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Christopher Wikane Obituary
Christopher R. Wikane Christopher R. Wikane, 59, a life long Ulster County horseman died Sunday June 3, 2012 at The Benedictine Hospital. He was born Dec. 2, 1952 the son of the late J. Harry and Minna V.B. Wikane. He graduated from Rondout Valley High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served in Europe as an Armored Calvary Scout Sergeant. He graduated from U.C.C.C. and SUNY Albany, and worked various construction jobs and as a zookeeper at the Catskill Game Farm. He worked many horse-related jobs, including trainer,breeder, mule skinner, carriage driver and managed a riding stable for eight years. He graduated from the Oklahoma Horseshoeing School in 1993 and started Kicking Ass Enterprises, a full service equine business, which he ran until his death. He is survived by his beloved wife Martha and his four brothers, John and Karl of Kingston, Paul and Mark of Stone Ridge; their wives and companion; one niece and three nephews; three daughters; and six grandchildren by osmosis. As a life long gun rights advocate and woodsman, he was an N.R.A. Life Member and member of the Whittenberg Sportsman Club, NYSRPA,SCOPE, Sons of Norway and the Empire State Farriers Association. Mr. Wikane was overwhelmed by the support of his many friends, family and medical staff during his brief struggle with cancer. By his direction there will be no memorial service. Cremation to be handled by Joseph V. Leahy Funeral Home. In lieu of donations or flowers, do something for your animals and buy a box of bullets.
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Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Wikane
Jerry Kastler
March 26, 2013
I served with Chris in the U. S. Army in Germany in '74 and '75. I still have one of his hand-drawn pictures and will treasure it always. I have many good memories of our time together.
Patrick Scanlon
September 7, 2012
A great human being. No more need be said.
Julie Julian
June 25, 2012
The first time I sat on a horse as an adult was during my employment at Mohonk in 1988. Chris was there as I screamed. I liked his calmness & dry sense of humor. Later, I would do some real riding on a sheep ranch. Thanks for preparing me Chris! Sympathy to the whole Wikane family, Julie Traeger Julian
Debbie Wolfersheim Van Buren
June 18, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the Wikane family.I have wonderful childhood
memories of spending time with Chris and
his family.
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Barbara Bunse
June 18, 2012
To John and Karl and Mark and Paul and to Marti who I have never met..just want to tell you all how sorry we were to hear about Chris's passing. We lost touch over the years but will always remember his sense of humor and how much he loved working with the animals.
Patty Matteson
June 15, 2012
It's been a hard year but I know that Chris is hanging out with his friend Rachie, my mother, ...I have a photo of the last time they saw each other: she came up to about his waist. But they had their arms around each other. What a guy. love patty
Patty Matteson
June 15, 2012
Marty &Chris's brothers,
I will always miss Chris. He was one of the most kind and compassionate people I've known. I am so sorry to lose him and I send my condolences to you all. Yes, he was one of a kind, bigger than LIFE in many ways, and his sense of humor is something I will always remember and miss. Much love to you all, Patty
Heide Lancto
June 12, 2012
Chris was a wonderful farrier and friend for several years. My condolences to the entire Wikane family, my thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Chris - we will miss you terribly. Thank you for the great care you gave Design, and thank you for the kind ear and words you gave during his long struggle also. I know he was waiting for you when you arrived in heaven. I feel honored and blessed to have known you. Heide
Lucci Kellly
June 12, 2012
goodbye Chris, you will be sorely missed! your kindness to me and my horses when I was battling cancer will always be remembered. Be at peace.
Marty, Chris was amazing, and will be missed. Sandy beat him to heaven, "The dremel mule" sorry for your loss
Iris Stratton
June 11, 2012
Carol German
June 11, 2012
Chis was one-of-a-kind. he was always a pleasure to deal with. He was my farrier for all the years I have had horses (13), always gave good advice, treated my animals well. He is greatly missed. My condolences to his family.
Katya Kopaskie
June 10, 2012
Goodbye, Chris. You were a true and loyal friend and mentor. Thank you for the happy summers at Mohonk and for sharing your unwavering support, encouragement and irreverent sense of humor throughout these many years. You will always have a very special place in my heart.
Cora and Sheldon Roth
June 9, 2012
Our entire family is so saddened by this terrible news and will hold Chris in our thoughts and hearts as long as we live. Our sons loved to bow down before him and called themselves, "The Disciples of Chris." He was so kind to them when they were children and the friendship continued into adulthood.
He was a beautiful presence at Mohonk and contributed enormously to all who knew had the good fortune to know him. Our condolences to his entire family.
The Roth Family
Gabriel Roth
June 9, 2012
Some of my very earliest childhood memories are of Chris putting me on the back of horse up at Mohonk Mountain House. His passing saddens me greatly. I feel lucky to have had him in my life during my summers up there. He was one of kind. I will be showing his photo and telling Chris Wikane stories to my children.
Joy Labudzinski
June 8, 2012
My sympathies to Chris' family. I had worked with Chris at Mohonk years ago. He was the kind of person you never forget.
Beth Glace
June 8, 2012
Dear Martha, while we have never met, Chris often praised you while he shod my horses. He was a special person, and we are all lucky to have known him. Sending you my most heartfelt condolences.
Kriss Walsh
June 8, 2012
Dear Marty,
We've met a few times at Wittenburg functions, but Chris was our farrier. His wry humor, patience and kindness made him good company while freezing our backsides off to shoe a dancing, impatient beastie. Our condolences to you and your family, he will be greatly missed by our family.
Kathy Mackey
June 7, 2012
Martha, you don't know me, but Chris was my farrier for many years. I just recently heard of his illness & sent a card to him, as I wanted him to know I was thinking of him. He was a kind and generous man and will be missed by many. My deepest sympathy to you and his family.
Edward Baxter
June 7, 2012
He was the best neighbor one could have. I just fed the birds, and we will follow your suggestions. Thanks for being true.
Greg Davis
June 6, 2012
Martha,
I Have never met you but I want to tell you how much Chris will be missed by his fellow Farrier's. Our club will not be the same with out him!
Greg Davis ESFA
LeeAnn Curci
June 6, 2012
Well one rough week down and and another one has begun, thoughts and prayers go to mommy and the loss of her best friend, husband and the best man that has taken care of her, Chris I love you and don't worry her girls will take care of your "goddess".
Sharon Gordon
June 6, 2012
June 06,2012
There has never been a kinder sole who ever walked the earth. Chris loved life , loved helping people , and enjoyed what he did. He will forever be in my families thoughts and he is at this minute riding his favorite horse (Chumper) and both of them are enjoying his apple turnovers. We love you Chris and Marti will be looked after with the same love you shared with others. RIP my friend and big brother. Love Sharon Ken Jen annie gordon.
June 6, 2012
Dear Martha and Family,
George and I will miss Chris very much. He was one of the kindest, most compassionate, and generous people there ever was. A great champion of the "little guy".
God bless you, Chris.
Love, Mary & George Moxham
Ken Meyer
June 6, 2012
Chris will be missed by all whose life he touched. He took care of our two horses and taught me alot as a new horse owner. I always looked foward to his visits. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Martha and the Wikane family. RIP Chris.
The Meyer Family at 4K Farms
June 6, 2012
I have wonderful and fun filled memories of Chris as a child, who grew into a caring and thoughtful man. My deepest sympathy to his family and especially to his brothers, John, Karl, Paul and Mark.
Shirley Wolfersheim Watzka
David Jalanti
June 6, 2012
I knew Chris through high school but lost contact with him after. I know from notes he sent me recently and from reading what others wrote who knew him, that he was a wonderful person always giving of himself and keeping that all important sense of humor. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to Chris's family and friends.
gail goodnow
June 6, 2012
you will be deeply missed,
Jen Nerone
June 6, 2012
Condolences and prayers to the Wikane (Extended) Family.
Donita Johnson
June 5, 2012
Chris was a wonderful man, full of heart, humor, and warmth. He came into our lives by chance, to take care of my small herd and we came to look forward to his time here at the farm. He was one of a kind who will be missed by many. R.I.P. Chris and I hope that there are no donkeys in heaven! Our condolences to his family.
Jerri-Ellen DuBois
June 5, 2012
I'm so sorry to hear of Chris's passing. From kindergarten on, he was just a great guy. My thoughts & prayers go out to the entire Wikane family.
theresa uvino
June 5, 2012
had a heart bigger then earth...i cant thank you enough for the wisdom and the kind gestures...ride on the wings of the best...say hi to bob, cody, and anna...thanks for the memories...miss you lots
Randy Bennett
June 5, 2012
Words cannot begin to express the sorrow felt when I learned of the passing of my dear friend Chris. I am comforted in the thought of having had the opportunity to have known him. And I will always remember him as the grinning, good-humored guy I knew in school. Chris will remain very alive in my memories and admiration. My thoughts and prayers are with the Wikane family during this difficult time.
mike van blargan
June 5, 2012
I knew Chris as a brother farrier who I will truely miss.Bumping into him at a barn was always a treat. My deepest condolence to his family and please know that when I feel like I can't bend any lower to trim a pony I'll remember that Chris would and I will.Rest easy my friend.
June 5, 2012
Chris was a wonderful man, he was always there to shoe our daughter's horse (even on New Years Day at 7 am). HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM. Our thoughts & prayers are with his family through this difficult time
The Rosenkranse family, West Hurley
Diane garrett
June 5, 2012
Chris I am so sad.. i have many great memories of you that go back since I was a child.. Chris worked for my dad and uncle and has always been a part of my family. I know you are with your parents and my heart goes out to your 4 great brothers. He will be very missed.
Diane Andersen Garrett and Bob Andersen
June 5, 2012
Get to work up there.There are a lot of great horses that need you.We will all miss you. The Hillenbrand family
June 5, 2012
Brother Chris was the Best. He was quiet but
you always knew what he thought. He's probably
riding Holis right now.
Jerry "Rabbit"
Denise Avery
June 5, 2012
I am so saddened by this loss and wish to extend my sincere condolences to Chris' family. Please know that he will always be remembered fondly by me and I am certain, by many others.
Fred Schwarz
June 5, 2012
My sympathy goes out to the Wikane family on their loss.
Erik & Yvonne Coddington
June 4, 2012
A true loss. Chris will be greatly missed by many (horses and people alike).
June 4, 2012
Chris was one of the good guys, someone you meet one time and look forward to the next time. While I had several "next times," there would never have been enough. Hoist whatever it is you hoist to one of the really good, good guys, as well to his equally terrific wife!!!!!
Chip
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