January 19, 1951 - February 18, 2006
Father / Manager / Soundman / Friend


You will be greatly missed
--Fly on sweet bird--

Is the concert too long to wait for your donation?
Can't make it out?
You may also help by donating to the "Chuck Fund"
Click HERE to help us reach our goal!

Zach's Memorial

I have been very blessed to have had Chuck Freidhof as my father. Looking back, I have an overwhelming amount of great memories, good times shared, funny moments, and great triumphs we broke through. A true rarity, my father really supported me in whatever my dreams were. When I was little, he was the coach for the football and baseball teams I was on. When I decided I was going to grow up to be the next NBA star, he was at all the games, and would practice with me almost every evening. I’m sure in those one-on-one games and shoot-arounds, I learned more about playing basketball than in any league or team I was ever a part of. My aunt got me into the Whale Adoption Program, and within a few years we were whale watching in Canada and Cape Cod. And then when music touched my life and called me to it, he was again, right there. After I had gotten my first guitar, and I was soaking up chords and songs like a sponge, he told me, “when you can play this song (Shine, by Collective Soul), then I’ll get you an amp.” So I came back to him three days later. He definitely was shocked, as he figured that it would take me a while to learn it and be able to play it, but also very proud. And then he gave me another test, “okay, when you learn stairway to heaven, then I’ll get you a better guitar.” Certainly, he figured that this one would take me a good time to pick up. One week later I came back with it down. He was astonished, and I think that’s when he really realized that this was something I not only had a knack for but really had a drive to do. He took me to my first open mic where I got my first gig, and then he went around to all the open mics with me (which were sometimes certainly very painful!). This all is the act of a wonderfully proud and good parent.

And then when music became my life and career, he not only supported me, he became involved. Genuinely. He believed in what I was doing, not because he was my father, but because he believed in my music and what I was doing. The music bug had bitten him as well!! He loved the music business, as he loved challenges, and there is little more challenging than this industry. The joy that he would get out of little successes was palpable. Again, I am blessed, as we were able to work together full-time, and on top of that, to get along! I know that in many ways, I would not have progressed nearly as far in any aspect of the music without my father. He ran my sound at shows, just picking it up as he went along. And he got really good at that. Running sound for me brought him more happiness than any business he’d ever run or worked with. You could see it. When he’d get the reverb to hit just right, his mouth would ride up into that big smile of his, and his eyes would glow.

That is how I will always see my dad: at the soundboard, grinning and nodding his head.

Though my dad will not see the major highlights of my future, he got to see that I was on the right track, and was able to instill in me what I needed to get where I’m going.

And I’m sure he’ll be giving me advice and pointers all the while!

There is a huge void in my life now, but there is also a huge presence, his presence almost more so than when he was really here. I hear him tweaking the knobs at shows, and laughing with me at the silly moments I run into.     

I will forever miss him, and will continually strive to make him proud.

To a great man, in life and in death – this one’s for you.

These last few months I’ve had nothing but time to sit and think about Chuck and my most favorite memories.  I think of when we first met, how arrogant he was, I really didn’t like him much, until, he said something incredibly funny... I was hooked… and there was that grin… yep, that’s my favorite memory… oh, hey, how about the story of how he boxed a gorilla, wow, that  was hilarious!… well, wait, it was in our rebel days when he drove his motorcycle into the Steak and Ale looking for his house keys, (he wore his helmet in those days), the manager asked him if that was his motorcycle parked in the lobby…he shot me that grin, and said, ”Nope”… that grin again, I was a gonner!  We traveled, danced and laughed thru the 80’s… now, those, were great memories… ok, holdup, actually, my favorite memory was the day Zach was born… Chuck had tears streaming down his face with a look of such joy… and that grin…yeah, that’s definitely the favorite… I can’t forget about all the years toolin’ around on the bike in the summer.  We couldn’t wait to get the Harley out of storage… he’d wax it all down, say ”Let’s go!” And mumble something about all the weight on the back, then flash me that grin…I’d laugh and we’d be off…sheesh, how I miss those rides…no question, that’s  my favorite memory…As Zach became more and more involved in his music, we did too…boy, Chuck loved to do the sound…I enjoyed watching the look on his face as he hit the reverb button and  bounced a note or two off the back of the room and swirled it around to hit people in the forehead …He’d look up at Zach and give him a huge grin…you could see the love and pleasure on his face. I still think I’ll turn and see him sitting at the head, working the buttons…Yes, definitely, the “music years” have been the very best memory…all the wonderful friends we have accumulated…he loved you all.

But, the memory I carry with me, day in and day out… what I long to see,  one more time, is, Chuck’s funny  grin…laughing at one of us, or the cat…grinning hello… a grin and a kiss goodnight…a grin and a whisper in the dark…goodnight my sweet, funny, man.

All my love,

Vicki
(Vicki Freidhof)

I think you are aware of how much I respected and liked your father . . . I think that everyone he came in contact with felt the same. I truly believe the good people are taken quickly because they are needed for other spiritual reasons. I can honestly say that your father left an incredible legacy in you and in everything that you do. Not many people can say that but you can.
      My daughter put it into perspective for me when my father passed away a few years ago. She told me that my dad would be closer to me now, at every minute, on every day and he wouldn't feel the pain that the cancer inflicted on him. I think about my dad every day and I know he's here right with me. Your father will be right there with you as well.   
                                                                              —Gerard Dominick

Some of the fondest memories of my childhood were with you and your father and I will never forget them.  He was like a father to me and I appreciate all that your family has done for me.   
                                                                              —Mark Dangler

       He seemed to be a kind and gentle man, who was SO, SO proud of you.. it was obvious....just watching him talk about you and your music.
      I have nothing but warm thoughts of him...and great appreciation for his help and support....   
                                                                              —Randi Driscoll

      He was a good man and I know played a huge part in all of your successes.   
                                                                              —Mike Farley

      I had heard your father was  sick, but I am really sorry to hear he lost his battle. Knowing him, I know he gave it a strong fight! Your dad was a committed intelligent man.   
                                                                              —Ron Gedrich

      We knew Chuck as a positive spirit and a truly nice guy who will be missed.   
                                                                              —Tommy Wiggins

      We--JLTS--have been blessed by meeting you all and we were honored to have played a part in Chuck's homegoing services.
      The poem I wrote while sitting there reflecting is below.  I don't know, but for some reason I thought you might like to have it.  While writing it out, I added the very last section just for me.

IN PURSUIT OF A DREAM
It was a cold day in January
In fact, on January 17
On the holiday of a man
Who also had a dream

What better day could there be
Than on that special day of
Dr. Martin Luther King
A constant purveyor of love

From that day until the last one
That we saw Chuck alive
I remember, it was January 4
At a restaurant called Northside

Chuck always treated us with
The utmost of respect
He guided and chided us
For which to him we are in debt

In all of our meetings
Chuck was kind to us
He let us know
He was a man we could trust

In pursuit of his dream
He demonstrated this
We are saddened by his passing
He will be sorely missed

But, I'm glad I had a chance
Even though the time was short
To walk for a while with him
And to be one of his cohorts
                                                                       —Beverly A. Woolridge
                                                             (on behalf of)
                                                      The JLTS
                                                                  Gospel Singers

      Your Dad was a great man and I believe he's up there in heaven right now promoting like he's never promoted before and the Creator of the Universe is listening.    
                                                                              —Tom Kent

      Your dad was a great guy who did a lot for the project (as well as you!).   
                                                                              —Jesse Lundy

       New Years Day 2003. Our Living Room. Al and Sabine came for dinner. Chuck, Vicki, Zach, and Grandma joined us for dessert. We shared a New Year’s Champaign Toast. Little Zach brought Big Zach, Lisa’s guitar and asked him if he would play it. Al played John’s small set of bongo drums. We dug up some shakers and sleigh bells. The weather was very cold and blustery outside.  The fireplace warmed our living room and provided the perfect inspiration for a spontaneous and very passionate Zach sing a long with a very cool holiday influence. We ate pie. Chuck and John drank beer. We sang until we were exhausted, but we all felt so happy. That day left us feeling more like family instead of friends. It’s days like that where you find yourself feeling like you’ve known people like the Freidhof’s forever. They are like our “soul friends”. It’s impossible not to be happy when you are around them
                                                                              —John & Lisa Jira

      My lasting impression of him is that he was a good man who believed in you and supported you in every way that he could.   
                                                                              —Brent Kirby

      Although I have only seen you perform a few times, each time he seemed to give you space to be yourself... while providing assistance to share you with others. His example helps me be a better parent by relinquishing control of my children's lives but in no way abandoning them or my responsibility to them or denying my love for them.   
                                                                              —Meg Ostrowski

      In my limited meetings with him I was struck by how distinguished a man he was. Your father definitely had the ability to carry a room, but often seemed to step aside so that the focus was entirely on you. That certainly is one of the greatest testimonies for a Father's love.
      It never occurred to me how sick your Father was. Looking back I also see the strength in your Father. Not just the physical strength, even in his weakening condition, but the mental strength it takes to live life on your terms.    
                                                                              —Eric Stuyvesant

      What a tribute it was to your dad, soundman, and friend, Chuck, to have such an amazing memorial service this morning! The sun shining so brightly, and happiness overcoming the tears through the many, many positive joyous stories and memories shared by so many.
      Your music and your musical selections overall, including the incredible JLTS Choir for Chuck's "exit"---how proud your dad would have been!! He had to have been really ecstatic about the hearse with the "NEXT GIG" license plate, so much his sense of humor!!!
      The entire service was also a tribute to you and your mom, two amazing people continuing the legacy. I love you both, and, as I told your dad, I'll always be here for you both, anytime you need me! Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of this journey!   
                                                                              —Marilyn Stroud

      He was one of the nicest men I had ever met in my entire life. He always made me feel like part of the family. He was a good man and I know how much he loved you and your mom.
                                                                              —Donna Kuyon

      Although I’ve only known you and Chuck for just a few years, in that brief period of time I’ve come to admire your great father/son relationship as well as your genuine friendship and love for each other. I see your father’s positive attitude reflected in you, Zach. Your admirable personality is a shining tribute to his fatherly influence. Like you and many others, I will hold Chuck in my heart as a glowing reminder of unconditional generosity and happiness.  
                                                                              —Rick Reich

      I have a hundred stories I could share about Chuck. All good times and hilarious. We worked hard, played hard and celebrated life always.
      One that I still can't believe is when you guys moved down to Florida with the Experts and we took Chuck out for a cruise on the ocean. We decided to go for a swim and Chuck like everyone else didn't hesitate to jump overboard to cool off. I got concerned when Chuck wasn't coming up to the surface (like everyone else)....so we decided to dive down and give him some assistance.
      When we got back on the boat.....I asked Chuck what happened. He said he wasn't a very good swimmer but he could usually "spring up" when he hit the bottom. I said Chuck.....that's fine but we're in 50 ft. of water!
      It wasn't his time and we had hundreds of laughs with him since...   
      A true friend who will always be missed but never forgotten, especially your outgoing personality, unique smile, dedication to family and commitment to being the best. You touched all our lives in a positive way.
See you back at the top.
                                                                              —Tom Hoshko

      Your dad would always make me laugh anytime I saw him at one of your shows, he had this funny way about him all the time, and it was so apparent how much he believed in you.  I think you made him very proud.    
                                                                              —Connor O’Brien

      Even though we lived in different states and didn't see each other often, any time you were invited to my house for a special get-together, you found the time to come. That meant so much and really showed how much Chuck loved his family.
                                                                              —Karen Lyons

      Your dad was a classy guy, and I had the utmost respect for him in our dealings.   
                                                                              —GG Greg

      I did not know Chuck very well but he was a very good business associate.  Also, he was very helpful and easy to work with. I will miss him.
                                                                              —Peter Hayward

      I barely knew Chuck and only spoke to him briefly on a few occassions at the RiverFront Coffee Mill, but on those occasions I always felt warmed inside and special. To me he was a wonderful and appreciative man with a smile a mile wide, next to Zachs that is . His enthusiasm for his family and for life itself beamed with delight through his smile and gentle demeanor. I will never forget the day I took my 10 year old down to see Zachs CD release party at the Riverfront. I pointed out who was who to her and when I took her up to meet Chuck, he shook her tiny hand as she looked WAY up and said "wow you sure are tall". It was a Kodak moment and he chuckled and said something to the effect of : 'Be Happy in your life and you can be this tall too!' We all smiled and will continue to smile as we hold him dear in our hearts. May we ALL be as TALL as he was!!
                                                                              —Erin Radcliffe

      In theory, we got together to discuss the possibility of ultimately working together on this project or that project.  In reality, all he could talk about during the entire meal was you and your musical talents and career.  You can always tell when someone, especially your father, is caught up in a concept.  There’s a fire in the eyes, as a musician I’m sure you’re aware.  When your father was talking about going on tour with you and listening to you, he had that fire, to be sure.
      As a father, I know what it’s like to love your kids.  But your father went deeper than most.  He loved what you did, and what you created.  And he loved (and enjoyed) being a part of your journey and creative process.  Pretty cool.
                                                                              —RL Coppedge

      I truly admired your dad for his passion and love for you and your music. I have known many many musicians and to be honest NONE of them has ever had the support from a parent like your father has given you. That is truly a blessing to you which you give to all of us through your music.
                                                                              —Bill Whitman

      I want you to know that he was there to provide support when I was struggling professionally, and I really appreciated his help.  Your dad was a good man, and he made a difference on this planet. And that is, I think, the best that anyone of us can hope to do.
                                                                              —Chuck Seimon

If you’d like to make a donation please make it the Seasons of Life Hospice Center
9511 West Pleasant Valley Road
Parma , Ohio 44130
440.743.7330

or

Support the "Chuck Fund"
by clicking HERE