Christopher Michael Banfill

Christopher Michael Banfill Christopher's life flame was prematurely extinguished on July 18, 2012. He was born September 16th, 1975 in Eureka to Mike and Delynn Banfill. They moved to Weott when Christopher was 3 years old. Chris grew up in the small town where his family owned the gas station and garage. He became a gear head and worked at the shop with his dad. He enjoyed fixing cars and got into mechanics. He graduated from South Fork High in 1993. His dad and a couple of other friends were into car racing so Chris spent time in the pits with them. In high school, he started racing mini stock at Redwood Acres and continued for about 6 years. Usually his cousin, Jason, and a couple of other friends were his pit crew. In 2006, he started racing Thunder Roadsters which took him to new tracks to sharpen his driving ability. He enjoyed going fast and the thrill of being around the track. Chris attended College of the Redwoods in mechanics and metal fabrication. Chris bought a house in Garberville and began renovating it. It had been his family's home and he had always liked the house. He met his wife, Shawlyn, in 2000 through some mutual friends. In 2002, Kennedy was born and stole Chris' heart. He enjoyed getting her to and from school everyday, taking her to her gymnastic practices and events. He was so proud of Kennedy. They were blessed with a second child in 2008. Canon took after his dad and loved to be at the shop and at the park. Chris loved being a dad and was great with the kids. Chris dabbled in many different careers. He started an auto racing parts business with friend, Mark, metal and mechanics shop, jump houses for kids, and a few others; anything to work around the kids' schedules. Chris took flying lessons, went scuba diving, loved being outside and racing cars (or anything with wheels). He had a kind smile and a dry sense of humor. He enjoyed being with friends and his kids. He was always there to help others and didn't ask for anything in return. He will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. Chris is preceded in death by his grandparents, Marge and Ed Williams, Ralph and Marian Banfill. He is leaving behind his children, Kennedy and Canon, wife Shawlyn, his parents Mike and Delynn Banfill of Fortuna and many, many friends, relatives and people who cared for Chris. Please join us in a Re-Birth-day and Celebration of Life at the Elk's Club in Eureka on September 16th, 2012 at 1 pm. Please bring stories, photos and memories of Christopher. A college trust fund is being set up for Kennedy and Canon. Please sign the guest book at www.Times-Standard.com, click obits.