Christopher Longridge

LONGRIDGE, John Christopher (Chris) Forbes August 14, 1942 – June 15, 2021 It is with great sadness we announce the death of Chris Longridge who, after a short illness, died peacefully in Seattle on June 15, 2021. Chris was a much-loved husband, son, brother, uncle, dad and granddad, as well as an exceptional people person and a brilliant raconteur. He was also a private man, who disliked personal fanfares, but as he's unable to protest, his family feels it's important to honour him by acknowledging his full and well-lived life. Chris was born in Exmouth, England to David and Frances Longridge. He soon became an older brother to Paul and James, and in 1948 the family emigrated to Victoria, where his sister Daphne was born. He attended the former St. Michael's School in his early years, and then boarded at Shawnigan Lake School. He loved sports, especially rugby, and was lauded for his heroic rescue of a heavy (and non-flammable) anvil from a fire that ravaged the school's workshop. He loved playing practical jokes on his unsuspecting family, including calling home from the school imitating the voice of the Headmaster! Tony Archbold, a "partner-in-crime" from school days, was a wonderful lifelong friend. Chris learned to fly planes recreationally, and his love of aircraft may have led to his long and accomplished career with The Boeing Company. He joined them in 1967 as a metallurgical engineer with a degree from the University of British Columbia. His tenure as an engineer was successful, but brief. One of his first "performance reviews" mentioned that, "Chris works hard, but spends too much time talking about airplanes"! Shortly thereafter, he joined Boeing's Marketing team, initially with a focus on Air Canada. In 1975 Chris, with his wife Linda and sons David and Mark, moved to the UK where he headed up Sales for Boeing's London office for the next eight years. The family's integration into British life was comprehensive and very happy. They formed deep, long-lasting relationships with executives from British Airways and many other European airlines. Chris' deeply knowledgeable enthusiasm – not just for Boeing, but for aviation – was a powerful asset in his work. His passion for British aircraft in particular, endeared him to a generation of airline executives in Britain, Ireland and Europe. From this role, he went on to lead European Sales, Marketing, Business Strategy and Global Sales during a career at Boeing that lasted 33 years. Chris' passions included driving his classic cars and boating. Once back in the US, the family enjoyed exploring Puget Sound in their boat "Martini". Later on there were wonderful cruises on "Flying Colors", a North Sea Trawler, where many special family events were celebrated. Also important to Chris were a number of feline family members over the years, who provided much love, affection and entertainment. After Linda died in 2012, Chris moved from Seattle to the Olympic Peninsula, and was fortunate to find great happiness again, marrying Carol in 2013. As a team, enhancing their beautiful Victorian home and bringing its garden back to life became a major part of their lives, in addition to hosting their grandchildren for visits in the summertime, and simply enjoying the view of the shipping lanes on Puget Sound. After years of travelling to every corner of the world, he and Carol found great peace and happiness at home, taking an occasional cruise to Alaska and Hawaii. In addition to his sharp analytical mind, Chris had a great sense of humour. He had genuine interest in others and loved to share good stories. His sense of fun and excitement is reflected in a special memory shared by his sons. "On Sunday mornings, in England in the 1970s, our Dad would drive us both to Heathrow, to "race" departing aircraft, by driving alongside the runway on the Perimeter Road. Concorde's morning departure was a favourite: we'd never win the "race", of course, but we'd try all the same, shrieking with laughter. Our Dad loved this spectacle as much as we did, and it was this sparkle and enthusiasm that we, and I am sure many who knew him, loved so much and will never forget". Chris was predeceased by his parents, his wife Linda, and his sister-in-law Louise. His brother James died in November 2021. He is greatly missed by his sons David (Gretchen) and Mark (Julee), and his grandchildren Declan, Evie, Chris, Rachel, Ian and Olivia. He is deeply mourned by his wife Carol, along with his siblings Paul (Darlene) and Daphne (Ranald Donaldson). He also leaves behind many special nieces, nephews and in-laws, as well as numerous wonderful friends, and two cats, Prince William and Prince Harry. A memorial service to honour Chris will be held at Seattle's Museum of Flight at Boeing Field Airport on May 7, 2022. Please remember him with a smile, a story and a good martini, shaken not stirred.