Christopher James Herbert

Christopher Herbert Obituary

Herbert, Christopher James
Nov. 22, 1955 - May 30, 2022

Highly respected and
sought after by
professional and amateur musicians for his prized skills as a master luthier/guitar repairman, and by collectors as a connoisseur of vintage guitars, Chris was passionate about his craft. For 36 years, most recently in Englewood, CO, he shared his passion and rich knowledge of fine stringed instruments, most notably, Martin and Gibson guitars. Migrating to Colorado from Ohio in 1980, he combined his excellent woodworking skills and love of music, to quickly establish himself in the local guitar community. Chris called himself a humanist and felt a strong sense of compassion for displaced and oppressed people. He cherished his abundant friendships with local and nationally recognized musicians, good buddies, neighbors, and close ties to his siblings, Mark, Jan, Bill and Angie. Chris was the son of Ursula Cenname and William Herbert. In the near future, his family plans to host an event, honoring and celebrating Chris's life.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Denver Post on Jun. 7, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Herbert

Sponsored by The Denver Post.

13 Entries

Todd

August 22, 2024

Chris was my luthier and friend from 1986-1991 while I lived in the Denver area. While reading a tribute to Chris on a Luthier page I came across a story of his caring nature, and down to earth personality. The story was of Mason Williams had his guitar in for repair to Chris and when asking for the price of the repair when it was finished, Chris said 'just play me classical gas'...and at that moment a memory of Chris' face and presence of Chris in moments of generosity like this...which I have experienced, I instantly knew how Chris sounded and looked as he said this to Mason Williams. I shed a tear and felt blessed to have that moment raised back to consciousness from my memory. Recently I had begun to look to find Chris again and have a talk about an old vintage guitar of mine that he repaired and eventually sold for me to another; I had had hopes of finding that guitar and reuniting with it and reunite with Chris as well. Now I realize I will not reunite with Chris nor my old guitar. However the memory of Chris' strongest trait that effected me is alive and well again, and will surely stick around...forever as I may live. My blessings to Chris' family.

Roger d Barrett

June 1, 2023

I used to hang out at acoustic music revival even if i wasn´t buying. Often I found myself swapping stories with Bob and Chris´s out back or down stairs. I found Chris to be a man of. character with a beautiful old soul. He modified or repaired many of my prized guitars. I lost touch with him when the store closed and have and will forever miss him. I know heaven is a better place with him in it.
Chris old friend you are missed!
love
Roger Barrett

Oliver Bradford

June 1, 2023

I'm always reminded of Chris when I strum my Martin D28. The neck was broken at the head stock, and he did a flawless repair. I think about Chris when I stare at the stars and wonder about the universe. Just yesterday when I was listening to Robert Kennedy, Jr. talking about how he can reinstill the ideas that his father and uncle stood for, I thought about Chris and how he would respond? I was also listening to Tommy Malone's Fat Tuesday LP; I was thinking about Chris and the anvil story which is used as a photograph on the cover. I miss you Buddy.

Mel Scott

December 19, 2022

Chris,
My Friend & Guitar Tech, the long afternoon conversations about anything and everything, will be missed. I'm forever grateful for Your Time, Talents and Friendship.
My Prayers & God's Blessings.

Kim Houseman Murphy

November 24, 2022

Kim Houseman Murphy

November 24, 2022

Kim Houseman Murphy

November 24, 2022

I remember ultra king a guitar class and he was so good then. He was a kind and wonderful
Fiends. He will be missed so much. God bless his family.

Mark Blackburn

November 24, 2022

Thoughts and Prayers to my old friend and Basketball teammate from High School, from Mark Blackburn. Grandview, Ohio

Roger d Barrett

August 18, 2022

Chris was a wonderful mand and I will miss him. Chris also took wonderful care of my guitars as well and they will also miss him. Chris was a gentle spirit, he will be sorely missed.

Gary Dick - Gary's Classic Guitars

June 24, 2022

My deepest sympathy to Chris's family. Chris was a wonderful friend and avid guitar lover. He was always willing to talk about guitars and offer help with any repair related questions. It was truly a joy to know and work with Chris. He will be sorely missed.

Oliver Bradford

June 8, 2022

Chris truly wasn´t an innovator. Always thinking out of the box. Looking at a subject from a unique point of you. Great at solving problems that related to Guitars. He was a genius. He was also a good friend.

Andy Schmidt

June 7, 2022

My condolences to all of Chris´ family members. Chris was a wonderful person and extremely skilled craftsmen. He worked on many of my guitars and improved every one. I was distraught when he retired. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He will be remembered.

Joan Zatorski & Christopher Puca

June 6, 2022

The loss of a person like Chris to our world, during a time so abundant in misplaced anger & violence, is especially tragic and painful to accept. We extend our condolences to the music community in Colorado, whose instruments were enhanced by Chris´s skills, talents & aesthetics. We send compassionate embraces to his siblings who remain on the earthly plane, most especially his sister Janet, who has provided her family and friends were consistent, tender care through their own challenges. May you make music with the angels now, Chris.

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