Matthew "Chase" Meier

It was a blessing to have known and loved Chase Meier. An exuberant young man, he expelled warmth and care to everyone he came in contact with. With a smile that could light up a room, Chase brought joy and laughter to the days of others in ways only he could. He lived each day with a genuine, compassionate spirit filled with the love of family and friends. Although now gone from our sight, Chase’s loving spirit, outgoing ways, and loving kindness will be remembered most in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

Chase’s story began at a time of technological advances in the U.S. By 1996, the computer super-highway continued to grow at a rapid pace while the medical field accomplished feats years in the making. The “Macarena” song and dance craze hit the dance floors at a time when the Spice Girls were all the rage. Amidst these changing and popular times, there was only one thing on the hearts and minds of Matthew and Jessica (Perez) Meier and that was the May 21, 1996, birth of their little boy, Matthew Chase Meier.

Born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Chase’s father supported their family working for Sign Art, and little Chase quickly became a one-of-a-kind mascot for the business. His mother lovingly tended to the needs of their home and their new son all while attending classes as a student at KVCC. Chase joined his older sister, Chelsi, and before long, his younger brother, Benjamin came along with whom Chase enjoyed a close bond. He also had a big heart when it came to animals. Chase’s first dog was a boxer, and he currently had a pit bull, Missy who rarely left his side. Needless to say, it was evident from his earliest years that Chase possessed an unconditional love and compassion for the world around him.

Through the years, numerous memories were made during the holidays and other special occasions in Chase’s family. He liked traveling and fun-filled trips to Tennessee, San Diego, California, and down south proved to be great times shared by all. Chase was quite active during his younger years. He took guitar lessons during his youth and through the years he came to love all music genres. Chase participated in Tae Kwon Do until he was 13, having attained his deputy black belt, and he was also a Cub Scout. In school, Chase discovered his artistic side. While attending Loy Norrix High School, he was in AP Art and for four years, his auto tech class gave him insight to the other side of cars as drag racing was his family’s favorite pastime. He was especially proud of his dad’s ’74 Dart.

Chase’s first job was working at the local root beer stand which gave him a great opportunity to talk to all the girls! For a time he worked at American Eagle, O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, Sweetwater Doughnuts, the Sweet Convenience Party Store, and for Biddergy.com, an online auction company.

With his talent and appreciation for art, Chase was known for his beautiful sketches. Some of his works were even displayed at Art Hop. He also had quite an eye for photography. He seemed to capture the very heart of his subjects or the very beauty in the most mundane things. Chase was even offered a scholarship to Kendall Art School in Grand Rapids for his artistic abilities! Playing the guitar always brought Chase to a place of quiet reflection, and each of his abilities gave him a great sense of accomplishment. But when it came to food, saying Chase loved food was an understatement! In fact, his favorite food was food! By far, his grandma’s pumpkin pie always won his heart and taste buds. Each Thanksgiving, she made one for the family and one especially for Chase. The hotter the better whenever something called for hot sauce, and he favored anything made with lemon pepper.

Through his outgoing and fun-loving nature, Chase enjoyed a multitude of friendships. He never took his friends for granted, and he valued them as an important part of his life. A “tell it like it is” kind of guy, Chase could be very blunt, and if he thought it, he said it. For those who knew Chase best, they knew it was simply a part of his personality and never took anything he said personally. Chase was always there with a helping hand and he had a way all his own when it came to relating to people. Young or old, it never mattered the age, Chase could strike up a conversation and befriend anyone, and he was accepting of all.

It can be said that Chase was an “old soul.” He was always reflective and displayed an uncanny maturity from a young age. This quality naturally gave Chase insight into the hearts of others. His compassionate, huge heart was at the receiving end of those closest to him and strangers alike. His personality was one of nostalgia which only endeared him to many. Chase loved fully and completely at every opportunity and his sense of humor and smile said it all. Although Chase’s life came to an end much too soon, his memory lives on in the hearts of many and his undeniable smile will always be remembered with a sweet fondness.

Chase Meier, age 20, of Kalamazoo, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 2, 2016. Visit with his family and friends and view his life story film on Monday, August 8 from 4-7 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home-Portage, 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600). A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 9, 1:00 p.m. at the same location. Chase’s family includes his parents; siblings: Chelsi and Benjamin; grandparents: Elaine Perez, Paula Meier; his nephew, Trenton as well as several friends and family. Chase was preceded in death by his grandfathers: Benjamin Perez and Donald Meier. Please visit Chase’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a favorite memory or photo and sign his memory book online. Memorial donations can be made to the Gryphon Place of Kalamazoo.