Christopher Schonwalder

Such a gentleman our Saturday morning tennis group will not be the same

Matthew, my name is Aida Doss Havel, and my husband John and I met your father at Unity Church of Raleigh in the early 2000s. I would bring my father, Dr. Albert Doss, to services with me in a wheelchair, and your father was always so gracious, kind, friendly, and supportive to me and my father. Although I have not seen Chris in many, many years, I will never forget his kindness and gentleness.

Chris was a long time tennis buddy and competitor. Some of my favorite memories of him come from our tournament tennis matches. His mixed doubles matches with Becky were hard fought, but with a lot of joy in the battle. He photographed for me office scenes and head shots for my law firm. So, we go back a long way in so many heartfelt ways.

I´ve knew Chris for many years through his love of photography. He, as well as his photos, were unforgettable. Chris had such an artistic mind, and now I´m learning was so much more than that. He and his lively spirit will be sorely missed!!

Chris, you will be very missed my Friend and fellow Artist. I´ll miss your travel stories, your quick whit and Good Humor, and getting to see the Incredible Images you´ve taken at so many of my events...you will Forever Be BluWater Family!! ~MommaT

I met Chris at a party for the Chemistry graduate students at Penn State in 1966. It was my first week or so in graduate school while Chris was in his third year. He offered me a ride home and asked me what my plans were at Penn State. When I told him I planned to go for my master´s degree, he remarked, "why settle for the consolation prize when you have not even tried for the gold?" I agreed. Although we had few interactions, I remember Chris helping me pass a course we were both taking...

Rest your beautiful mind now and smile.

I enjoyed Chris as a member of our tai chi class at Springmoor and will miss his playful spirit and unbelievable knowledge of plays and music. I wish we could have known him longer. My deep sympathy to his family and loved ones.

I can not even begin to express the impact Chris had on my life in the short year that I knew him. He was a student in my Tai Chi class at Springmoor. He was a kind, engaging witty person who shared meaningful stories from his rich life. We connected deeply in regards to our compassion for theatre, dance, humankind, the environment and our democracy. I feel blessed to have known him and inspired by who he was deep down inside. He will be missed by me and our entire Tai Chi group. Rest in...