Sadly Colon Cancer has claimed the life of Chris Stadelman. Stadelman along with his wife, Kelly, owned and operated The Parsons Advocate from 2004 thru 2011. Many local residents and readers expressed their sadness over the loss of Chris. Below is some comments shared with The Parsons Advocate, as we remember Chris.
I knew Chris through his work where I always found him to be fully engaged with enthusiasm and intelligence. In all he did he shown a light worth following. He made his time here valuable to all of us.
Michael Showell,
Mountain Media
Very sad to hear about Chris. To me Chris was one of the few genuine people that you get the opportunity to meet in life. Every Tuesday Chris would come in to pick up the latest edition of the Parsons Advocate. He was always happy, positive, and upbeat. Even while discussing the challenges of putting out the latest edition, from covering sporting events, council meetings, the long days and nights, he was always happy and positive. You could truly see his passion for the paper that he owned. The partnership he and his wife Kelly shared also did not go unnoticed. It was evident they shared something special. The little things you remember about someone reminds you of their character and Chris was a high character man.
Dave Ickes
So sorry to hear this. I met him only once and he was such a bright, talented man. Condolences to Kelly and his family and friends
Susan Meyer
Thoughts Prayers for peace and comfort for the family.
Mark Heckler
He was a good advocate for all things West Virginia he will be missed.
Beth Adams
When ramping up for an expanding event, many decisions must be made. During that period in the search for Jacob Allen (October 2007) the first and best decision I made was to tap Chris Stadelman as our Public Information Officer (PIO). Chris had been working with all of us in our public safety planning for some time prior, but he really stepped-up on this occasion. After taking care of his initial media notifications, Chris immediately became the protector and shepherd for the distraught Allen family, and guarded them against any intrusion to their privacy, or exposure that might damage their already fragile condition. I will forever remember the moment of utter joy we shared when, after four days of no results, the news came down from the command post that Jacob had been found alive and well.
He was a complete professional and a man of great compassion.
Godspeed, Chris. You will be missed.
Sandy Green,
Chief Canaan Valley VFD
So very sorry to hear this.
Sue Smith
Chris was a true mentor and friend. When I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, Chris (and Kelly) took a chance on me and let me work with them at the Parsons Advocate after taking a semester off of college. He helped me find my passion for journalism and constantly encouraged me to continue my education. To say that Chris will be missed by people all over the state of West Virginia is a true understatement. He was a tremendous asset to our state and to many lives, and I would even venture to say he is irreplaceable. My thoughts are with the Stedelman family during this time.
You’ll be missed, Chris, but we’ll always remember the great work that you have done!
Jordan Alkire
Chris loved his work at the The Parsons Advocateand all of us admired his passion for covering all the community news. We only wished he could have gotten away more often while he was passionately covering weekend high school sports there. Those of us in the news business always wished we could have owned our own newspaper – and always wondered if we had the guts that Chris showed in publishing such a great small town newspaper. We loved reading the Advocate every time we visited Canaan Valley because we could see Chris’ hand in every story.
Philip Nussel
I am so sorry to hear this. My condolences to all those that loved him.
Shelagh Sitterson
I was blessed to get to know Chris during his time with the Parsons Advocate. When I had the opportunity to officiate basketball games at Tucker County High School, he and Kelly would be under the basket taking pictures, and Chris would always have a comment to make me smile. He made you feel that you had at least one friend in the gym that night. I will miss those exchanges, and I know I will not be able to walk into that gymnasium again without thinking of Chris. My prayers are with Kelly and the rest of their family and ever-wide circle of friends.
John Wickline
Sad!
Delberto Davis
Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Randall Kisamore
Thoughts and prayers with his family and employees.
Carol A. Moore
Very sorry to hear this. A distinguished and impactful life , and the part I admire most is his (and Kelly’s) work publishing the small town weekly paper, The Parsons Advocate.
John Temple
The viability of a strong democracy requires integrity, dedication, perseverance, and compassion from its leaders. Chris Stadleman epitomized each of these traits. Our community is a better place to live because of the impact which Chris has made upon each of us as a journalist, a public servant, a civic leader, and a friend. His smile and warmth will remain with us in perpetuity. Wewill miss him deeply.
John Cooper
The news of the passing of Chris Stadelman is a sad time for all who knew him. He lived a life of Strong Character and Determination, this Strength was in all his accomplishments in life . He will be greatly missed by all in Tucker County and all who knew Chris throughout the State of West Virginia. My sincere condolences to his wife Kelly and Family and Friends.
Lowell Moore,
Tucker County Commissioner
A sad face was posted
Rick Layman
Chris was a kind, compassionate and hard working man. He really cared for his community and the state of west virginia. All my love, sympathy and prayers to Kelly and all his family.
Debra Hinkle
So sad to hear of his passing!
Kathy Best King
Sad passing. He was instrumental in bringing the HELP4WV program to life. Add to his list of accomplishments 22,000+ (and many more to come) in WV who have found a way to reach out for help.
Help4WV
Oh dear. We sat and talked with him at your dad’s funeral. Prayers for his family.
Patti Storm Gatts
RIP my friend
Becky Witt Meacham
Chris Stadelman was an asset to the media community. Everyone that knew him only had good things to say about him. I had the pleasure to meet him as a coach and later I had the pleasure to work directly with him in the media realm. Chris was a great man and a great person most of all. He never let anything get him down. Every time I talked with him he was always upbeat and quick to turn the attention toward your life and not his. I remember his love for Pittsburgh sports, from the Penguins to the Steelers and of course the Pirates. We always shared a love for sports and the passion to make it about the kids. He always wanted to talk to the high school kids and get their feelings after a game. He was a joy to be around and he will be extremely missed by all that had a chance to work with him and all that knew him. Thanks for the laughs and the memory’s, RIP my friend.
Dave Helmick,
Tucker County Girls’ Basketball Head Coach, Parsons Advocate Sports Editor
I was there the first day Chris and Kelly walked in the door at The Parsons Advocate and I was there the last day they walked out the door. WHAT a journey it was. We stayed in contact and I just spoke with him days before his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Kelly, his family and his numerous friends.
Mikie Dumire,
The Parsons Advocate