Remembering Chaz Jacob Bruner
A place to celebrate the amazing life of Chaz Jacob Bruner.
Connor Keith
April 22, 2017 05:54 PM
Chaz was an amazing guy. He always helped me when I needed help. He was loving to everyone. Whenever I would need encouragement on something he would lift me up and help. For example, we were playing a video game together and I was not very good at it and we kept losing. Instead of getting mad at me and saying it was my fault we lost he said that I was getting better and then he gave me ways I could improve more. We eventually won and it was because of Chaz's loving heart. God said that the second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor and Chaz definitely did his best in following that. I really enjoyed my time with Chaz because of his great qualities and personality.
-Connor
-Connor
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The Williams
April 22, 2017 05:37 PM
Kathryn and Matt,
You raised a special young man who was accepting of others, supportive, kind and happy. What an amazing life he lived! Chaz was incredibly blessed to have two supportive and loving parents. We are so sorry for your loss and will always remember the fun times playing baseball at Red West and soccer at BCS.
You are in our thoughts and prayers – Chris, Jan and Luke Williams
You raised a special young man who was accepting of others, supportive, kind and happy. What an amazing life he lived! Chaz was incredibly blessed to have two supportive and loving parents. We are so sorry for your loss and will always remember the fun times playing baseball at Red West and soccer at BCS.
You are in our thoughts and prayers – Chris, Jan and Luke Williams
The Drehers
April 22, 2017 04:05 PM
Dear Mom, Dad, and sweet sisters of Chaz,
We are praying and thinking about your beautiful son and brother Chaz, who was and always will be a loved part of your family and the community. His spirit lives on in your hearts and in the hearts of all his friends and loved ones forever. We can see what a beautiful family you are and always will be as you hold on to your love for Chaz and find your way with the grief of his loss on earth.
As bereved parents and siblings, we want you to know that you are not alone and that our family is always here to support you and be an ear to listen. We'd love to hear more about your Chaz, and if you ever would like to talk to someone who has walked this terrible path, our family is here for you.
love,
The Drehers
Veronica, Jon, Jillian, Susie (our Angel) and Genevieve
We are praying and thinking about your beautiful son and brother Chaz, who was and always will be a loved part of your family and the community. His spirit lives on in your hearts and in the hearts of all his friends and loved ones forever. We can see what a beautiful family you are and always will be as you hold on to your love for Chaz and find your way with the grief of his loss on earth.
As bereved parents and siblings, we want you to know that you are not alone and that our family is always here to support you and be an ear to listen. We'd love to hear more about your Chaz, and if you ever would like to talk to someone who has walked this terrible path, our family is here for you.
love,
The Drehers
Veronica, Jon, Jillian, Susie (our Angel) and Genevieve
Meghan McCahill
April 22, 2017 02:15 PM
One of my favorite things about babysitting the Bruners was watching the kids interact together. More than siblings, there were all friends. Our conversations were joyful, laugh-filled and consistently hopeful. Walking to the park, making dinner, watching a movie, etc. were simple things to do together but so much fun to do with the Bruners. Even if there was stress or work to be done, there was always love. Anyways, every time after the girls went to sleep, Chaz & I would stay up for a while longer watching the flash, working on homework and talking about life. These are some of my favorite memories and sweetest times. Chaz was a kind friend, a wonderful big brother and a follower of Christ. to the bruner fam—I love you all so much. Wish that I could be there with you. 
Keith Family
April 22, 2017 01:11 PM
Words can’t fully express the special place Chaz and the Bruner family hold in our hearts. We will forever treasure our many fun adventures together in Lake Chelan as friends and neighbors. We love you so much and will miss you dearly, Chaz. Grateful for the time God allowed us to have together.
Kevin, Kathy, Connor & Ainsley
Kevin, Kathy, Connor & Ainsley
Alice Johanneson
April 22, 2017 12:28 PM
I had the privilege of attending the service at school the day after Chaz passed. That moment allowed me to write this reflection:
"Today I did something awful and inspiring. A young man passed away yesterday, a fellow student, a friend. The school held a chapel this morning for the students. They split them up by class and sat them in a room to talk, reflect and grieve. A room of absolute silence. Silence not because it was required, not because there was a test, not to study. Silence because these poor kids were so sad. But as time passed they reached towards one another. They held each other through tears, they whispered condolences to their friends. These brave children took the time to write notes to the shattered parents. These strong kids supported their community and were also strongly supported. This is what we and our schools do, we raise these wonderful people to be supportive, empathetic, caring, loving, strong humans.
I am inspired."
RIP Chaz. You are not forgotten.
"Today I did something awful and inspiring. A young man passed away yesterday, a fellow student, a friend. The school held a chapel this morning for the students. They split them up by class and sat them in a room to talk, reflect and grieve. A room of absolute silence. Silence not because it was required, not because there was a test, not to study. Silence because these poor kids were so sad. But as time passed they reached towards one another. They held each other through tears, they whispered condolences to their friends. These brave children took the time to write notes to the shattered parents. These strong kids supported their community and were also strongly supported. This is what we and our schools do, we raise these wonderful people to be supportive, empathetic, caring, loving, strong humans.
I am inspired."
RIP Chaz. You are not forgotten.
Uncle Paul
April 22, 2017 11:20 AM
Chaz wake boarding in one of his favorite places, Lake Chelan.
Tara, Mike and Travis Roth
April 22, 2017 10:52 AM
Kathryn and Matt, I hope these photos bring back smiles of great memories. While it feels way to brief, we feel very blessed to have gotten to know Chaz. Love to you all.
-Tara, Mike and Travis Roth
-Tara, Mike and Travis Roth
Jennifer, Theron, Carolyn, Ally and Charlotte Eichenberger
April 22, 2017 09:50 AM
In February, we had the pleasure of skiing with the Bruner family for 2 days at Sun Valley. The second day was full of fresh snow but so windy that the top of the mountain was closed and we felt like we were the only skiers on the mountain that day. Around lunch time, we were surprised to see they opened the top. Matt, Theron and Chaz took an amazing powder run top to bottom. I so clearly remember Chaz’s smile and expression when he came in to the lodge where Kathryn and the girls and I were all eating and told us about the amazing run in untracked deep powder down Limelight. Theron will never forget sharing that experience with Matt and Chaz. Hannah, Malia and our girls had so much fun following Chaz off little ski jumps. Talking to Chaz, you could hear how much he enjoyed his time with his family, vacations, basketball, Bear Creek and summers in Chelan. Our hearts are with the Bruner family. We will keep you all in our prayers. Jennifer, Theron, Carolyn, Ally & Charlotte Eichenberger
Sheree James
April 22, 2017 08:19 AM
We were new to the community. At a late-summer school social we were introduced by neighbors to the Burner family. Our son, Malakai, was not with us at the time. When I met Chaz I had a brief conversation with him and it didn't take long for me to recognize that Chaz reminded me so much of my own son. He was so well-mannered, kind and soft-spoken but easily talked with adults. He mentioned basketball and running and I knew I had just found a new friend for our son. When I got the chance to introduce the boys they did become fast friends. They got to play basketball and run track together at RMS. Kathryn and I helped each other out with carpooling on a few occasions and the boys played in the community and at each others houses a few times. I would always think to myself, "that's the kind of kid I want my kid hanging out with!" Kai was disappointed to hear Chaz would be leaving his school and moving out of the neighborhood. We are thankful for the friendship Chaz offered our son when he was the new kid at school and in the neighborhood. We are praying for his family everyday.
Andrew Hom
April 22, 2017 12:02 AM
My favorite memory of Chaz was before he came to Bear Creek. We were at a soccer camp and I didn't really know anyone. Then, this kid walked up to me and introduced himself. That kid was Chaz. For the rest of the camp, he was one of my only friends and he made the camp great. I'm going to miss everything about him, from his goofy smile to his amazing laugh. RIP Chaz.
Andrew Funk
April 21, 2017 11:59 PM
I was in the same youth group and I would like to say that he was a cool person and that I'm praying for his family. Only picture I have of him.
Noa Ferman
April 21, 2017 10:49 PM
Bouke Spoelstra
April 21, 2017 09:00 PM
Dear Chaz,
It's been hard to compose my thoughts. I miss you so much I can't think. I went to visit your family twice since you've left to try to be there for them in your absence, but I know I'll never be able to fill your shoes, and the way you cared for them more than anything else. I miss the way your smile parted the clouds and made the greyest of days sunny. Yesterday I picked dandelions for half an hour and put them under the flagpole, just because they reminded me of you, of the yellow sunshine. I can't learn in class, so I make paper airplanes that say "his smile parted the clouds, and cleared the way for dreams to soar" on the wings and throw them in your favorite classrooms. I don't know how I'm going to continue without you, everything you said and did to me was perfect love. The way you just talked to me that last night, the way you let me open to you, I will always cherish that. I didn't deserve to be the last person you went out with. You gave me everything and I never got the chance to repay you. I know you're happier now then you ever would have been, and it's selfish of me to want you back, but I miss you brother. I'll see you soon.
Love,
Bouke
It's been hard to compose my thoughts. I miss you so much I can't think. I went to visit your family twice since you've left to try to be there for them in your absence, but I know I'll never be able to fill your shoes, and the way you cared for them more than anything else. I miss the way your smile parted the clouds and made the greyest of days sunny. Yesterday I picked dandelions for half an hour and put them under the flagpole, just because they reminded me of you, of the yellow sunshine. I can't learn in class, so I make paper airplanes that say "his smile parted the clouds, and cleared the way for dreams to soar" on the wings and throw them in your favorite classrooms. I don't know how I'm going to continue without you, everything you said and did to me was perfect love. The way you just talked to me that last night, the way you let me open to you, I will always cherish that. I didn't deserve to be the last person you went out with. You gave me everything and I never got the chance to repay you. I know you're happier now then you ever would have been, and it's selfish of me to want you back, but I miss you brother. I'll see you soon.
Love,
Bouke
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Timothay Gephart
April 21, 2017 08:50 PM
Chaz was the most generous, most including teen I've ever seen. He always was willing to play some ball with my friends and I, and was always inviting whenever he was shooting hoops in the gym before school. The most memories I have of Chaz were in chelan, intertubing, football in the water, and ping pong. I remember running around Walmart on inflatable dolphins and sting rays, which we ended up persuading Chaz to buy. I wasn't as close as others were to Chaz, but he always made me feel close whenever I was around him. He was such a role model for my friends and I, who are a year younger. I'll miss you Chaz.❤️
Noa Ferman
April 21, 2017 08:40 PM
The first day I met Chaz, I didn't get to sit with him. As soon as I heard his name, I recognized it from Dr. Bruner. Your father knew that Chaz and I were going into the same school the same year and so he always pepped him up saying I should say hi. So the first thing I asked Chaz was if he was Dr. Bruner's son. He said yes, but it was an awkward question to ask. It seemed like he got it a lot. The next day I say with Chaz and that was when we got our seats assigned. I sat with Chaz for he majority of that year. Each day he'd come into class. Chaz would try to do work, he was so hardworking. I would just completely destroy his journal writing little notes or drawing little pictures.
Most of them ended up being little doodles. I feel pretty bad looking back. But we joked about it a year later, so I'd say it was a good memory. Soon came spring and Chaz did wrestling. Since his nose got injured he had to wear this mask, all the wrestlers called him Cookie Monster because the mask made him look like one. I begged him to put it on in class so I could see what it was like, and they were right. But Chaz wasn't embarrassed by it he owned it. Chaz was a great Cookie Monster (maybe even better than the original!). Chaz was also good at basketball and I never missed a chance to embarrass him at his games by cheering super loudly. He did great he was really good at basketball. On the last day of school it was sad to see Chaz switch schools. He thought he'd have no friends (wow how he was wrong!). I asked him to sign my yearbook and he just didn't know what to say so he wrote, "stay straight as a ruler," and "prom?". Both of which made me laugh, but I was looking forward to making him keep his promise of prom. One day, we went to mods, and they have stickers that everyone puts up. Chaz of course had to go all out. He climbed the walls, (idek how that's p hard to do) and he stuck his sticker higher than anyone else, it took teamwork, but I give him most of the credit.
He thought he would drown at his swim meets for some reason. When I tried out for the dance team and said I couldn't dance he said "well at least you won't drown". Which was true, but seemed so out of place because how would you drown in dance? I found it funny and quite comforting actually. Chaz was brace and although afraid he'd drown, he swam. Soon came tolo. Chaz and I didn't plan well we had about a days heads up we were going to go. I didn't have shoes and so I said I was going to wear pink vans or crocs. And Chaz just said to make sure my crocs match his tie, because we had to look "formal". One day, Caroline and I, we were both texting Chaz at the same time. So I didn't end up wearing crocs and we didn't end up matching but it was a great night. When we went to take pictures Chaz pointed out how awkward it was being the only couple there that wasn't actually super into each other in that way. Something about the way he said it just made me laugh and that's what the pictures got.
Most of them ended up being little doodles. I feel pretty bad looking back. But we joked about it a year later, so I'd say it was a good memory. Soon came spring and Chaz did wrestling. Since his nose got injured he had to wear this mask, all the wrestlers called him Cookie Monster because the mask made him look like one. I begged him to put it on in class so I could see what it was like, and they were right. But Chaz wasn't embarrassed by it he owned it. Chaz was a great Cookie Monster (maybe even better than the original!). Chaz was also good at basketball and I never missed a chance to embarrass him at his games by cheering super loudly. He did great he was really good at basketball. On the last day of school it was sad to see Chaz switch schools. He thought he'd have no friends (wow how he was wrong!). I asked him to sign my yearbook and he just didn't know what to say so he wrote, "stay straight as a ruler," and "prom?". Both of which made me laugh, but I was looking forward to making him keep his promise of prom. One day, we went to mods, and they have stickers that everyone puts up. Chaz of course had to go all out. He climbed the walls, (idek how that's p hard to do) and he stuck his sticker higher than anyone else, it took teamwork, but I give him most of the credit.
He thought he would drown at his swim meets for some reason. When I tried out for the dance team and said I couldn't dance he said "well at least you won't drown". Which was true, but seemed so out of place because how would you drown in dance? I found it funny and quite comforting actually. Chaz was brace and although afraid he'd drown, he swam. Soon came tolo. Chaz and I didn't plan well we had about a days heads up we were going to go. I didn't have shoes and so I said I was going to wear pink vans or crocs. And Chaz just said to make sure my crocs match his tie, because we had to look "formal". One day, Caroline and I, we were both texting Chaz at the same time. So I didn't end up wearing crocs and we didn't end up matching but it was a great night. When we went to take pictures Chaz pointed out how awkward it was being the only couple there that wasn't actually super into each other in that way. Something about the way he said it just made me laugh and that's what the pictures got.
Kelsey Jobst
April 21, 2017 08:30 PM
The Gullicksons
April 21, 2017 07:57 PM
We first met Chaz when he was just a baby at our wedding. He impressed everyone with his good "baby manners" and adorable smile! Seriously, my mother in law still remembers this!!
Years later, we had the pleasure of really getting to know him better on a vacation together with our families, and again were impressed with his kindness to Hayden, who was younger than Chaz. Chaz treated Hayden like one of his good friends, built sand castles with him and tried to help him snorkel. Hayden thought Chaz was the coolest kid he'd met and talked about him for months afterwards.
Thanks, Chaz, for being a peer example of kindness, generosity, and love of Christ.
The Gullicksons
Years later, we had the pleasure of really getting to know him better on a vacation together with our families, and again were impressed with his kindness to Hayden, who was younger than Chaz. Chaz treated Hayden like one of his good friends, built sand castles with him and tried to help him snorkel. Hayden thought Chaz was the coolest kid he'd met and talked about him for months afterwards.
Thanks, Chaz, for being a peer example of kindness, generosity, and love of Christ.
The Gullicksons
Sam Harold
April 21, 2017 05:40 PM
Chaz, I miss you more than anything. You are my best friend. I remember one of the best days of my life was in this photo with you. I love you brother.
Tim Foley
April 21, 2017 05:38 PM
Quiet strength
Kindness
Warm heart
Encouraging friend
Positive influence
Imitator of Jesus
Reflection of Matt & Kathryn
Chaz Bruner, in fifteen years of life, impacted, influenced and inspired friends and family in ways that so many adults only wish they could. His level -headed and thoughtful approach with peers truly transformed relationships. Chaz knew how to avoid what he should and attach what he could. Chaz treated adults with respect and his siblings with care.
God, thank you for connections with families and children like the Bruner's and Chaz. Thank you that Chaz's impact and influence will be carried on through those whose lives he touched - like ours. Thank you for carrying Matt, Kathryn, Hannah, Malia and the grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins through the pain of loss. Thank you for interceding when words can't be found.
Kindness
Warm heart
Encouraging friend
Positive influence
Imitator of Jesus
Reflection of Matt & Kathryn
Chaz Bruner, in fifteen years of life, impacted, influenced and inspired friends and family in ways that so many adults only wish they could. His level -headed and thoughtful approach with peers truly transformed relationships. Chaz knew how to avoid what he should and attach what he could. Chaz treated adults with respect and his siblings with care.
God, thank you for connections with families and children like the Bruner's and Chaz. Thank you that Chaz's impact and influence will be carried on through those whose lives he touched - like ours. Thank you for carrying Matt, Kathryn, Hannah, Malia and the grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins through the pain of loss. Thank you for interceding when words can't be found.
Colleen Broaddus
April 21, 2017 02:06 PM
Here are some photos we took of Chaz at his basketball games a few months ago. We are so very sorry to hear of his passing and are praying for his family and loved ones.
In Christ's love,
Colleen Broaddus
In Christ's love,
Colleen Broaddus
Jenny and Daniel Yoo
April 21, 2017 12:45 AM
My name is Jenny and my son Daniel Yoo is in 10th grade.
He wants to dedicate his cello play to Chaz for being so nice colleague and hope this could comfort your family and Chaz.....
We will pray for your family and Chaz all the time.......
He wants to dedicate his cello play to Chaz for being so nice colleague and hope this could comfort your family and Chaz.....
We will pray for your family and Chaz all the time.......
Joseph Tsou
April 21, 2017 12:44 AM
I remember around dig pink day, I created a stupid gang named "tyt". Every member in this gang is my favorite freshmen boys. Chaz was in it. I will never forget his smile, his laugh. Every time I said a stupid joke, his laugh would always make me smile. I will never forget the way he says "tyt" when he sees me. He is a great, funny boy. I miss him. My prayers and tears goes to him and his family.
Alex Gephart
April 21, 2017 12:39 AM
This picture was not last summer, but the summer before. Chaz reached out to me. He made me feel like I was his best friend in Lake Chelan for two summers in a row. I could not have asked for a more fun dude to hang out with there. He was the best tubing buddy. Messing around on the beach, playing basketball in the yard, getting Pizza and ice cream at the small shops. I remember it so well. You better believe I was ecstatic when I found out Chaz was coming to Bear Creek. Another way he reached out to me was in hopes of shooting hoops in the gym about two weeks ago, showing his crazy dedication and willingness to get better for next season. He tracked me down courageously. Well, last Wednesday was supposed to be our first Basketball session. We wanted to improve our game together. I can't do that physically with him now, but in a way, I can still get better with him. I can still shoot hoops with Chaz. I'm proud to know this baller. RIP Chaz Bruner. God Bless!
Jeanne
April 21, 2017 12:36 AM
Trisha Brown
April 21, 2017 12:16 AM
Chaz was a competitor with character! Fierce but a great sportsman. He always displayed a Christian attitude.
Joe Whitlock
April 21, 2017 12:00 AM
Chaz is the most amazing person i ever met. he was the best friend i ever had, and the closest person i ever knew. i needed him all these years. through my low points and my high points he was always there with me. i have such a great love for him, and i never got to tell him enough how much he meant. what happened to my best friend wasn't right. it wasn't fair. Chaz was the type of guy that was supposed to go places and do great things. I don't agree with God's plan for Chaz right now, and i would have readily take Chaz's place if i had the opportunity. but i cant. i just want Chaz to know that i love him. i love you, Ichiban, and while you're away we wont ever forget you.
