Celebration of life planned in memory of Jason Chellew

The many people whose lives cave-in victim Jason Chellew touched will be given the opportunity to mourn his passing and celebrate his life this Friday and Saturday.Chellew, 32, died Friday when a chasm opened up under the basement of his Alta home. A teacher, husband, expectant father, Eagle Scout and former Peace Corps volunteer, Chellew grew up in Alta and had returned with his wife from Taiwan to teach and take advanced courses in school psychology.A public viewing will take place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at the North Auburn's Bell Road Baptist Church, 707 Bell Road. On Saturday a private family service will be followed from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. with a community gathering at the Dutch Flat Hotel, 32798 Main St., in Dutch Flat.Family spokesman Rick Armstrong said the event will be a potluck but that out-of-town visitors unable to bring a dish are also welcome. Among those attempting to attend are several former members of the Peace Corps that Chellew volunteered with in Kyrgyzstan in 1999 and 2000.Hugh Ho, a Peace Corps volunteer in Kyrgyzstan with Chellew, said dozens of volunteers served with him, visiting each other's villages and schools. As well as offering condolences to the Chellew family and trying to attend weekend services, Ho said the group, called Friends of Kyrgyzstan, is also looking at the possibility of establishing a memorial fund.Word of Chellew's death has already sparked a memorial fund for the family. Armstrong said it's unlikely that homeowner's insurers covered the loss of the home owned by Jason Chellew's parents - Gerry and Melinda Chellew. At the same time, Jason's wife, Pei-hua Chellew is expecting the couple's first child.Donations may be made to the Chellew Family Memorial Fund at any US Bank branch office.The Gold Run office of the California Highway Patrol, where Gerry Chellew was stationed for 15 years, is also rallying around the family in a time of need. Officer Richard Ruiz said Gerry has often been involved in Squad Club fund-raisers for current and retired officers and the club now wants to step up and help the Chellews."The family continues to receive emotional support from family and friends but will also need financial support while they recover from this tragedy," Ruiz said.The Gold Run Squad Club is organizing a fund-raiser that members hope to involve the entire foothills area in, he said. As well as providing an opportunity for area residents to show support, it will also serve as a way to honor Jason's life and the many contributions he made, Ruiz added.Anyone wishing to assist with the event is asked to contact the Gold Run office of the Highway Patrol at 389-2205. Gus Thomson can be reached at gust@goldcountrymedia.com.