Our Inspirations

People who have helped shape our lives

edwardchartrand

Edward E. “Fast Eddy” Chartrand was our guide to continue to impact youth through sports. We founded the KSU-Ed Chartrand Memorial Soccer Tournament and Foundation in 1979 after Eddy’s sudden and unexplained death in 1979. A youth soccer coach and college standout at Kansas State University, there are now thousands of “Ed Chartrand Soccer” alumni all over the United States. 2004 marked our emergence to a new level of commitment via The Chartrand Charitable Foundation.

 

 

 

stephenchartrand

Dr. Stephen A. Chartrand died of a rare, autoimmune blood disorder on April 16, 2001. A father of five children, Chief of Pediatrics at Creighton University School of Medicine, international pioneer in cures for children’s infectious diseases, sports and soccer guru to many, his accomplishments and positive impact upon children worldwide are nearly too many to mention.

Dr. Steve was a founder and designer of Omaha’s Children’s Hospital. If he had a fault, it was that he did not know how to say “no” to anyone. His wife Margie Chartrand carries on her own work in health care as a cardiac care specialist RN in Omaha.

 

 

arthurchartrand

Arthur A. Chartrand passed away on June 16, 2004. He is truly our reason to carry on and provide opportunities through sports—just as he did for his own seven children. His wife Christianne Chartrand continues to serve as a role model for our work. Now in her youthful eighties, Chris recently taught a class for young mothers on how to care and raise children. Some inspirations from Chris and Art’s life of triumph and tragedy are chronicled in the book A View from the Heartland, 2004 Globe Pequot Press, available from Amazon.com and most major booksellers.

 

 

 

Christianne E. Chartrand died peacefully at daughter Nancy’s Besa’s home in Overland Park on December 3, 2013 at the age of 90. She was surrounded by her pictures, candles, wine and lots of love. Christianne never missed a K-State Ed Chartrand Memorial Soccer Tournament for 33 years until her health prevented her from attending.  She loved to hand out the trophies and get and give hugs to all the players.  At the 2014 tournament, the players wore this patch in her honor.

 7 patch
The “7” was a tribute to Christianne affectionately telling everyone within minutes of meeting them that  “I have seven children you know.”  Christianne’s unbridled enthusiasm to help and protect children everywhere will be greatly missed …but her spirit will endure forever.