Age 53, born and died of natural causes in Salt Lake City, Utah.
He lived and loved among the Wasatch Mountains. It is here where he found his true love, his wife Karin, and together they created a dream. This dream was started together, and as the harshness of life caused Chris to walk alone for a time, she has carried this dream forward with their children Kamiya and Rush. It is in them that we see all his magnified attributes of love, loyalty, freedom, strength, dreams, and accomplishments.
Many knew Chris as a mentor and friend. His passion for wilderness and deep empathy for others, instilled into him by his parents George and Linda, gave Chris exciting purpose in building a community and home in his beloved Wasatch. In his career as a Snow Cat operator and Forest Service field worker, his contagious passion for his work and recreation inspired many to fulfilling careers and lives.
Chris may have died alone, but he was always in our hearts and lives. He knew of our love. We have surrounded him with a circle of love; his reflected light fuels our dreams and hope. We embrace memories of better days, faith in an eternal family, and the promise of his children's lives.
In his last moments, we imagine he might have said: "Mom, I have passed. Thank you for my life and for your love. I love you, I have always felt your love. I love you all. Live large and I will be there waiting to embrace you all in my circle of friendship and love."
Chris, you are loved. You are in the arms of those who passed before you: your little brother John, your grandpas Paul and George, your grandmothers, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. You are in the arms of your great aunt Mary and Uncle Joseph ‚ it was in their home you first met this life. To all the loved ones who passed before you ‚ And all those who are here still, we are and will forever be one circle.
Chris leaves behind his parents, George and Linda, his kids Kamiya and Rush and their mom Karin, his siblings Chuck (Gayla), Paul (Jody), and Lara (Reid), and a slew of loving nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and colleagues.
A family viewing was held at Larkin Mortuary Downtown. Chris's family will gather over the Holiday Season to celebrate his life and return his ashes to his beloved Wasatch Mountains.
The Brother I Follow
My big brother, a mountain of a man.
I\ve watched him dream.
I've watched him live.
I\ve watched him move mountains.
I watched him change the course of a stream,
Stare down a giant,
Level an entire army to protect his people,
Walk on water with the speed and grace of angels,
And build an entire kingdom for his wife, daughter and son.
All this with his bare hands.
My big brother, I\ve followed him closely;
I\ve tried to be a man - like him.
My big brother has passed. He died, the mountain of a man.
Imagine what you can do now, your power is bigger than these hands.
I miss you Chris, I love you.
Keep us safe.
-Little Brother Paul
