ForeverMissed
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This page was created to collect stories we have about Chad to give to his children. Chad meant a lot to a lot of people and this is one way his kids can know that. After these stories are collected, they will be placed in a book and given to both Isla and Ellis. So write about times you had with Chad, stories he told you, what he was like. Funny stuff, everyday stuff...don't overthink it, it doesn't have to be profound. Just write about an experience you had with Chad. Post several if you have them! Feel free to include a picture or two.

For those interested we would like to include contact information in the book so that Isla and Ellis can reach out to you in future years when they want to talk about their dad, hear some stories or just connect with the friends he had. To keep your information private, please email your name and preferred contact info to peytonmemories@gmail.com and it will be included with your story in the book.

June 7, 2021
June 7, 2021
Chad graduated high school with my daughter. They didn't run in the same circles however, one Friday after school he joined a couple of other friends at my house to eat before the football game that night. I often fed boys and girls and gave them a place to hang out for a couple of hours before they had to be back at the school. That afternoon I had some pizza for the kids, along with soda or tea. Chad ate several slices of pizza and drank a Coca-Cola, while laughing and joking with the other guys on the football team. That was the only time he visited, but he was having such a great time. He never failed to speak or wave when we saw each other. Chad loved being with his friends, and he had a lot of friends in school.
June 5, 2021
June 5, 2021
My wife Rachel and I met your mom and dad on our honeymoon back in September of 2014 and your parents were celebrating their marriage and were also on their honeymoon at the same time . Your dad and I began chatting at the hotel pool and he immediately picked up on my “Boston accent “ . He also noticed my cross rifle tattoos and my Red Sox logo that has the American flag inside of that Boston B located on the Red Sox baseball cap. 

Anyways , as we began chatting he said a friend of his that he flew with in the military was from the Boston area , a guy by the name of Tim Lawton , ironically Tim’s father was the sitting judge when I was adopted by my parents and Tim’s father signed my adoption paperwork (talk about a small world ).

Your dad and I never served with each other but right out of the gates we began sharing combat experiences and expressed how we appreciated each other’s service . He said to me “we appreciate you guys on the ground” , and I immediately said no no no , you guys from the air covering us we appreciate you guys more than you will ever know especially when we got in trouble on the ground you guys were always there in a heartbeat to bail us out .” The point is although your dad and I never served together “officially “ your dad is a hero and always will be a hero to me and my family .

Your dad and I connected and only though it was for a week I respected him , and I could tell right away he was a special guy , I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend time with him and your mom . Together we shared many laughs and talked about having future reunions celebrating our anniversaries down the road , and talked about the excitement for what’s next as newly married couples , having children etc . Although we have never met in person Isla and Ellis thanks to your father and mother we have been able to watch you grow as a family over the years through social media . We could always see the joy in your dads face in videos and photos expressing how proud he was of the both of you to be your dad . Your dad will be sorely missed , and you guys and your mom will always be welcome to come visit Massachusetts and stay with us on Cape Cod anytime, the doors always open. Our children Gavin and Vivienne would love to meet you some day.

Respectfully and all the love,

Kevin and Rachel Dixon




May 29, 2021
May 29, 2021
Chad and I had grown up in the greater Brownsboro area. I can remember him coming to stay over at my house when we were kids to go fishing at my lake or to get ready for a early morning trip to La tech for a power lifting meet. I Also, remember the smell from his shoes was so bad it filled my tiny home up. Mom would make sure to take his shoes outside after that. Looking back, I had fond memories of traveling to power lifting competitions or both staying at the school gym trying to improve our max lifts with Coach Risko. I don’t need to tell you the drive he had to be the best version of himself as an athlete. I remember how he looked up to his older brother Eric and would always have a story about him. I was lucky enough to get to become friends with Eric in my later years and could see why he loved his older brother so much. I could see why he pushed himself to work so hard on in the gym or at being our middle linebacker. He could turn that switch on when it was game time and a fierce look in his eye would make the hair on your neck stand up and you knew he was ready to hurt someone. No surprise he would go on to play one of my favorite sport in rugby for West Point. He was a tough kid and didn’t mind a scrap. In fact, one of the best fights I remember seeing in high school involved Chad. I was there in the lunchroom when he bumped into a guy (no need to mention his name) sitting down as Chad was trying to get by. This kid did not take it well and next thing I know they are broken up by one of the teachers and fellow classmates. However, it did not end there. As anyone knows from Brownsboro that if it wasn’t settled during school then up to Jennings mountain after school we would go. It was a good fight at first, but Chad showed he grew up with brothers two of which were older and tough as they come. He Could fight better than most at his age and when he delivered a knee to that kids face breaking his nose you could hear the gasp from the crowd. All those years growing up and still my best memory of Chad was to come years later. I was hired as an EMS civilian contractor to help run a CSH “cash” right after I got my training. I was to go to Kuwait, then to Tel Aviv for a short while and then to Iraq. Chad was one of two old classmates from Brownsboro, now in the armed forces from Brownsboro to reach out to me. Chad told me all I need to look out for and asked me to have my locations sent to him. He then said to me “If things get bad or look like they are headed that way, reach out to me and I’ll come get you out myself if I have to.” Unfortunately for me Global lost their contract just 24 hrs before getting the plan and I never got the chance head over, but that one conversation with him reminded me of the brotherhood us old teammates had. It showed me the kind of man Chad became, still tough, still knowing how to turn that game time switch on, but a tough warrior with a kind heart wanting to help a “civilian” and an old friend. Because of this I would check in on him and see how he and his family were doing. I could also see his growth through the years of becoming a family man and how he reach out to his fellow veterans with getting back to the civilian life and finding success through his podcast. Chad will be missed, and the world is a sadder place with him gone.
Thanks for the memories Chad, Godspeed my friend.
Cody Neal Beard
May 27, 2021
May 27, 2021
To Isla and Ellis, I remember coming to your house in Aptos and the joy of you running around that big backyard. Your Dad went and got the wheelbarrow and you both hoped in and your Dad took you around the yard while you were laughing!!! Such joy! I told your Dad, now thats a workout and he agreed!!
May 25, 2021
May 25, 2021
I was a flight nurse with your dad in Northern California out of Willits. He was honestly a great pilot. After all those years fighting wars in the Middle East I don't think any aviation situations really got under his skin and I felt safe with his judgement calls. I think he settled in more later, but at the time he was excited to take EVERY call! I enjoyed sleeping at night but it didn't seem like Chad did. He always wanted to go flying to some far corner of the state! 2 am in the middle of nowhere can be a special place though. I have some great memories of just talking for an hour or two watching all the shooting stars through our NVG's. Other nights if it was cloudy and the moon was full, the moon would reflect off the clouds below us and look like a whole different planet.

One call I remember we picked up a baby to transport to San Fran. The baby wasn't actually that sick but it was furious that we took it away from it's mama! It screamed and screamed in spite of the sugar water and whatever medical grade passifier I tried to give it. No matter what I tried I couldn't get the baby to calm down. Isla was just a few months old at the time and I was expecting a baby of my own. Exasperated I yelled into the mic "Chad, how the heck do you do this?!?!?!" He just laughed and said "it's different when it's yours man". I have two kids of my own now and he was right. I think I remember it years later because Chad wasn't someone who just "loved babies", and neither was I. But he loved you both a lot and I could see how it changed him.
May 25, 2021
May 25, 2021
I flew with your dad for the last 6 yrs. He always had a smile on his face and was quite the smart alec. Always quick witted and pretty darn funny. He always described you Isla as such a “chill” baby and happy little girl. Ellis, with you he talked about how amazed he was at how much milk you could put down as a baby and as you became a toddler what a little dare devil you were. I have two boys around your ages so we always talked a lot about you and the day to day of being new parents and then what seemed like veterans after you were born Ellis. He would talk about what a great big sister you were being Isla; he showed me a video once of you making Ellis crack up laughing. You both were the light of his life and he would laugh and smile whenever he talked about you.
  I ran a call a few months back with your dad that was very intense and scary, he told us he could hear the emotion in our voices but couldn’t do anything but get us to the ground safely but when he did he was the first one to jump out throw off his helmet and help us; after which he checked in on us days later to make sure we were coping ok. He was a great pilot and a wonderful person who I am fortunate to have known and worked with.

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Recent Tributes
June 7, 2021
June 7, 2021
Chad graduated high school with my daughter. They didn't run in the same circles however, one Friday after school he joined a couple of other friends at my house to eat before the football game that night. I often fed boys and girls and gave them a place to hang out for a couple of hours before they had to be back at the school. That afternoon I had some pizza for the kids, along with soda or tea. Chad ate several slices of pizza and drank a Coca-Cola, while laughing and joking with the other guys on the football team. That was the only time he visited, but he was having such a great time. He never failed to speak or wave when we saw each other. Chad loved being with his friends, and he had a lot of friends in school.
June 5, 2021
June 5, 2021
My wife Rachel and I met your mom and dad on our honeymoon back in September of 2014 and your parents were celebrating their marriage and were also on their honeymoon at the same time . Your dad and I began chatting at the hotel pool and he immediately picked up on my “Boston accent “ . He also noticed my cross rifle tattoos and my Red Sox logo that has the American flag inside of that Boston B located on the Red Sox baseball cap. 

Anyways , as we began chatting he said a friend of his that he flew with in the military was from the Boston area , a guy by the name of Tim Lawton , ironically Tim’s father was the sitting judge when I was adopted by my parents and Tim’s father signed my adoption paperwork (talk about a small world ).

Your dad and I never served with each other but right out of the gates we began sharing combat experiences and expressed how we appreciated each other’s service . He said to me “we appreciate you guys on the ground” , and I immediately said no no no , you guys from the air covering us we appreciate you guys more than you will ever know especially when we got in trouble on the ground you guys were always there in a heartbeat to bail us out .” The point is although your dad and I never served together “officially “ your dad is a hero and always will be a hero to me and my family .

Your dad and I connected and only though it was for a week I respected him , and I could tell right away he was a special guy , I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend time with him and your mom . Together we shared many laughs and talked about having future reunions celebrating our anniversaries down the road , and talked about the excitement for what’s next as newly married couples , having children etc . Although we have never met in person Isla and Ellis thanks to your father and mother we have been able to watch you grow as a family over the years through social media . We could always see the joy in your dads face in videos and photos expressing how proud he was of the both of you to be your dad . Your dad will be sorely missed , and you guys and your mom will always be welcome to come visit Massachusetts and stay with us on Cape Cod anytime, the doors always open. Our children Gavin and Vivienne would love to meet you some day.

Respectfully and all the love,

Kevin and Rachel Dixon




May 29, 2021
May 29, 2021
Chad and I had grown up in the greater Brownsboro area. I can remember him coming to stay over at my house when we were kids to go fishing at my lake or to get ready for a early morning trip to La tech for a power lifting meet. I Also, remember the smell from his shoes was so bad it filled my tiny home up. Mom would make sure to take his shoes outside after that. Looking back, I had fond memories of traveling to power lifting competitions or both staying at the school gym trying to improve our max lifts with Coach Risko. I don’t need to tell you the drive he had to be the best version of himself as an athlete. I remember how he looked up to his older brother Eric and would always have a story about him. I was lucky enough to get to become friends with Eric in my later years and could see why he loved his older brother so much. I could see why he pushed himself to work so hard on in the gym or at being our middle linebacker. He could turn that switch on when it was game time and a fierce look in his eye would make the hair on your neck stand up and you knew he was ready to hurt someone. No surprise he would go on to play one of my favorite sport in rugby for West Point. He was a tough kid and didn’t mind a scrap. In fact, one of the best fights I remember seeing in high school involved Chad. I was there in the lunchroom when he bumped into a guy (no need to mention his name) sitting down as Chad was trying to get by. This kid did not take it well and next thing I know they are broken up by one of the teachers and fellow classmates. However, it did not end there. As anyone knows from Brownsboro that if it wasn’t settled during school then up to Jennings mountain after school we would go. It was a good fight at first, but Chad showed he grew up with brothers two of which were older and tough as they come. He Could fight better than most at his age and when he delivered a knee to that kids face breaking his nose you could hear the gasp from the crowd. All those years growing up and still my best memory of Chad was to come years later. I was hired as an EMS civilian contractor to help run a CSH “cash” right after I got my training. I was to go to Kuwait, then to Tel Aviv for a short while and then to Iraq. Chad was one of two old classmates from Brownsboro, now in the armed forces from Brownsboro to reach out to me. Chad told me all I need to look out for and asked me to have my locations sent to him. He then said to me “If things get bad or look like they are headed that way, reach out to me and I’ll come get you out myself if I have to.” Unfortunately for me Global lost their contract just 24 hrs before getting the plan and I never got the chance head over, but that one conversation with him reminded me of the brotherhood us old teammates had. It showed me the kind of man Chad became, still tough, still knowing how to turn that game time switch on, but a tough warrior with a kind heart wanting to help a “civilian” and an old friend. Because of this I would check in on him and see how he and his family were doing. I could also see his growth through the years of becoming a family man and how he reach out to his fellow veterans with getting back to the civilian life and finding success through his podcast. Chad will be missed, and the world is a sadder place with him gone.
Thanks for the memories Chad, Godspeed my friend.
Cody Neal Beard
His Life

Official Obituary

May 25, 2021
Chad Robert Peyton, a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away on May 17, 2021.
Chad was born in Tyler, Texas on November 10, 1980. He graduated from Brownsboro High School in 1999. Chad received a congressional nomination to attend college at the United States Military Academy at West Point. While at West Point, he majored in Geospatial Information Systems and played Division 1 rugby for the Army’s Rugby Football Club. Chad graduated from West Point with a Bachelor of Science in May 2003 and was commissioned as an Aviation officer in the United States Army. After completing flight training at the Army Aviation Center in Fort Rucker, Alabama in 2004, Chad became a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot and served in Germany as an Executive Officer for a forward deployed Divisional Air Traffic Services company during Operation Iraqi Freedom II and as a Platoon Leader providing combat aviation support to the 1st Infantry Division. He was subsequently promoted to Captain and served as an Aviation Company Commander and Pilot-In-Command for Company C, 3-1 Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade at Fort Riley, Kansas from 2006 until 2009 when he transferred to Fort Bragg, North Carolina. At Fort Bragg, Chad served as a Senior Rotary Wing Aviator flying Black Hawk helicopters in support of domestic training missions and international military deployments with the 82nd Airborne Division.
In 2012, after over nine years of service and multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Chad was honorably discharged from the Army and relocated to the Santa Cruz, California area to work as a civilian helicopter pilot and be with the love of his life, Nicole Peyton. Chad and Nicole were married in September 2014 and together they created two beautiful children, Isla and Ellis. When he wasn’t flying helicopters as a first responder, Chad enjoyed spending time with his family, exercising, hiking in the forest, surfing, traveling, and helping his friends and fellow veterans.
Chad is survived by his wonderful wife, Nicole, and his two precious children, Isla age 5 and Ellis age 3; his mother-in-law, Leslie Perrigo; his mother and stepfather, Janet and David Box of Corralitos, California; his father and stepmother, Robert and Susan Peyton of Chandler, Texas; his brother and best friend, Eric Peyton of Dallas, Texas; his brother, Matthew Peyton and nephew, Reese Peyton, both of Richardson, Texas; his brother and sister-in-law, Zach and Carlie Peyton, and their children, Tyler, Emory, Mattie, and Gentry, all of Jacksonville, Florida; his sister and brother-in-law, Megan Peyton and Lee Jaster of Austin, Texas; his aunt, Beverly Branch of Sanger, Texas; his cousin, Blake Branch and Blake’s wife and children, all of Krum, Texas; his cousin, Charlie and Ashley Branch and children, all of Gainesville, Texas; his uncle and aunt, Michael and Janis Peyton of Jamestown, New York; his cousin, Clint and Tashiana Peyton and children, all of Jamestown, New York; his cousin, Amber Peyton of San Diego, California; his uncle and aunt, Charles and Stacy Peyton of Maypearl, Texas; his cousin, Spencer Peyton of Maypearl, Texas; his cousin, Pierce Peyton of Eugene, Oregon; his aunt and uncle, Mary and Jerry Lillpop of Mount Zion, Illinois and their children, Mark, Russ, Bridgett and their families, and also Chad’s numerous friends across the country.
Recent stories

Tea water? Thumb water? hmmmm....

May 30, 2021
I flew with you dad for a couple years in Gilroy. We always had fun and a good laugh. I don't know how appropriate this story is, but if I am known for anything its being inappropriate so here you go...

We flew a lady who had her thumb amputated somehow- gross, I know- well, we had that thumb in the aircraft with us, in a paper cup, in a bag, on ice. We arrive to the hospital, get her into the ER, and I- being the brilliant man I am- realize I left the thumb in the aircraft. Meanwhile, your father had recognized he had a few minutes to himself and went to the cafeteria to get some tea. I called him, and asked him to retrieve the misplaced appendage, and he agreed. To this day I cannot get the look on his face out of my memory. Such concentration, such determination.....the elevator doors opened, there stood chad, two paper cups in hand. starting to drink from one of them....and I could see the thoughts...."this one is thumb water, this one is tea....ill drink this one." 

We joked and laughed about that for a while. I don't know why he didn't leave his tea at the aircraft, or why he decided to drink from the tea at that time. I'd like to think he knew it was cause I was watching and we could share this amusing moment. gross though it may be. 

We all love and respect your father. We are all better for having spent time with him. 

Much, much love,
...mac
May 27, 2021
To Isla & Ellis,

I first met your dad about 7 years ago or so when we first flew together for another company in Southern California. It was one of those friendships where we immediately clicked and always had a great time on shift together. We initially lost touch for a bit when he started to work for REACH and I was still down in SoCal, but when I got hired with REACH and relocated back to Northern California, I was stoked to find out that we'd be working together again at the same base. Your dad was always the hardest worker in the room and a tremendous leader. I have so many memories of busy shifts and getting ran ragged while flying up and down the State with him, including being stranded at a few places. He always took things in stride and was such a positive influence to be around. 

Some of the best times I had while working with your dad was just sitting around and talk about life in the evenings before another call came down. Chad would talk about future plans with family, personal goals, or just shoot the breeze. When he became a new dad, not a conversation would go by where he would not beam talking about Isla and sharing photos. Even when we ended up working at other bases, your dad and I would stay in touch regularly over the years. Ellis, even though I never had a chance to meet you in person I felt like I knew you because how much your dad loved to talk about you both. He was also that guy, that no matter what time, place, or where you were at in life would help you out if you were in a bind, no questions asked. Friends like him are hard to come by. 

I'm eternally grateful to have known and worked with your dad.
May 26, 2021
I was a flight nurse working with your Dad when we first opened a base in Willits.  There are so many stories its hard to choose just one to write about.  
One night there was a huge rain storm.  It had been raining for the last few days. I was working 24 hour shifts, with 24 hours off between them. Instead of driving hours back home our crew could stay in a house close to the airport for our day off.  It was "one of those days" where we had been working around the clock; and a 24-hour shift became a 36-hour shift. Just to lay in bed and crash was all you were capable of doing - forget eating, forget unpacking.  Sleeping was all you needed to do to be back on shift the next morning.  Anyway, this night there was so much rain the water was dripping through the roof, the power was out and we were all just trying to sleep and stay dry.  Water was dripping on my bed in my room. I was trying to be quiet and not disturb anyone sleeping.  I was trying to move my bed to the middle of the room and then I found water was coming in through the walls.  I went into the kitchen to find whatever I could to collect the water.   I nearly ran into your Dad who was trying to do the same thing.  After yelling at him that he nearly scared me to death, and after he stopped laughing at me, he dropped what he was doing to check on the state of my room.  Without saying a word he moved my bed, put towels down around the floor and then came back with a scented candle from your mom to light to drown out the awful musty smell of that room. 
Your Dad was someone you could count on to be there for you, even without words.  He would see what would need to be done and he would do it.  We were friends for the next 7 years even after I had left the company.  We talked and laughed about parenting, we shared stories and pictures of our kids.  He loved his family above all else, the three of you were the light of his life.  There wasn’t a conversation that would go by without talking about you both.  

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