McGuire
February 21, 2002
To the Chan Family: My Father, Dallas Anderson, is Chip's Grandmother's cousin. My heart goes out to you. Please know that the hearts and prayers of the whole extended Johnson/Anderson families are with you. Sincerly, Becky McGuire
Susan Best-Gualandi
February 20, 2002
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Chip's loss has stayed with us, I remember gradeschool basketball games and crushes (Chip was so cute)... the memories make us all richer. Love, Susie
Molly DeJohn (Best)
February 16, 2002
To the Chan Family,
Chip touched so many people and will continue to light our lives. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen Cordes (Tatgenhorst)
February 14, 2002
God Bless your family during this difficult time. Being a classmate of Chip's, I will always remember his kindness and humor! What wonderful traits to be remembered by! I am honored to have known him. Your family is in my prayers.
Danielle Glennon
February 12, 2002
With deepest sympathy
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Chip was always a good friend, a good person and he will never be forgotten.
Thank you.
Craig R. Edwards
February 12, 2002
To the Chan Family,
My deepest sympathy goes out to all of you. Chip was a fun loving friend who brought nothing but kindness into this world. He will be missed!
Shelley Gullifor
January 28, 2002
To John, Julie, Chris, Craig, Matt, Mark and Michael:
May you find strength and healing through the love and support of your family and friends. You have showed this community how to mourn with class and dignity. You let us into your lives at your weakest moment. You realized that not only was your life ripped apart that horrible day, but the lives of all mankind touched. Together we will heal and emerge a stronger nation - TOGETHER. May your faith and love sustain you and help you to see a brighter day.
Much love and support, The Gullifor's
Anita Schultz
January 10, 2002
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our daughter Rhonda graduated from Richwoods with your son and they had at least 1 class together. I can't imagine going through what you've been through and our hearts ache for you. None of our lives will ever be the same, especially those who have lost loved ones. I'm sure Chip would have been very successful. You can be proud of his accomplishments in his short life. May you somehow find the strength to get through this terrible tragedy in your life.
Teresa Jahn
January 6, 2002
We are deeply sorry for your loss of Chip. May his life and love live on in those who love him. Our hearts cry with you in your loss of Chip.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
December 21, 2001
DEAR GOD IN HEAVEN BLESS CHARLES
LAWRENCE (CHIP) CHAN AND MAY HE REST
IN PEACE..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND
FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW
YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01
GOD BLESS THE PEOPLE IN PEORIA.ILL.
Jane Groeper
November 20, 2001
"There is a comfort in the strength of love; 'twill make a thing endurable, which else would overset the brain, or break the heart ..." (from MICHAEL by William Wordsworth, 1800)
To Chip's family and friends:
I read with sadness and warmth the stories which appeared in the Journal Star. Amid your loss, you showed the people of Central Illinois how love and faith can sustain even the mightiest of sorrows. God be with you all.
Sammy Chin
October 26, 2001
My heart goes out to your family and to all family that suffer a lost. I for one lost a a former boss of my Sal Pepe. He and many ofhis friends would tell you he would made a wonderful brother, husband , daddy, a big brother, a wonderful boss. He left behind a wife and a new born "sal Jr" 17 months old (both Chinese)
God be with you and all of us.
Terri Voils
October 20, 2001
My smypathy to you and your family.
leslie miller
October 17, 2001
Please find strength in happy memories and in each other. We are so very sorry for your loss.
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