Bath/Williamsville: Chris Weatherford of Williamsville, NY passed away peacefully on January 22, 2012 in his home at the age of 61. Survived by his children: Deanna Weatherford Duckett of St. Louis, MO, Claire Weatherford (Derek Ma) of Madison, WI, Lynde Weatherford of Buffalo, NY, and Cheryl Weatherford of Iowa City, IA. Sister Patricia (Don) Barish of Old Monroe, MO and beloved friend of many years, Laurie Fuller, of Williamsville, NY.
Chris was born on February 15, 1950 in St. Louis, MO to parents William Weatherford and Mary (Patterson) Weatherford. He is predeceased by his parents. Chris is also predeceased by his sister, Linda, who died in 1957 as a child, as well as his Uncle and Aunt, Henry (Oma) Million of Poplar Bluff, MO whom he lived with for many years in his youth.
Chris entered the United States Army in 1968 and served until 1972 including time spent overseas in Germany. After being Honorably Discharged from his Military Service he entered the Physician’s Assistant program in 1972 at St. Louis University when this program was in its beginnings. He graduated in 1974 and was hired at the US Department of Veterans Affairs in Poplar Bluff, MO. Being a veteran himself, he enjoyed working at the VA and serving the patients to the finest of his abilities. He transferred to the St. Louis VA in 1980 and later went to the Iowa City VA in 1997 where he worked until 2004. He then went on to the Bath VA in New York State from which he retired. Chris served his country and the VA for 38 years.
A friend to many people, Chris touched many lives in his travels. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends as well as recent times spent on Conesus Lake at the Hill family Cottage.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday January 28, 2012 at 11am at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree St., Livonia, NY. Services will be officiated by Rev. Jerry Hamblin including full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, at Chris’s request, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 315 Alberta Dr., Buffalo, NY 14226. To send a condolence and for further information please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
2.I worked with Chris at the St. Louis VA and know how well he was liked & respected by his patients, coworkers & friends. I am very glad that I was able to visit with Chris and Laurie in July 2011 as they made their trip through St. Louis. Chris touched many lives throughout his very full but short life and I know all who knew him will now have an empty spot in their heart. May that spot heal with good memories. Just give it time.
With sympathy,
Gloria
Heartfelt sympathies to the Weatherford family. I was sorry to hear of Chris’s passing. We were classmates 1972-74 and friends since then and I knew him to be a compassionate and caring person. We will miss him but the Lord will look over him.
I was sadden to hear about Chris. We had several classes together during highschool. The last time I saw Chris was several years ago at a VA conference in Portland. OR. We ran into each other by accident. We were to talk for awhile and able to catch up on things. I always like Chris. He had a way of brightening a room when he walked in. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayer are with you.
I was so saddened to hear of Chris’s passing. My condolences to his family; I know this is a very difficult time.
Chris was a great person and will be greatly missed.
Jane “Carr” Walker, PBHS Class of ’68
My heartfelt sympathy to Chris’ family and close friends during this difficult time. Chris and I were classmates from the Eugene Field playground to high school graduation. He was a sweet and kind boy who obviously grew into a caring and compassionate man. May your memories of the good times you shared sustain you in the days ahead.
My sincerest condolences to Laurie and Chris’s daughters. I worked with Chris at the Bath VAMC from 2004 through his retirement. We developed a close relationship, had lunch together almost daily, spoke alot about patient care issues, and shot pool together. Chris was one heck of a pool player. He talked alot about his daughters, and I could tell he loved each one of you very much. He talked about Laurie alot and was greatful for you being in his life. Chris was upbeat, optimistic and fun to be around. I appreciate all that Chris did for our veterans, and most of all, I cherish him as a friend.
Laurie & Chris’ family:
My deepest symmpathy & condolesences go out to all of you. I pray that God will also bring you strength during this difficult time. May you find peace in remembering the memories you have of Chris and bring you comfort now and in the days ahead.
Deepest sympathy and condolences to each of you. Chris and I were friends in the PA Program, 1972 – 1974, and since then. He was a founder of the Missouri Academy of Physician Assistants. Chris was a very caring, gifted person. He spoke of his daughters and friends in person, as well as in letters and e-mails over time. He gave so much of himself to others, including his patients. God had a purpose and a plan for Chris. He will continue to live in our hearts with remembrance and deep thanks.
Dear Laurie and Chris’s families
Words are inadequate when you lose someone that you love; I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that God will provide you with strength, peace and comfort during the days ahead.
Love, Patti Higgins
Hello I was also a friend of Chris’s, I am sending my sincerest condolences to his family. He is a wonderful person and always made everyone happy whenever he was around you. I know if he was there you were smiling and laughing, he was a joy to us all. This is such a great loss. I am so glad i had him for a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Gowanda
Hello I worked with Chris at the Bath VA, I am sending my deepest sympathy and condolences to all of you. Chris is a wonderful man, father, Physician’s Assistant, teacher, and of course friend. In my years of being a nurse I have never worked with such a kind, caring, and loving PA, to his patients and co-workers. It made my day to see his beautiful smiling face. He touched every life and heart that he came across. This is such a great loss, especially for his wonderful family, Laurie and his children, he talked about all of you and was so proud of each of you. I am so grateful to have known Chris, and I am so thankful i had the pleaure of having such a wonderful friend. He is a gift, that will never be forgotten and will live in all our hearts always. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Crissy
Our heartfelt prayers to the Weatherford and Fuller families for your loss of such a wonderful man! Chris was such a sweet man who was always smiling and looking for laughs. We had the joy of spending time with him just before Christmas and shared stories and saw how proud he was of his family. We know words cannot heal the pain of losing someone so dear, but please know that we are wishing you hope in the midst of sorrow, comfort in the midst of pain and may God give you the strength to help you through the days ahead.
I am so sorry for the loss of a great person! Chris and I were friends while we lived in Poplar Bluff. I moved away before high school graduation, but always fondly remembered my times with Chris. I will remember Chris’ family in my prayers. May you find comfort in
the wonderful memories you have of being a part of a family created by such a wonderful person as Chris.