I was lucky enough to meet Chris seven years ago, while he was still in High School. Working with him was the best part of working at Palmer – I felt like I was getting paid to play. Both of our kids have grown up with Chris in their lives and are better people because of this. Chris has taught us many things that we will take with us our whole lives. Because of Chris, I refuse to take myself too seriously (how could you after spending just 5 minutes in a mall with him?), I am not afraid to “call a spade a spade” and will always find time to be happy enjoy the little things in life, be it a song on the radio, a rope, a slice of pizza or even an inappropriate bodily function in public. He lit up a room the minute he walked in and always had that uncanny ability to make everyone laugh. To know Chris was to absolutely and unconditionally love him and then take that love out into the world to make it a better place.

Because of Chris, we all know that Andre is a nerd, Steve is bald, Lori is a stinkin’ Liberal and that we should have voted for Gore in 2000. We also all knew he loved the Beach Boys and Shrek and washing the car … and how much he loved his family and friends … and life, in general! His high pitched Hello’s and his excitement to see us never failed to warm our hearts. He was the only person I ever knew that was that happy to see his friends and family – every time he saw them.

In the course of Chris’ life, he touched more people’s lives in such amazing ways than most people will EVER accomplish in their lifetime.

Chris is one of the best friends that we will ever have and the memories of who he was will live in our hearts forever.

Love,
Mariana, Derek, Orion and Remi
October 31, 2007