Chadwick Cord

SCOTTSDALE – Chadwick “Chad” Cord passed away on January 24, 2023, one week before his 55th birthday in Scottsdale, Arizona surrounded by loved ones after battling glioblastoma. He was born in Danville, Illinois in 1968. He grew up in Arizona where he excelled at athletics, particularly football, and was a graduate of Chaparral High School in 1986. Following high school, he focused on academic pursuits, graduating from the University of Illinois in 1991 with a degree in Accountancy, followed by a law degree in 1994 from Arizona State University. He practiced law for several years and was a comptroller for a tech start-up before his love of adventure led him to REI, a company and career he cherished. Chad was a big guy with a matching personality – a booming voice, distinctive laugh, sharp intellect, and fun-loving disposition. He was an intense competitor (especially at darts), avid sports fan, music lover, astronomy buff and fearless adventurer. Chad taught students at Rio Salado Community College, helping numerous students receive their GEDs and was a beloved, enthusiastic coach for his son Carson’s youth football teams. Chad loved skiing, kayaking, hiking – anything outdoors. He loved people and had an easy, non-judgmental attitude that instantly put others at ease. He and his wife, Ellen, traveled extensively through Central America, living in Nicaragua in 2016. Carson was Chad’s favorite companion. They both shared a passion for music and attended concerts together all over the southwest. Chad is survived by his wife, Ellen, his son, Carson, his sister Jessica (Gregg) Kearsey and nephews Trevor and Owen, his mother Caroline (Jim) McShane, his father Mark (Sylvia) Cord and a large extended family. Chad requested no service or ceremony, only recognition and gratitude for his life, loved ones, friends and dogs. His REI family will be hosting a rafting trip to celebrate Chad’s life.