Chris’ life began on February 6, 1985 in Tampa, Florida.  Chris lived with his older brother, Brad, his mom, Colleen, his dad, Ed, and his cat, Joey-Joe.  He attended Lake Myrtle Elementary in Lutz, Florida, Lakemont Elementary in Winter Park, Florida, Maitland Middle School in Maitland, Florida, and Winter Park High School in Winter Park, Florida.  He played baseball, karate, skateboarding, loved water and jet skiing but most of all he loved playing football.

Chris always seemed to be the first at things, whether it was a go-ped, a hair style, a new clothing piece that had just come out or even food.  He wasn’t afraid to try new things.

Chris was surrounded by many friends.  We ended up getting him his own telephone line in his room as he was always on the telephone.  Many of our family pictures show him talking to someone on the phone.  He loved the beach and had many girl friends.

Chris was an Orange County Sheriff’s Explorer.  He attended the sessions on the first and third Monday of the month.  One of his goals was to become a SWAT team member after first accomplishing becoming a police officer.   At first he wanted to become a meteorologist, as he loved science.  But, one day he was riding with his friend and his friend’s dad who was a police officer.  They were in an unmarked vehicle when this Dad put his lights on.  Chris was so impressed with being able to do that, he quickly changed his priorities and wanted to pursue becoming a police officer.  He attended weekend volunteer activities sometimes handling parking detail or security detail.  He also went on a weekend with his dad to a camp where they performed different tactics that police officers need to learn.  He shot rifles and obtained second place in a pistol match.

It was August of 2000 when Chris told his mom that he was feeling depressed.  After discussion, we decided to take Chris to see a psychiatrist.  While at the visit with the psychiatrist, Chris shared that he thought about placing a belt around his neck.  We immediately put him into the hospital for treatment.  He stayed for 1 1/2 days and was discharged.  Two days after being discharged, Chris overdosed on a sleep medication given to him.  We immediately rushed him back to the emergency room where he stayed all night getting his stomach pumped and drinking charcoal.   He went back into the hospital wherein he was discharged once again after a short stay.  Five days later our world came to an end.

You see, Chris talked his older brother into turning back home from school that day.  They went home and listened to music, watched television and worked on Brad’s Honda.  Brad went over to a friend’s house for a short time, came home, and found Chris hanging by a belt in the bathroom.  Chris was gone forever.

We will never know what went through Chris’ mind at that time.  We believe the pain was too much for him to bear, the depression too deep, and he just gave up.  We believe had he known the pain he left everyone to bear from his passing, he would never have gone to that extreme.

The Gangwisch family stuggles each day with thoughts of… …

If only,

How come,

Why me,

Why us,

What did we do wrong,

How can we go on.

All we have now are the memories of Chris, who could make his ears do tricks, who would talk to any stranger and become their friend, who could light up a room with his funny facial expressions or sensitive smile.

We are pleased to announce that Chris, with the help of many others, was responsible for raising many thousands of dollars for his Orange County Explorer Post #61. The Explorer’s are Florida’s youth law enforcement organization targeting kids from 10 to 18 years of age. Most cities and counties have their own individual groups or “posts”. It is a wonderful way for kids to learn what it’s like to be a deputy. Explorers are issued full dress uniforms, safety jackets, parkas, badges, name tags and ranks, (which they have to earn), similar to their real life counter parts on the street. They learn to march and maintain their own color guard unit. They also receive training through periodic meetings. Each meeting usually features a topic such as the tactical operations of a SWAT exercise. Chris witnessed the display and simulated use of the County’s armored vehicle. Actual SWAT team members displayed their weaponry and allowed the kids to try on their 40 lb flak jackets. In another meeting the kids were shown a short video of a crime scene and asked to catalogue and analyze the crime in as much detail as they could.

Several times each year various Explorer Posts get together and participate in both competitions and charity events. Twice each year Explorers have an opportunity to attend boot camp, which takes place over a weekend. Approximately 150 kids from usually 10 – 15 posts travel to a beautiful camp deep in the woods of Marion County and participate in live simulations. These ‘real life’ simulated training sessions include the use of actual squad cars, boat docks and barns where the kids learn to apprehend criminals and talk hostage takers out of potentially dangerous situations. They learned that the use of force and firearms is only to be rendered as a last resort. They also participated in fun games and athletic tournaments that promoted and encouraged teamwork amongst the troops. It is overwhelming to see the amount of respect, honor and integrity these kids were taught. To respect your elders and honor your parents was the most important rule.

Chris was promoted from Trainee to Private First Class. He had completed a weapons safety class and on the same day placed second (Tyro) in the F S E A Pistol Competition Postal Match. Chris was so loved by the Explorer group that he received a funeral equivalent of a fallen deputy. This is a rarity for a civilian. The honorable Sheriff of Orange County, Kevin Berry, not only attended the visitation, but presented our family with plaques displaying Chris’ badge, photo ID and decorations. On the very day following, we learned that the Sheriff issued an internal policy change mandating that certain grieving benefits previously available only to employed deputy personnel be made available also to Explorers. We are so proud of Chris. Many thanks to all the law enforcement that helped us through a very difficult time in our lives by providing the comfort, strength and support through the funeral process. Go Orange County Sheriff’s!!!! You rock.

Chris also loved the game of football. He was only a freshman and was already playing with the Junior Varsity squad. His favorite part of playing football was playing both the offense and defense. Whenever he came out of the huddle after knocking an opponent over, he was pumped.

If you attended the funeral service, you might remember some of the beautiful words Pastor Skip Parvin spoke of Chris. He said

“We can’t always keep a heart from breaking, but we can be there when it’s broke”

All of the students, faculty and friends are to be praised for helping each other through this tragedy. Remember also, the depth of your Love for Chris defines the depth of your grief. It will take a very long time for most of you to heal. We will never heal. Chris reached into our chests and tore a piece of all our hearts right out. Skip mentioned,

“Chris should have a legacy. The true Love that you experienced for him should be kept alive within your hearts and spread in thought, word and deed throughout the community. Please do this for Chris. Remember how he made you smile when you weren’t smiling. Remember how he made you laugh when you weren’t laughing. Remember his hug, his touch and warm embrace. Try to always keep a little of Chris inside you at all times to share with others. Chris’ legacy shall then remain constant in your life.”

The Gangwisch family has changed since this tragic event in their lives. The pain has been unbearable for some of us while others have moved on. Each person grieves in a different way and each of us can attest to that. The Gangwisch’s are divorced now while still all reside in the Orlando area. You can reach Ed Gangwisch at 2503 Wembleycross Way, Orlando, FL 32828; Or you can reach Colleen Gangwisch at 9703 Old Patina Way, Orlando, FL 32832