Frederick Christian "Chris" Bachman, II

Frederick Christian Bachman II, 73, of Somerset. A piece of each of us died with Chris Bachman. Still, in death he gave of himself as he always had, his generosity of spirit and a beautiful heart which we celebrate now as much as we grieve his passing. We benefited from his kindness and compassion. He gave his love and friendship without expectations. Somerset, PA resident Frederick Christian Bachman, passed away at UPMC Somerset Hospital on Thursday, April 18, 2024. Growing up in Edgewood, he was nurtured by his five loving older siblings Pat, Niki, Ted, Merrily, and Suzy. His family and friends were everything to Chris. "He was our brother," commented Paul Ramsdell, a fellow 1969 Edgewood High School graduate. "Whether absent or in person, he gave us strength and inspiration. He could have taken a path of personal ambition, but his existence was simple and graceful." At home in the outdoors, welcoming hard work and tolerating frigid temps, equally comfortable skiing with a CEO and shop-talking with pals, Chris was held in high esteem by all who knew him. Lifelong friend Dallas Frey said, "Chris made sure you were having fun before he even thought about having fun himself. He treasured his Edgewood roots and often recalled high school days, playing football and basketball, or just hanging out." With fondness and admiration of his siblings and their offspring, his parents and extended family, Chris dearly loved those closest to him. Older sister Suzy Ivey: "My dear younger brother showed a very early fascination with heights, so not particularly surprising that he made a career of walking around on them. We six kids, of which he was the youngest, grew up in a big three-story English Tudor house with many windows. When Chris was about four years old, Mother happened to be walking back from chatting with neighbors in the backyard, when she looked up to see him perfectly happy, perched on the roof about two plus stories above the ground. He had found my sister's windows open, crawled along the plant ledge and climbed over to the adjacent roof, where he was contentedly watching nature around him. She ran to the nearest window with a cookie in hand, and when he reached for the cookie, she was able to firmly grasp his wrist and pull him into her loving safe embrace. And the rest, as they say, is history." His niece, Caryl Siems added, "Chris was a true gentleman, and a gentle man. It was always good to be in his presence. He was kind, with a soft smile, twinkling eyes, and warm laugh. I can still hear his laugh. A few turns and twirls around the dance floor with Chris could elevate any party. He was a gift." An independent contractor, Chris enjoyed an industrious career at Hidden Valley Ski Resort in the Laurel Highlands. He loved to ski and to teach. John Cavicchio, a Hidden Valley friend, said, "We've known Chris for more than 35 years and he has remained a dear and loyal friend, not only to our family but to the entire Hidden Valley community. Chris continued to be an honest and hard worker who was at the ready to help one and all. We will miss him dearly." About her close friend and neighbor, Andrea Beats noted, "He was a simple man…generous, humble, and good, lighthearted, and sentimental. He cared little about even the ordinary possessions most people require." Having recently lost her precious dog Walter whom Chris adored, Andrea observed, "I like to imagine them playing together now." Every man was admiring of Chris' kindness and strength, and envious of his 32-inch waistline. His skillful hands were rough and worn, his manners were polished and respectful. Despite his legions of admirers, he was thoroughly unpretentious and wholly unassuming. It was noted by his high school sweetheart Linda Dunn that every young woman's father, given the choice, would name Chris perfect son-in-law material. Starting his career at Dunn & Campbell: "My dad loved Chris like a son," Linda commented, "and he has been the great love of my life. We met our junior year at Edgewood High. We lost touch for many years but were able to reconnect and become wonderful friends again," she said. "I hold dear so many memories of being together in classes, driver's ed, going on dates, and dances at the Club. How proud I felt when attending his basketball and football games, watching Chris and knowing that I was his girlfriend. My heart would burst with pride. Chris was unaware of how handsome and kind-hearted he was, and how much everyone loved him. He will be so unbelievably missed, but he will be my angel forever. I love you, my Chris." Grieving Mr. Bachman's passing are his many friends and surviving family members who suggest gestures of sympathy be made as charitable donations to The Mel Douglass Fund, which awards college scholarships to Edgewood students for their community service. Checks should be made out to The Mel Douglass Fund, and sent in care of Dallas Frey, 193 West Hutchison Avenue, Edgewood, PA 15218. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 11 from 11:30am to 2:30pm at the Edgewood Club, 1 Pennwood Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15218. Arrangements by the Hauger-Zeigler Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Somerset. To leave a condolence please visit www.haugerzeigler.com

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