So very true Tom and also very eloquent. In our memories they are forever young. It is the pain of losing loved ones that makes getting older so very difficult.

Chris was my best friend from 6th grade through our freshman year in college. We roomed together in college and were nicknamed "Mr. Fling and Mr. Cling."  I loved him as a brother. In fact he was there when my brother Jimmy died while we were in college. We actually did some business together even after Chris got sick. I tried to help and probably screwed up the works.

Jimmy (my brother) was the first person I loved and lost. Chris came next. I now see other people who at various times were really very close friends: Harry Hargreaves in grade school, Don Guccione in Junior High, Jim Maloney, Gary Scott (another brother), and now, finally Bill Hearst. All gone, all way too soon. Getting older is inevitable, but seeing friends going away is horrible.

He was one of the sweetest guys I ever knew. I had a class in an all-guy study hall. Sometimes the guys would love to act up around me, and Chris was always there to watch over me like a big brother. He was a great guy.

To a true leader. I remember many games blocking for Chris as he passed to Tom or Jack or handed off to Gary or Ken. He would plead with the line to hold our blocks just for 1 or 2 seconds more!!!!! He was always getting smashed by some lineman or free safety on a blitz because he would wait until the reciever was open. As I go through life and remember back: Life was simple and people inspire you to go beyond anything you think is possible. I think of Coach Nordman and Chris. They always brought the fight out of you. They never gave up on anyone they led.

It was always so exciting to be in the stands and see Chris throwing long passes caught by our players. He was truly a gifted football player. It was fun to attend the games and see players like Chris. He was taken all too soon from us. My sister has MS and, in these modern times, she is dealing with it more successfully. Chris was really something to watch at the games!

I remember Chris as a gifted athlete and his easy smile. I lived through many months of having a crush on Chris during RGHS days. I'm comforted to hear Runa's description of his last days. What a great guy and I'll miss not seeing him next summer.


Chris sat behind me in biology and Syd Lawrence and Barb Tiemann sat in front of me that year. Talk about a fun combination. Chris was such a talented person but didn't let that go to his head. I will always remember his friendly smile and the fun he brought to our classes! He left the world a better place because he journeyed through with us.

Chris was one of the kindest, most thoughtful, friendly, giving, loveable, handsome, fun.....I could go on and on. I feel blessed to say I was able to visit Chris at least every other week and sometimes every week. We would sit for hours and talk about the old days and the stupid things we did!!! There were times we were laughing so hard we cried! I am so thankful Russ, Chris' brother, called me to come to the hospital as soon as possible. Chris was asking for me. I went immediately and was able to talk, laugh, cry and pray with him. That evening he passed away. To my surprise, his parents honored me by asking if I would be a pallbearer for Chris. I have never felt more honored than I did at that moment. It will be a part of my life that I will cherish and forever be grateful for.

 His nephew, Nick, attends the high school where I work. Nick, named after Chris' father, is a senior this year at the same school. It was very hard for me at first to look at Nick walking down the halls, only because he looks just like his Uncle Chris!! Russ, Chris' little brother, has a second son.  His name? CHRIS!!!!  I feel very blessed because I see Russ, Nick, Aunt Kit and little Chris all the time. Chris was and is a very special man!!!

I so admired Chris as the Quarterback for our Football team. The team did so well with such talented players, and it was Chris that led the team with a great arm. I wish I could have kept in contact with Chris after High School, but as we know, we go in all directions with our lives.

I cried when Chris' picture came up on my computer screen. He was a great friend and always made me laugh. Chris was one of the people who made high school memorable for me. I sent cards and tried to keep in contact from Oregon when I heard he was ill. His father wrote me when he passed. It was a sad day.


Chris was one of the few people that I stayed in contact with after high school. I saw him about 9 months before he died from complications related to MS. He was diagnosed at age 27 and died at 43. Way too young to be dealing with this terrible disease. He was a wonderful friend. I miss seeing him when I come back to St. Louis. He was fun to be around and had such a great sense of humor. We laughed and laughed during my last visit. It was good medicine for both of us.

I am new to this webpage, but I attended grade school with Chris, as well as high school.  Although I was shy, he always was kind to me and that is what I always remember about him.