I feel so deeply fortunate to have had the opportunity to watch Chris blossom and grow throughout the years. He made people smile wherever he went. Weather he was at the park during summer camp, heading down a mountainside on skis or wolfing down Taco Bell at Dinner and a Movie. Chris did nothing in small measure. I will never forget his laughter and “uhhhoohhhh’s” echoing through the theater during movies or hearing his random questions throughout an outing. It seemed almost each place we went he saw someone he knew.

Recently, a co-worker reminded me of a classic Chris response on one of our trips. Just as he was in his community, Chris was well known throughout the Breckenridge Outdoor Educational Center. Staff there remembered him from years past and always had his ski gear ready to go. They always commented on how pleased they were to see him again.  An instructor from England sat with him after a day on the slopes. He was eating a snack, cheese, of course. She asked him “Chris, what sort of cheese is that?” Without looking away or hardly even pausing he simply said “mine.”

We should all have the good fortune to be so sure of the things we love. To not be afraid to blaze our own trail and to share our feelings with the people we care about. Chris knew what it was all about and offered us valuable life lessons. He was most certainly one of a kind and one who will not be forgotten.

Thank you, Chris. Thank you also to the Matthew’s for sharing such a wonderful being with us all.

Fondly, Jaimy C.