Photo courtesy of Broomhead Funeral Home - Riverton
Jul 11, 1960 - Nov 10, 2025
When Christopher was born I became an Aunt, he is the first born child between me and my brother Richard from our parents Dwight and Catherine Van Haaften. Richard and myself had been recently married to spouses. He was a beautiful baby boy with bright red hair. I remember from a young age he was always polite and looking out for others, as he played with his sisters and brothers.
Gloria Reeder Van Haaften
November 17, 2025 | Santa Rosa, CA | Family
I pretty sure that there are some amazing orchestras in heaven. Surely, a conductor up there said: "We need a trombone player right away. Who can we get?"
I am grateful for Chris's testimony--which he shared frequently at fast and testimony meeting. He bore his testimony the day before he died. He was an example to all of us in that regard.
He often reminisced about how much he enjoyed serving the Lord as a full-time missionary. He was a good man. I'm sure he's now...
Jason Curley
November 16, 2025 | Riverton, UT | Neighbor
I am saddened by our loss , Chris was an inspiration he helped me be a better singer in church , he's knowledge of music was excellent. My mom told me how impressed she was with the chorister how he led us in song was truly inspirational.. Chris will be missed .. I am so very sorry for your loss ..
Philip Hunt
November 16, 2025 | Riverton, UT
Truly a unique person. Good friend, brother, bandmate. Always ready with a humorous story or conversation and reminders of Elvis and John Lennon's birthdays. I shall miss talking to him about anything and playing music with him. Rest well my friend and we'll see ya on the other side.
Marc James
November 14, 2025 | Tooele, UT | Friend
I considered Chris a friend and enjoyed the time we spent together driving to and from jazz band performances
John Bennett
November 13, 2025 | Sandy, UT | Friend
It is with much love and sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother and uncle Christopher Wallace Van Haaften. Chris passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the age of 65.
Chris was born on July 11, 1960, to Richard and Peggy Van Haaften in Los Angeles, California. He was raised in Ventura, California where he spent his childhood camping at Sequoia National Park, playing softball and hanging out with his siblings, cousins and lifelong friends. Chris loved being a scout and learned many skills that he used his entire life. He graduated from Ventura High School where he learned to speak Spanish and graduated in 1978. He served a 2-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Portland, OR. During his mission, he also served in Vancouver, WA during the eruption of Mt. Saint Helens. He often told us stories of that remarkable experience, even sharing a sample of the ash as he talked about those days. He loved serving the people of Oregon and Washington and spoke of those years with love and joy.
Chris graduated from Ventura College with his associate’s degree. It is also where he met the love of his life, Christy Hubbard. They married in 1991 and moved to Tucson, AZ where they lived for many years. He drove a school bus for over 20 years and loved the daily interaction with the children. Chris and Christy enjoyed music, eating Mexican food and collecting Star Trek memorabilia. They both played in symphonies- Christy played the French horn and Chris played the trombone. They later divorced, but they remained friends. Chris later moved from Arizona to Utah to be near his family, especially his beloved Mom and Dad. He lived in Riverton, where he was able to play music, hang out with his siblings, nieces and nephews and take long walks and bike rides along the Jordan River.
Music was the great passion of Christopher’s life. He was an extraordinarily talented trombonist. He played in numerous bands and orchestras both in Arizona and Utah. At the time of his passing, Chris owned 5 trombones. He was an active member of the New West Symphony, Summit Band and the Riverton Jazz Band. Chris loved to play the trombone more than anything else. He was known for calling friends and family members to serenade them on their birthday with his trombone. He also loved to play the trombone at every family gathering and at every holiday, and we will miss Chris and his music more than we can say.
Chris is survived by his parents, Peggy and Van, by his siblings Jennifer (Matt) Longshaw, Marty (Pua) Van Haaften, Juliana (Dave) Hobert, and Andrew (Melinda) Van Haaften. He is also survived by 14 nieces and nephews and 2 great-nieces and 1 great-nephew.
There will be an Open House for family and friends on Sunday, November 16th from 6:30-8:00 pm at the Tithing Hill Chapel in Riverton at 1208 W. 12400 S. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 17th at the same location at 11:00 am. Friends may visit the family from 9:30 to 10:30 am prior to services.
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