Obituary: Chris Rhoades

Photo of Chris Rhoades

Kind, gregarious, dedicated father who believed in second chances
Chris Rhoades, a longtime Claremont resident, died in Rancho Cucamonga on the week of May 10, 2021, at the age of 59.
Chris will be remembered as a generous man who firmly believed in second chances, human kindness and the power of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, his favorite Laker. He played Santa Claus for children in need and often opened his home to anyone in need, without question or judgment. His greatest joy was standing over his grill with a cold Corona in hand, surrounded by his family, both blood and chosen.
He grew up in Hacienda Heights and attended Los Altos High School, and always had a mile-wide adventurous streak. In his younger years, he competed in the Baja 500, although he later settled for riding every fast rollercoaster at Six Flags with his daughter. Whether he was fishing with his childhood friends, camping with his ECV chapter 1069, or hosting Thanksgiving, as he did every year, he was the life of every party.
He was a devoted parent to his two children, Amanda and Matthew Rhoades. He coached his daughter’s AYSO soccer teams and his son’s baseball teams with Autism Spectrum Athletics, but he cheered on every player equally. He taught his children about the importance of compassion, how to make the best barbecue chicken you’ve ever had and that it’s okay to wear your heart on your sleeve. He cried at both of his children’s graduations from Claremont High School and told them often how much he loved them. He was also deeply proud of Jonathan Baldwin, whom he considered his second son, for joining the U.S. Air Force.
He was gregarious, kind, funny, and passed far too soon.
He is survived by his aforementioned children; his former wife Susana Andrade-Rhoades; sister Wendy Uzarski; brother Bob Rhoades and the countless others who passed through his Claremont home and felt the warmth of his presence.
It’s his family’s hope that this memorial encourages others to reach out to those that may be struggling around them, or seek help if they need it. You can reach the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 24/7 at (800) 487-4889
In lieu of flowers, the Rhoades family asks that donations be made to Childhelp USA, where he spread joy during the holidays, at https://www.childhelp.org/donations-gifts/.

 

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