Christopher Charles Chase passed peacefully, in his mother's arms, Feb. 19, 2014 from an accidental brain injury. He was the son of Charlene (Welcome) Phanstiel and stepson of William Phanstiel and David Chase. He is survived by his son Steven, mother, brother Ched Chase, grandfather Charles (Charlie) Welcome, aunt Patrycia Welcome and uncles Albert Berube and Tim Smith. Christopher grew up in St. Johnsbury, Vt. with his brother and was a St. Johnsbury Academy wrestler and alumni of the University of Vermont where he earned a Bachelor's degree in English Literature. Christopher lived in Tavares, Fla., where he cared for his grandfather and was a choir member of the Union Congregational Church. Most of all, Chris was a past resident of Key West and thought of himself as a "Conch." Christopher was an independent thinker and a lover of all living things. He worked in the Tavares Parks Department, and in the community as a painter and handy man and was admired by all who knew him for his caring and respect. He is greatly missed by his family, his cousins; Angela and Danny Berube, Billy and Ricky Welcome and their families and his special grand-niece and nephews; Destiny, Chaunceey, Quinceey and "Monkey." A memorial service will be conducted at Union Congregational Church, 302 St. Clair Abrams Street, Tavares, Fla., on Friday, Feb. 28, 2014 at 10 a.m. Condolences may be sent to Charles Welcome and Charlene Phanstiel, 1408 Schult Court, Tavares, FL 32778.