GUGGEMOS: Family grateful for support

On behalf of the family of Chris Guggemos, we would like to thank all of you for the outpouring of love and support with his passing.

Chris fought a six-year battle with cancer, yet rarely, if ever, did I hear him complain about his illness. He always put a positive spin on his dilemma and was thankful for the people around him.

He loved Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, Post Falls, Rathdrum and North Idaho. He would send me pictures of McEuen Park, Lake Coeur d’Alene and the Centennial Trail, remarking about the beauty and serenity.

From nothing he created Handshake Productions, with literally no money, just an idea, and support from Doug Eastwood.

As you know it blossomed into something very special for the area. His classic Hawaiian shirts and khaki shorts at the summer shows, were certainly his trademark.

A fifth generation Coeur d’Alene resident Michael Koep has a voiced a strong interest in continuing what Chris and Handshake developed. I am supporting him with all the information I have so he can make a case for continuing the series. We will be donating Chris’s PA system, mixer etc., to Michael.

To all that sponsors that supported Chris and Handshake, I would ask your support for Michael as he strives to continue the legacy Chris started. He put his heart and soul into his work and concerts and support for the area, and it would be such an honor for the series to continue.

Thank you for loving and supporting Chris. We the family, and many in North Idaho will miss him on Sherman Avenue, where he loved to be found and greeting many he knew.

North Idaho helped make Chris the man he became, and he made the music come alive.

Respectfully for the Guggemos family,

GARY GUGGEMOS

Shelburne, Vt.