Christopher James Mercer Camper

Christopher James

Mercer Camper

Oxnard, CA

Christopher James Mercer Camper was born December 22, 1983, in Ventura, CA, to Olga Rene' Camper and Gernote Wade. He graduated Kindergarten from Port Hueneme Private School, and went on to attend St. John's Lutheran Elementary School, E. O. Green Jr. High, and Hueneme High School. Upon completion of high school, Christopher attended Oxnard College, briefly, before entering the entertainment world as a song writer and recording artist. He was later employed in retail store management, and collections. Chris enjoyed working with people and as a Retail Manager was able to boost sales and moral with employees. He recently returned to Oxnard College to pursue an education in communications and business entertainment. He received an internship at "Rhythm of the Coast" radio station before his life was abruptly cut short. Most people did not know that Chris was a certified electrician.

The second of three boys, Christopher had a close relationship with his brothers Anthony and Joshua. The three were inseparable growing up. Like typical brothers, they were rambunctious and curious about everything. They played baseball together on the CBC base, and enjoyed playing chess with each other and their late grandfather, John H. Camper. As a child, Chris played the piano and clarinet. He was also a Cub Scout and a Boy Scout, who enjoyed camping, swimming, riding bikes, visiting museums, and attending concerts and live theater. Chris was passionate about baseball.

The proudest moment in Christopher's life was the birth of his only child, Tatyana Tamia Camper - his reason for living. He was a doting father that learned how to comb and braid his daughter's hair, read to her often, and taught her valuable lessons in life. He coached Tatyana's softball team, often taking her to the batting cages, dance lessons and taught her all the ins and outs of sports. He was a hands on father and a familiar face at Tatyana's school, Fremont Jr. High in Oxnard. He enjoyed helping her with her homework and school projects and rehearsing songs she would sing in the children's church choir. His manner of parenting, direction, love and approach to education paid off, as Tatyana earned straight A's and numerous academic awards.

Christopher was not only a good father but a loving uncle to his nieces, Josephine, Jianna and Janessa. He often babysat them, cooked for them, took them to their swimming and piano lessons, read to them, played with them, and attended their soccer and basketball games, and dance recitals. Christopher loved his family. He enjoyed attending family reunions, catching up with his cousins, and spending quality time with his parents and grandparents. He was a compassionate man that never thought twice about caring for his invalid grandfather, or spending time with his grandmother. Christopher was a poet, a prolific writer, a historian, and a great debater that kept abreast of the latest news and hot button issues. He was analytical and extremely intelligent.

Chris traveled to 25 of the United States, Washington, D.C., Canada and Mexico. He had an appreciation for oldies disco, R & B, funk, classical, and rap music, and was a very independent man and gentleman.

Chris was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather John Henry Camper and paternal great grandmother Curlee Wade. He leaves to cherish his memories, his beautiful daughter, Tatyana Camper, his mother, Olga Rene Camper-Stewart (Vincent), his father, Gernote Wade (Eleanor), his brothers, Anthony Camper and Joshua Camper (Jennifer), his maternal grandmother, Olga Bynes Ivey, aunt, Mitzi Ivey and aunt Eloise Camper-Cross (New Jersey), an uncle, Rodney Ivey, and a host of extended family and friends.

Visitation will be held from 4:00pm to 10:00pm on Thursday, July 7, 2016 at the Garcia Mortuary Chapel in Oxnard. A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at 11:00am on Friday, July 8, 2016 at St. Paul's Baptist Church followed by interment at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park, 252 Howard Road, Camarillo, CA.

To sign the family's online guestbook, share stories, and post pictures please visit our website: www.garciamortuaryoxnard.com and click on Christopher's name located below "Obituaries."

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of GARCIA MORTUARY, 629 South A Street, Oxnard. For further information, please call (805) 486-9148.