John Christopher Iden

1955 - 2025

John Christopher Iden passed away peacefully on March 12, 2025, after a brief battle with glioblastoma, a highly aggressive form of brain cancer.

Chris, as he was known to family and friends, was born on December 29, 1955, to Don and Colleen Iden, during the Great Flood of 1955.

His great uncle, Jack W. Iden, was then mayor of Marysville, CA, and had just ordered an evacuation of the city, convinced that the levee would break on the East side of the swollen Feather River.

Uncle Jack was wrong, the levee broke on the West side, sparing Marysville but causing catastrophic flooding in Yuba City, CA.

Nonetheless for Chris the first few days on earth were overshadowed by widespread regional flooding and minding the imperative of finding safe refuge.

He enrolled at Holy Angels Elementary School in Yuba City, CA, and progressed through the various levels until the family moved to Gridley, CA, where Chris continued his studies until graduating from Gridley High School in 1974.

Prior to graduation he was selected to participate by the American Legion California in Boys State. He went on to study English, Philosophy and Enology at UC Davis, graduating in 1978.

Chris was a gifted teacher and taught a number of his contemporaries how to read and how to play the guitar.

He ultimately found a home in agriculture, having worked at Pacific Coast Producers in a number of capacities before managing an almond ranch.

Chris will be forever in our hearts and remembered for his winsome smile and twinkling blue eyes, if not for his humanity, work ethic, and penchant for always doing the right thing.

He is survived by his mother, Lisa; sister; and brothers, Mark and Matt.

A Requiem Mass will be celebrated by Father Michal Olszewski at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Marysville, CA, on April 9, 2025, at 11 AM, to be followed by a Celebration of Chris's Life at Hillcrest Catering, 210 Julie Drive, Yuba City, CA.