Christopher was born on August 11th 1991 in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He was born a little unexpectedly at two weeks early the day before his Dad's birthday. We had a lot of double birthday parties. He lived his life in Idaho and Utah. He loved life and loved his family.
His Dad, John, said.....
"Chris was the best son one could ever have. He was loyal, hardworking, charitable, fun and adventerous. He always aimed to please. He really lived a lot of life in his short time on earth. We had a lot of fun spending time on our vacations. We took a lot of father/son road trips. We camped, fished, and had a lot of good times. On one particular cruise vacation, and much to the amazement of us and the waiters, Chris ate 5 big filet minons along with some escargo! He was only 13 then. We also had a blast ordering pizza and cheesecake all night long. We had a lot of good times. I will always cherish the good times."
His mother, Pam fondly remembers that...
"Christopher was a fun loving, hard working boy. He was our pride and joy. He loved his brother and sisters and they loved him. He enjoyed playing with his brother, Isaac. When they were younger, they enjoyed playing with army guys and building forts out of whatever they found around the house... like blankets, towels and chairs. As they got older, they discovered Star Wars and for several years, would receive anything Star Wars... movies, legos, action figures and of course the light sabers. Just last month they were caught in the garage with army hats on and pillows wrapped on either side of them playing Star Wars sword fighting.
His Mom loved him dearly and will miss him jumping through the house and the bear hugs he would give her, trying to show he was growing up and how strong he was getting. "
His step Mom, Joanna recalls that...
"He was always so fun to be around. He had a talent of being able to make anyone smile. He was the sweetest kid. He was so respectful and never said a bad word that I ever heard. When I needed a favor, he would always do it for me, with a "sure" or "of course" and my favorite thing he would say to me was "anything for you mom". He was a big help with the girls especially when we went on trips. One time we went to the San Diego Zoo. Chris was the chief stroller pusher. I don't know how he did it... he had to have pushed that stroller miles and miles... a lot of it up hill. He rarely complained. He loved Jiu jitsu and constantly amazed me with how strong he was. He was such a handsome boy. He made us so proud... and he still does."
His step dad, Drew remembers....
"Chris was boisterous and energetic, but he also had a deep compassion for people. He was a typical teenager, but also was exceptional. He was bright and excelled in his studies when he wasn't having too much fun. Chris had a gentle and quiet spirit at times, but loved to be competetive. He was a great training partner in Jiu jitsu and a good competitor. I can't say enough good things about him. He was responsible and cared about the quality of his work. he loved to cook and made many breakfasts for us. He had a great sense of humor and liked to do silly things sometimes. Most of all he was an excellent son and will be greatly missed. He is with Jesus now and in His care."
His older sister Amanda was really close with Chris. She remembers some fun times as kids....
"When we were little, I would have him play barbies with me for hours, and he liked it! He would be the boy barbie and we would play camping. Then he would have me play Star Wars. He was either Luke or Darth Vadar and I would be Princess Leia. We were best of friends in this life and we will be in the next. "
His Brother Isaac wrote some touching words for Chris....
"Christopher made everything fun. I remember when me, him and dad went out to the park to play catch. We could've done anything, and it would've been fun because Chris was there. It was as if his presence just had a good effect on everything, and it did, it really did.
The days spent with Christopher are the best part of our lives, and the things holding us together are family and Jesus' comfort, and knowing that from now on, everyday, that he is in the arms of the merciful and gracious Lord God, with no more pains or fears or worries. I think the good that has come out of this is that it made us realize how much we really do need each other and the grace of God, as he helps us get through it. It tests our faith, but none of us shall lose faith, not for one second. You don't know when a person is going to leave, so you need to treat all the time you have together like it's the last.
Oh I'm going to miss him all the time, at least a little bit. Everything that happens, every empty chair is going to make me wish he was there. Almost everything is going to make me miss him. But remember we will see him again. We'll get to see him for the rest of eternity. The grave is not goodbye, it's really just a "see you later" for Christopher. Life is but a short vapor. Chris sure did make that vapor meaningful, he had so much energy & he used it for others, every ounce of it. "
Some of his sister, Desiree's favorite memories of Chris include..
"The time Chris and me and Brooklyn and Kassidy would want to play princesses. Chris wasn't too fond of that game, so us girls would compromise and would play the guards and Chris would fight us a few times. Then after a little while we would finally get to be the princesses and Chris would save us.
Another time Chris, and I and Brooklyn built a snow fort. There was a lot of snow so we would roll the snow and then Chris would help us move it.
One day we played in the sand and dug a big hole. We built a sand castle and then had a blast destroying it."
His sister, Brooklyn recalls....
"Chris would flip me all around. It was fun.
Me and Chris would play a game with an animal poster. He would always say I guessed it right everytime, but I was usually wrong.
We always had a lot of fun!"
His sister Kassidy loved Chris. She remembers ....
Chris would play games with me.
Chris watched TV with me.
Chris buries me in the sandbox.
Chris plays XBox with me.
Chris tickles me.
Chris wrestles with me.
His baby sister Lindzi, loved Chris with all her heart. He would always make her smile. She adored him and always went right to him whenever he was home.
Chris enjoyed working at the Assisted Living Center and cooking and serving the residents there. He liked to talk to some of them and hear their stories. He said one lady with a thick german accent told him that he had the most beautiful blue eyes... but the hair!! He was sad sometimes when they would pass on. He loved many sports growing up. Soccer, wrestling and for the last several years martial arts. He was very competitive and was especially good at jui jitsu. He loved going to class on Tuesday nights and teaching the kids. When we asked him how was class, most the time he would say, "I beat everyone." There will be a jiu jitsu scholarship in Chris' name.
Chris was a great brother, son & friend. We will all miss you Chris .... Till we meet again.
