Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Christopher Bender Obituary
BENDER, Christopher Merril Born August 18, 1957 in Los Angeles, died unexpectedly on February 5, 2011 in Palm Springs, California. He was preceded in death by his mother, Rivah Levin Bender; father, Vernon Bender; partner, Rick Wilson; and pugs (Charlie and Benny). Chris attended Edward Milne Secondary School in Sooke, moving to Victoria after graduation. He lived in Seattle for a number of years and relocated to Palm Springs in 1999. Wherever he went, Chris always developed a wide circle of friends and colleagues. He had the unusual ability to make each man, woman and child he met fall in love with him. He was not only a great talker, but a great listener. He was generous to a fault, and a wise and caring friend. Chris was diagnosed with HIV in 1987 yet he managed to enjoy life to the brim as his health allowed. He travelled widely, loved books, movies, pizza and wine gum candies. After moving to Palm Springs, he joined the Desert AIDS Project (DAP) as a case manager and outreach worker. When ill health prevented him from working fulltime, Chris continued to offer his services as a volunteer. Chris leaves behind his aunt, Sylvia Bender; stepmother, Wendy Morton; and many dear friends in Victoria, Vancouver, Seattle, California and New York. Celebrations of Chris' life will be held in Palm Springs on March 16 and Ravensdale, Washington on May 7. For information please contact [email protected]. 617702
Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Bender
Sponsored by Jan Hyman.
28 Entries
Jan Hyman
August 13, 2018
I think of you all the time and miss our chats. xxx
August 12, 2018
Hey Chris and Rick my Brother
We miss you guys very much
Victor and Marilyn and April wilson
Victor Wilson
August 11, 2018
I just stumbled on this and wanted to pay my respects. Chris and my brother Rick Wilson were partners for any one who knew chris new Rick and now they they rest together
I'm going to miss you Chris and all the fun times working on the Seattle house with you and Rick
RIP you Both
This photo was taken the first time I met Chris and Scott in Peru in 1987
Jeanne Brown
July 24, 2013
How you can show support
Andy Herman
August 29, 2012
Wow - I'm absolutely stunned! I had the incredible pleasure of meeting Chris (and Scott) at their shop next to Haagen-Dazs.
After moving from Seattle when my partner Larry left us, it was always a pleasure to see them when I made it back into town. I was extremely saddened when we lost Scott.
Chris soldiered on.
Many were the times the only reason I went to the Timberline was to talk with Chris and give him a bear hug.
I lost track of him when he and his partner moved to PS. Last night I thought I'd try to see if he might now be on Facebook.
What an incredibly sad shock.
Chris lit up every room he was in and our lives are diminished with his passing.
Michael Raineri
May 10, 2011
Dear Chris,
You will always be my older "little brother". You brought such a feeling of happiness to so many people. I thank you for that special gift you gave me and my family. I know you are in heaven (except on Saturday nights) with Rick, Glo and all those that we have seen pass before us.
I am happy that your struggle is over and you are experiencing complete peace. I will think of you often and miss you more than you will know.
Claudia von stwolinski
April 5, 2011
Chris, I still think of you as Merril, you were my best friend growing up, we had a lot of fun times in Monterey, walking down to the wharf, horseback riding, Big Sur picnics with your parents, drama club and just hanging out. You were so adorable, caring and fun. Looking at your pictures, you haven't changed, you still have those beautiful eyes and that wonderful smile of yours. Always in my heart......will miss you.
This is the last photo I have of you when I came to see you in Victoria
Claudia von stwolinski
April 5, 2011
You were such a great friend, will miss you...
Claudia von stwolinski
April 5, 2011
Christopher, 1969, we would walk down to the wharf in Monterey, climb and explore below the docks.
Claudia von stwolinski
April 5, 2011
Christopher and his dad.
Claudia von stwolinski
April 5, 2011
Christopher, back in 1969, my best friend, I used to call him Merril.
Claudia von stwolinski
April 5, 2011
Jan Hyman
March 3, 2011
I miss you Chris. You were my lovely friend. You'll always be in my heart.
Saskia Elias
February 26, 2011
Remembering Chris, takes me back to 1973. Endless teenage telephone conversations, and strangley, Gilbert O'Sullivan's "Alone Again, Naturally". Sleep well, sweet Chris.
Michael Fewel
February 24, 2011
We first met in the mid-80's in Seattle, became friends and warriors together through the early to mid-90's. As the world we knew was dying, Chris remained unflappable. A pillar. A man with a beautiful smile. It's hard to imagine a world without Chris somehwere smiling and providing strength. His spirit of compassion and fun lives on in the many lives he graced.
Jan 24 2011 - Frank Bogert Trailhead, PS on a hike
Dan Hudson
February 21, 2011
Jan 24 2011 - Frank Bogert Trailhead
February 21, 2011
February 20, 2011
February 20, 2011
February 20, 2011
February 20, 2011
February 20, 2011
February 20, 2011
February 20, 2011
Jim Detwiler
February 20, 2011
I first met Chris back in the 80's and our paths crossed again when we worked together in the 90's. He was truly one of the most endearing people I've ever known and was extraordinarily generous with his time, effort and heart. He'd survived so many insurmountable obstacles over the years, it's hard to believe he's really gone. Thank you Chris, for everything you were and the inspiration you offered everyone so blessed to have known you.
Tracy Ashworth
February 20, 2011
Will always remember your beautiful smile
Gail Padilla (Weberg)
February 19, 2011
My deepest thoughts and prayers to Chris's family and friends. Chris, I have thought of you so many many times over the years (and it has been many) and the great laughs we all shared during our high school years; drama club, dances, the recyling depot we opened, the great beach parties and your lil Anglia and how many we could cram into it ~ so many things. You always made everyone feel loved; always had hugs for everyone and you were always smiling no matter what adversity came into your path of life. You were so loved and will be so missed my dear friend.
Wayne Rog
February 19, 2011
Chris, I hope you have found true happiness...
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results