Chance was born on June 17, 1998 to Greg Wertz and Kristian Loughlin. Due to unforeseen circumstances Chance would eventually enter the Oregon foster care system followed by his younger brother Thomas several years later.
On April 30, 2004, Chance and his younger brother Thomas joined their forever family, fathers Michael Garden and Joseph Schneider along with older brother Jayme in Medford, Ore.
After a move to Springfield, Ore., the family expanded to include Gage and Chloe. Chance’s pride and love for his family made him a fierce advocate for marriage equality and the right of children to be adopted into loving families because, love is love.
Chance was imbued with wonder, curiosity, determination, a trusting nature, a generous heart, an infectious laugh and a boundless capacity for fun.
He was a person of great confidence and had an innate ability to put people at ease. Chance’s love for his friends created a safe haven for many of them. He was always there to help others and he made a difference in every life he touched.
The brightness of Chance’s smile and sparkle of his baby blue eyes concealed a painful and merciless disease called depression. On Feb. 18, 2021 at 3:12 p.m., the darkness overwhelmed him and he ended his life. He was 22.
Chance will always be a part of the Garden family, he will be greatly missed, and we will forever hold him in our hearts.
May you forever rest in peace, Chancy, and your memory always be a blessing. We’ll see you in our dreams.
Survived by dads Michael Garden and Joseph Schneider, brothers Thomas, Gage and Jayme, and sister Chloe. Also survived by Chance’s biological father Greg Wertz.
If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, please reach out to a friend or family member, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or dial 988.
