Robert Chadwick “Chad” Raymond

We’ve lost a good one January16, 2022. Robert C. Raymond, known to most as Chad, passed away after a short (6 month) but very intense battle with anaplastic thyroid cancer at the age of 63. In this battle as with everything in his life, he approached it with optimism, courage, sought aggressive innovation to fix the problem, told the truth and never complained about what he couldn’t change.

Born in Zanesville to Bob and Bettie Raymond, Chad was the second child of four (Kim, Chad, Ann, Steve). He had a charmed childhood, loving family and spent significant time playing sports. A gifted athlete, Chad could pick up and excel at any sport he set his mind to (except skiing-one attempt and it was ugly). Always a leader, he played quarterback for the Zanesville Blue Devils and the Capital Crusaders. A lifelong tennis player, he continued playing (even though Jake(son) now regularly beat him) until his illness. Loving golf, he played with gusto whether with friends or family and was always competitive. If you hear “Fireball” being shouted from three holes over, you know that a birdie is on the scorecard and Nick (son), ever the celebrator, is seen offering the libation with a “Cheers!”.

To Chad, the world held endless possibilities and he believed that there were few problems that couldn’t be solved if you worked hard enough. He was successful in businesses (Anchor Hocking – VP, National Packaging Corporation – SVP and The Magnus Company, CEO)and enjoyed the challenges of small business ownership. As a leader, he demanded that others worked as hard as he did. As an inventor, he was always trying to solve a problem and was awarded several US Patents as a result.

Chad believed that epitome of possibility could be seen through his children (Nick and Jake) and their friends and families. Community meant a lot to Chad and he put the same energy into coaching and supporting sports as he did in playing them. He wanted everyone to learn to work together, be positive, have the courage to try and give their best in every instance. Chad and Marcy never missed a game for Nick or Jake traveling far and wide through travel soccer, hockey, basketball, lacrosse as well as Muskingum football and baseball and Morehead State football. He loved his teams and followed the kids well past high school.

Chad cherished spending time with his family and friends. As a matter of course, he saw an opportunity for a party everywhere with a resulting story that would be told by the multitudes for years. That is who he was, a happy, optimistic, creative, dedicated man who enjoyed living and loving those around him. His positivity was infectious and resulted in a life well lived.

Chad is survived by his wife of 31 years Marcy Raymond and his sons Nick Raymond and Jake Raymond. He is also survived by his mother, Bettie Raymond, sister Kim (John) Markell, brother Steve (Mary)Raymond, numerous nephews, nieces and cousins, Tom and Vicky French, Joan and Paul Huey, Scott and Mary McCleary, beloved nieces and nephews, his Zanesville Blue Devil crew, his Capital Crusader (he would never let them be called Comets!) crew, his Pickerington Tiger crew, the Muskingum University and Morehead State crew, the Pinehill crew and numerous players and their families impacted by Chad through his coaching.

Favorite Poet, Robert W. Service

Old Year! upon the Stage of Time You stand to bow your last adieu; A moment, and the prompter’s chime Will ring the curtain down on you.

He was in the Capital Football Hall of Fame.

A funeral mass will be held for Chad at 1:00 PM Wednesday, January 26th 2022 at St. Mary Catholic Church 684 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43206.  Immediately following the service, friends and family are welcome to come to a Celebration of Life.