Chris Wolf

Robert "Chris" Wolf, of Athens, born January 8, 1952 in Canton, OH, passed on to a new life on December 13, 2017 surrounded by family.


Chris, "Wolfman" or "Wolfie," retired after 28 years at Southern Ohio Coal, outside Athens, where he went to work after graduating from Ohio University with a BSED in English. Prior to college, he received his high school diploma from Canton Central Catholic High School. While working in the coal mine, Chris started Peace & Love Rentals and rehabbed small houses and maintained them for over 30 years. To fill his idle time, he purchased, owned, and operated the "World Famous" Smiling Skull Saloon in Athens for 23 years. The bar is still operated by family.


Chris , also "Detroit," became interested in motorcycles at a young age and his love for them carried on to the end -- cross country rides, rebuilding antique Harleys, raising hell, searching for the next project. Bikes led to antique cars, and the garages were full of fun.


All these activities were supervised, supported, and helped along by the love of his life, Connie, whom he met in 1975 and married in 1980 (you do the math). Chris and Connie loved traveling together. In early years they road tripped with the children, and later they went on their own on epic motorcycle adventures, frequently choosing roads less travelled.


Chris was diagnosed with kidney cancer in May 2017. His last months were not a battle but a moving portrait of pragmatism, courage, tenacity, and love. He had a huge community of friends in Athens and across the country. He will be remembered by all for his hard work, creativity, integrity, wit, and humor. His immediate and extended family were sources of his great happiness and satisfaction with life. His grandchildren will hold special memories of their zany and influential "Grumpa Chris." (Best quote, from grandson Orson, after a week at so-called WolfKamp: "It's fun AND dangerous!")


Chris was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Locke Wolf Jr and Elaine James Wolf of Canton; his wife's parents, Calvin G. and Mary R. Thayer of Athens; brother-in-law Blane Bertram; and infant grandson Calvin Baker Thayer-Hansen.


He is survived by his wife, Connie Thayer-Wolf, and by his children and their families: daughter Toni Thayer (David Hansen, children Orson Aurelius and Zelda Dare Thayer-Hansen) of Cleveland Heights, daughter Adrienne (Nick) Whitney of Athens, and son Robert Locke Wolf (Christina, and children Felix Locke, Rex Vaughn, and Wren Merritt) of Athens. Chris is also survived by his dear sisters and their spouses, Diane Bertram (Tom Lynch) of Massillon and Lisa (Michael) Lombardi of Canton, along with many adoring nieces, nephews, and siblings-in-law.


"I'm moving on. Drink a cold one and get to work."


Friends and family are invited to call Friday, Dec. 22nd from 5-7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 23rd from 2-4:30 p.m. at Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens. The Celebratory Observation will be on Saturday, Dec. 23rd at 4:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Drinks, potluck, and tall tales will follow at the Smiling Skull Saloon.


The family requests no flowers and suggests memorial contributions to the OhioHealth Home Care and Hospice, 444 W. Union St., Suite C, Athens, OH 45701.


Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register book at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.