Christopher Lazette

Christopher Steven Lazette, 32, of Canton, Ohio, died unexpectedly September 6, 2017. He and his loud, contagious laugh are gone far too soon.

Born May 21, 1985, in Dover, Ohio, Chris is survived by his beloved daughter, Haley, 6; his brother and best friend, Steven Lazette, of Lakewood, Ohio; his long-time partner, Samantha Dickerhoof; his sister-in-law, Michelle, and nephew, Lawson Christopher (named for his uncle); and his father, Terry Lazette. He also is survived by sisters Tracey Taylor, Carol Lazette, and Kelly Lazette; brothers Michael Lazette and Lee Lazette; and nephews Zechariah and Dylan Ford. He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Jane Wood. His infant son, Hunter, passed away days after Chris on Sept. 9.

Chris loved his daughter, Haley, tremendously. He often called her "Hay Hay" and "Turkey." Those who have fond memories of Chris are asked to share them via email (mychelle.park@gmail.com) so that a collection of them can be compiled for her to have as she grows up. Any happy memory will do.

Chris was an intelligent and resourceful handyman; he had an impressive gritty sensibility about him. If he didn't have something, he'd make it. He once put solar panels atop his own home to generate electricity. A more frequent endeavor, though, was working on cars, and Chris put that skill to use to help others, one time completing what would have cost $1,200 to get his brother Steven's car back up and running. Most impressive of all: He did it with limited tools and parts.

Those who love Chris will miss his bellowing laugh and his straight-shooting conversations. You always knew where you stood with Chris, and that was a comfort. Chris loved music (particularly rock and roll) and guitars. He enjoyed a passion for football and all Cleveland sports. It had become a tradition for Chris and his brother Steven to open packs of football cards at Christmas time, seeking favorites including Thurman Thomas and Emmitt Smith. That yearly taste of 90s football nostalgia is a precious memory.

Those boys who grew up playing backyard sports with Chris might remember him as the "Little Engine That Could" (and would) keep on chugging; though smaller than most of the boys, Chris was a good sport and played hard to keep up. You know what? He was surprisingly good for how little he was.

A memorial service is planned for October 7 at Steven and Michelle Lazette's home. Contact Michelle Lazette at mychelle.park@gmail.com for details. Guests are asked to wear rock and roll T-shirts in Chris's memory or at least no black and no formalwear. Chris wouldn't have wanted that.

Steven and Michelle Lazette are collecting funds to benefit Chris's and Sam's daughter, Haley, now and into the future. Please bring/send a donation in lieu of flowers: https://www.gofundme.com/b7z3f-support-for-haley-lazette

We loved Chris when he was with us, and we love him still.