Christopher Joseph Krenk

I can't believe it's been four years since we lost Chris. Four years that saw many changes, not all of them for the better -- his brother Mike died early this year, an event that would have shocked and saddened Chris. I remember them as young boys (from my perspective, as an older cousin), and I always thought of them both as my own brothers. Losing Chris so young and so suddenly is still like a phusical shock to me, as I know it is to his close family. Gerry and I send our love to Nell...

Humanity has lost a great, loving friend. We have all been the better for knowing and being inspired by him, and, thus, the sadder for losing him.

Chris was classmate and friend back in the magical days of teen youth when everything was possible. Our little garage rock and roll surfing band was a big hit, but only invited for one night, at the YMCA teen night. Chris was also a great athlete whose career snuck up on you in late high school when he caught passes with sure hands for the Axemen and then went on to an even better basketball career with an accurate jump shot from anywhere on the court. Chris was my college roommate in the...

I will always remember Chris with affection and admiration. He was one of the best and brightest, and the most unfailingly compassionate person I have ever known. My heartfelt thoughts of comfort for Nell, Mike, Laura and all the kids and grandkids.

I worked with Chris for 4 years (2000 - 2004) as Director of Resource Development at Albertina Kerr Centers. He was the best boss I have ever had. Chris was kind, humble, and passionate. He was a unique and caring individual and will be greatly missed.

Chris was my boss for several years at Albertina Kerr, and a professional colleague thereafter. He was a solid professional and superior leader. The loss of Chris leaves a void in the hearts of his friends and colleagues and the community is poorer with the exit of this good man from our midst.

Chris was my beloved youngest cousin, a loving, warm-hearted, generous-spirited man whose passing leaves a space in our lives that no one else can fill. He spent his life in service to others, and no one who met him will forget his kindness and his smile. He was, in the idiom of my Jewish family, a "mensch." Shalom, Chris, from Lolly and Gerry.

I had the privelege of working with Chris in many and various capacities in the state system for children and families the entire time of his leadership at Kerr, and then served with him on the Board of the Non Profit Association of Oregon. He was a consistently steady and effective leader, providing an example I and others wanted to follow. I have fond memories of our occasional dinners and Trailblazer games when I came to Portland, and am shocked and saddened at his loss. Deep...

Chris was a long-standing colleague, who over many years, served as a strong and effective advocate for Oregon’s critical safety-net, social and healthcare services. He was a loyal ally to the many in need throughout our community.