Chad Stamm

[Jim Beckley]

I read this post last night, couldn't write anything. Today tried to think of the first time I met Chad, best I could do was 98 at the Nat's in Ridgway, pretty sure he was with us at a German Restaurant in St Marys.

[Grizz61]

Yesterday the Silhouette community lost one of the greats, a truly special person and shooter. I did not know Chad a long time, but was easy to tell that he know and loved this game. He was a easy man to like and admire. I only wish I knew better word fitting of a very good man, he will be missed by all.

I was there along with several other, and thanks to all that were there, and there efforts in a very troubling time. Bob it does not go unnoticed that you and Sara opened your home and hearts to those in need, thank you.

[jneihouse]

Got to spend some quality time with Chad under the Peery's tent. I'm glad I got that opportunity and thankful that I didn't let it pass by. May he rest in peace and my best goes out to Mary and the rest of his family in this time of loss.

John Neihouse

[RBriscoe]

I just got word of Chad's passing. We are diminished. Chad was a fine man and a good friend to all. I will miss his smile and good humor. Condolences and prayers.

[cowtownscout]

This is indeed sad news. I don't have the words. Rest In Peace my Friend.
Don Strickland

[rogersptl]

May he rest in His Peace. With the aging 'family' of shooters, this only warns of are you ready to meet your Creator? No second chances to get prepared for eternity when earthly death hits. Best wishes RJ

[Bob Mc Alice]

This will be my final update about Chad. I have talked to Mary and the girls twice this week. They are doing OK, a few more family members came out to be with them. His ashes were picked up yesterday. The girls will be flying home on Sunday afternoon. I informed them that a few club members were keeping an eye on the rig and all is well as expected. I will be taking Mary and her brother out to CRC on Monday morning. They will be driving it home from there.

Mary took a group photo of us with a black ram in the fore ground and the Sierra banner on the wall. In time I hope to get a copy and will post it.

I want to personally thank all the shooters that were present that day, your help and cool heads made this tragedy easier to accept. We are forever bonded in brotherhood and our love for this sport. Also thank you to the professional help that arrived on scene. The compassion shown by them was world class.

While typing this post, Chad's oldest Emily asked me to share this with you all.

Chad "Chip" Rossetter Stamm, age 67, of Niantic, passed away from natural causes Sunday, September 6, 2015 following a silhouette shooting competition at the Colorado Rifle Club in Byers, Colorado. He was born January 13, 1948, in Aurora, Illinois as the son of the late Charles R. and Lois E. (Walden) Stamm. He graduated from East Aurora High School in 1966. Following high school, he attended Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas prior to enlisting in the United States Air Force where he was stationed in the Philippines. Chad married Mary Brackett on March 24, 1973.
Chad worked for Valley Welding Supply in Aurora, Illinois, Borden Chemical in Illiopolis, Illinois for 25 years, the NRA Whittington Center in Raton, New Mexico, and H.R. Ewell Trucking prior to retirement in 2013. He was an Eagle Scout, a member of the National Rifle Association, Niantic Christian Church, Road Commissioner of the Niantic Township, and served many years a volunteer firefighter for the Niantic Fire Protection District where he was the Battalion Chief.
One of Chad's favorite pastimes was to travel - from the busiest highway to the smallest dirt road. His recent travels took him and Mary to Switzerland and he fulfilled his lifelong dream to drive to Alaska this past summer. One of his other hobbies was to participate in silhouette shooting competitions which took him all over the country and allowed him to make numerous friends from all over the world. He never met a stranger and many of his fellow shooters referred to him as "Yankee." He has been the past Illinois State Champion and received many trophies at various competitions. Chad passed away after winning the final match of his most recent competition. He stated that he had not shot that well in years.
Chad is survived by his wife of 42 years, Mary (Brackett), of Niantic; daughters Emily (Doug) Chase of Saybrook, Illinois, and Sarah (Ryan) Nolan of Maple Park, Illinois; step-mother Lois (Charles) Stamm of Oswego, Illinois; and three grandchildren, Carly and Cameron Chase and Samantha Nolan. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Penny Leck.
Visitation with the family will be held at the Niantic Christian Church on Saturday, September 19 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. with a memorial service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Colorado Rifle Club (crci.org), Niantic Christian Church or a charity of your choice.
Chad was a loving husband, father and grandfather and is missed by all who knew him. He was highly respected by a legion of shooters and as one stated, "we will never reflect about Chad in the past. His spirit is timeless."