Remembering Chris

Chris was the most incredible person, and I loved him with all of my heart. We had amazing adventures together, across three continents. For a time, we were colleagues, friends, and partners all at once, which had its highs and lows, but mostly highs. Our relationship evolved as we tried to pick up the pieces of our lives and make sense of these circumstances that really make no sense at all.

A few special memories stick out. A weekend early in our relationship spent exploring Barrentsberg, where we spotted whales in the harbor near Svea. For Chris’s 40th birthday, I surprised him with the tasting menu at Huset, complete with a wine selection for nearly every one of the 14 courses (!). We both slipped and fell on the ice in the in the arctic twilight trying to get back up the hill to the house, giggling the whole way. After long days of fieldwork drilling at Kongsvegen, we found ourselves dancing to punk music (his favourite) during the pub night in Ny-Ålesund. When Chris and I were on a trip across Iceland, he never missed a chance to skip rocks across the beautiful lagoons – surely an Olympic Champion if such a title existed!

Chris and I exploring the cabins around Barrentsberg. I think this was Easter 2017.

Chris skipping rocks in Iceland, 2017.

When we picked up Nansen in Washington state after a weekend at Abbey’s, Chris and I camped along the way, introducing the sweet pup to a tent early on. He and Nansen had an instant connection, and they were inseparable. The way Chris interacted with his nieces reminded me of how he taught: he was endlessly patient, kind, and encouraging. He never got bogged down by the little things.

Chris and Nansen's first night together, somewhere between Washington and Montana.

Chris with his adoring nieces, Dagny and Leni, before Bo was born. This was the 2017 trip where he introduced me to his family in Colorado. They were so welcoming and loving, and I don't know how we would have survived those first months after the stroke without them.

After his stroke, Chris worked tirelessly to return to his home in Montana, endearing himself to the nurses and staff at Craig Hospital. Our time together in Bozeman while he was recovering was filled with love and laughter, and burritos. Chris was always up for a night away camping in the Montana wilderness, and for a campfire breakfast burrito. We watched a lot of NFL football together, surprisingly finding appreciation for each other’s teams, who are notorious rivals. Occasionally, Chris would treat me to air guitar performances using his bright blue cane. I am grateful that Chris was able to fulfil what was important to him - to live life on his terms, independently - until the very end.

Chris's air guitar only improved with the additon of his bright blue cane.

Chris thought about the world differently. He was hilarious, and creative, and always had your back. He focused on solutions. His boundless positivity and quest for joy were infectious. He led a life that was inspiring, and made everyone feel like they were included. I feel fortunate to have had him in my life for the time we shared. The memories we created will always hold a special place in my heart. I will miss him forever.

Chris conquering Quebec City in December 2017.