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Horan & McConaty Funeral Service & Cremation - Southeast Denver/Aurora

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Kristopher Mansfield Obituary

MANSFIELD, KRISTOPHER

-Senior Airman Kristopher George Mansfield, USAF, of Denver. Preceded in death by grandparents George and Mary Mansfield and Jim Briguglio. Beloved son of Craig (Marilyne) Mansfield and Julie (Don) Legg; brother of Jeff (Gretchen) Legg and Lynn (John) Holsan; grandson of Ann Briguglio; uncle of Brandon and Nicholas Holsan; also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Celebration of Life, Thursday 12 noon, Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3201 S. Parker Rd. Services to conclude at the chapel. In lieu of flowers donations suggested to the Air Force Aid Society.

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

Published by Denver Post on Sep. 8, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Kristopher Mansfield

35 Entries

Lyla Gambow-Kalkwarf

September 21, 2004

Craig, I am so sorry about the loss of your son. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please know that we are thinking of you.

Nick Chirinos

September 16, 2004

Mansfield was always a wonderful,caring,tolerant, and forgiving friend. I was blessed with his presence and friendship while attending the fourth grade at Miller Elementary. We physically met each other at a birthday party that year. It was from that point that we came to the conclusion that we both enjoyed the habits and personalities of one-another, and decided to remain friends for a little over fourteen years, regardless of our habits, hopes, or dreams. He was a great friend, and awesome man. He served his country with honor and all of his heart. It is because of his service to Americans nationwide, an action that which is all to familar to the Chirinos family of Arlington,Texas. Such reason for the familiarity of honorable military service during war in Iraq hits home since my little brother, Chris Chirinos, who was also fortunate to have known Mansfield as a friend and older role model, also served his country in all parts of Iraq for a year and one month as a Marine. So it is the service of Kris Mansfield, by way of the U.S. Air Force, unto all Americans, nationwide, but most of all the bravery exhibited by Mansfield in the protection of the Chirinos Family. We will forever feel a great sense safety for the days, the months, and the years to come and go as citizens of America, residing at home in Arlington, Texas because of Kris Mansfield. Kris... I'll never forget the positive ora that you brought to my existence as a friend and humble man. You could always get me to laugh, especially when I needed to. So as the current residents of 3600 Lake Pontchartrain, located in Arlington,Texas, of which is to be so noted and remembered by me forever, and of no lesser a feeling than that which is of happiness and gratitude to have been graced with opportunity of a lifetime to have lived just around the corner from the former childhood home of Kris Mansfield and his wonderful parents for so many years. So, to be forver remembered by myself, Nick Chirinos, as well by my mother(Sally), father (Luis), wife (Stephanie), daughter (Jasmine), and future son (to be born in February). I will be forever flooded by the many countless memories that I have acquired from our so vibrantly painted canvous and fitted frame of a past that we created as friends and school mates so often mimmicked, but never to be the same again.

I will miss your body, your soul, your mind, and the memorable presence of you, no matter how big or how small it seemed, as a part of my past, be it friend or mentor unto me.

I'll miss you brother.

Jeff Ward

September 15, 2004

I'm not sure what to say, but after seeing how many lives Kris touched it almost speaks for itself. I only wish that I could express in words the way Kris touched my life. Whether it was hanging out, playing hockey, or jumping out of an airplane, Kris brought such a positive energy that you could almost feel it. Kris lived life to the fullest and enjoyed every moment of it. Even though he is gone he has not left our hearts or our memories. Until our paths meet again, I will never forget you.

Darla Jenkins

September 14, 2004

I'm not great with words. Everyone here who knew Kris knows how great of a person he was. He will be in my heart and memory forever. Everyone tells you to remember the good not the bad, but there was no bad with Kris. He was always so loveable, cheerful, and.... it goes on. I'm really going to miss him, but it's not goodbye,... its late'.

Heather Anderson

September 12, 2004

Even though you are no longer with us, your memory remains in our hearts forever. I will never forget the friendship you showed in the 2 years that I knew you. Serving with you was a honor and priviledge.

Courtney Smith

September 11, 2004

my condolences and heart go out to the family and friends of kris. He is such an awesome person. I will definately miss his goofy grin and his late night phone calls. He will always be in my heart .

Andrea Napoli

September 11, 2004

Don & Julie, our family's prayer is that you will take courage and comfort in knowing that Kris is with his Heavenly Father. May God, over time, ease the pain in your hearts and bring you peace in the knowledge that you will one day be united. Know that our hearts are breaking with yours over the loss of your precious child.

Deepest sympathies, Dan & Andrea Napoli

Jessica Putman

September 10, 2004

My deepest symoathy goes out to all of Kris's family and friends. He was truly a wonderful person. I rember his smile and jokes the most. The way he cared so much for all of his family and friends made him greatly loved and for that he will be greatly missed.

Valerie Barney

September 10, 2004

Julie and Don,

I am deeply saddened by your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Amy Weber

September 10, 2004

To Kris:

You touched the hearts of so many. You could lift everyone's spirits just by stepping into a room with that silly grin. You were fun loving and always made "the girls" smile. You were truly special and will be greatly missed.

Ron and Dianne Hayes

September 10, 2004

Our hearts grieve for you. You are in our constant thoughts and prayers. May God's peace and comfort be with you.

Bob Eilenfeldt

September 10, 2004

Dear Julie and Don,

Our family's hearts and prayers go out to you on your loss.

Sincerely,

Bob Eilenfeldt

Pamela Iannaccone

September 10, 2004

Kris was such a loving and caring person. My prayers are with all of the friends and family who are going through this difficult time right now. God Bless you all.

Lucas Connell

September 9, 2004

I find myself one of the most very fortunate having known Kris and his contageous personality. A person of indescribable character, due to a lack of words, and who had an unconditional love for his family, friends and his country. As I look back at the times I spent with Kris, all I can do is display a tearful smile. Kris you are greatly missed, and will always live on in all of our hearts.

Katherine Marinshaw

September 9, 2004

When I think of Kris, I think of the young boy leaping upstairs (3 at a time) to my brother's room, with a huge smile on his face and kind words for anyone along the way. He had such an easy laugh~ he spread happiness wherever he went. He is a true sweetheart with such a loving soul. I know his memory will live on in all of our hearts...reminding us to laugh, love, and live life to its fullest. God bless you Kris, and your dear family. Thank you for bringing joy to so many lives. We love you.

John and Lynn Strassner

September 9, 2004

Words are hard to come by to let you know how we feel about your loss. When Mary Jo called to tell us the grave news of Kris' accident and then death we were stunned. Julie, we met only briefly at Mary Jo's house while you were here in Sarasota visiting but we shared many laughs and stories of our lives with family and friends. Mary Jo is a dear friend of ours and so is your Mom, Ann. We love them both dearly and are saddened by what you are all suffering. Our deepest sympathy is with you and your entire family for the loss of your son.

Lynn and John Strassner

Angie and Randy Loiseau

September 9, 2004

Craig and Aunty Mare, we know how proud you are of Kris and with good reason. He was a great person and will always hold a special place in our hearts. You are in the thoughts and prayers of everyone here.

Paul Hanson

September 9, 2004

Don and Julie....My profound sympathy for your loss. This is a tragedy like no others. You have been in my thoughts and prayers since hearing of the accident, yesterday. I hope God will hold you in his arms and give you peace.

Marla Thurman

September 9, 2004

All my deepest sympathy to all the friends and family touch by this wonderful soul. Its so hard to pick out words that might in some way lift the spirits of the readers but I will try. Close to tragity myself Kris and I shared words to try and lift my heart "only the good die young." Heavy it looms over my heart to know that we may not see the overwellming smile on his face or hear him cry out woohoo!! Anything to get the girls to laugh. Some of my closest friends had short romances with Kris and I always thought very highly of him so strong and independnt. But most of all so so funny and caring. The last time Kris was at home I hardly recognized this man that stood before me but after a few minutes I saw that same kid that I had known from high school. Kris will always be remembered in the hearts of all our frinds. He will be dearly missed. A fine Man to watch over us all.

Lisa Wilshire

September 9, 2004

I believe that tears can heal, that memories can comfort, that love lives forever. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. With all my love, Lisa

Melissa Simpson

September 9, 2004

I am deeply saddend by the loss of such a wonderful, thoughtful, caring man. I was friends with Kris in high school. We met on a church ski trip where he tried to impress me with his snow skiing ability (which he did). We remained friends long after the trip. I can remember watching many of his high school hockey games, attending hockey banquets with him and driving around Arlington looking for something to do. He was making me laugh no matter where we went. He took me to his senior prom and I had such a great time being with him. I think fun just followed Kris around. Whether we watching movies at my house, or talking on the phone until dawn, we always had a good time. Everytime I think about Kris I have to smile because he brought such warmth and happiness into my life. He will be greatly missed. I'm just thankful that I recieved the opprotunity to know and love someone so special and wonderful and memorable. My thoughts and prayers are with Julie and Don and the rest of Kris's family. May God Bless you and keep you.

SrA Aaron Fryc, USAF

September 9, 2004

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Kris. I'm stationed here at Buckley AFB where he served. Here's a little story about our "realtionship." To tell you the truth, it started out pretty rocky. I met him in Tech School at Ft. Gordon, GA. We instantly butted heads. He was hot headed at the time and didn't suffer fools well. One particular encounter was when he was yelling at one of "my guys." I snapped at him and for a couple of weeks we had nothing but bad words between us. I thought about this for a while and for the 1st time in my life I voluntarily entered into a conflict. I approached him and told him that we got off on the wrong foot. I said it wasn't sitting well with me and that we were going to be here for a while so why don't we start over. Sure enough, we shook hands and became friends. I distinctly remember a formation we were in one day when it was announced he would be coming here to Buckley. He literally jumped up and down he was so happy! Standing at attention after that took sheer will power on his part! I later found out his family is from here and I was really happy for him. A few days later I too received the word we would be stationed at the same place. We congratulated each other and made sure to get in touch once we arrived. The base here is not huge but big enough and we ended up working only a few yards away from each other. He and I were tasked to deply for Operation Iraqi Freedom but my mission was scrubbed and he ended up going without me. I remember reading the base paper and seeing the photo of him looking hard core. I also remember he and another co-worker in a photo display at the clinic showing the importance of wearing mouthpieces or something for sports. He looked like a goof and we all got a good kick out of it! Looking back I'm glad I listened to my "inner voice" and made peace between us. I would've been a lesser man had I not taken the opportunity to get to know him. He will be missed but we will all carry on his memory by telling all the funny stories from when we knew him. I will snap to attention and salute him while Taps plays at his memorial to honor his memory and the impact he had on me. It was an honor serving with you Kris. We'll fight the good fight together again someday.

Fred Latchaw

September 9, 2004

Our kids grew up next door to Kris so it was not uncommon to see a lot of Kris during those early years. He always wore a smile and had a kind word for everyone. All through those days of youth he seemed to know himself and what he wanted from life better than a lot of other kids his age. We were not surprised to see him succeed in the Air Force. He would have succeeded at anything that he attempted. Kris touched each of us in a special way with his smile and his friendship and he will not be forgotten. Each of us who were touched by Kris is better for it and his memory will never fail.

A parent is not supposed to lay their children to their final resting place; it is supposed to be the other way around. We will never understand the meaning of all this or how the Almighty could let something like this happen but we know that Julie has the grace and strength to see this through. Kris loved his mother very dearly and the memory of that love will be her strength in all the days ahead.

Each of the families on Parkside Court offers their deepest sympathy and their love and support during this most difficult time.

Fred and Lizabeth Latchaw

Jan Hesley

September 9, 2004

When Julie, Don, and Kris moved to TX they became our neighbors. Kris was always so kind and thoughtful, often playing with my young children. We attended his high school graduation party and kept up with him through Julie and Don. Our family grieves along with Julie, Don and other family and neighbors over their stunning loss. With love, Jan, John, Kip and Kate Hesley

John Marinshaw

September 8, 2004

Kris Mansfield was my best friend. We met in 3rd grade, after we bumped heads on the playground. He gave me a huge bump on my head and i gave him a black eye. We were best friends ever since. We did everything together, and we always stood up for each other when one of us would get picked on. Our pictures were always side by side in the yearbook because of our last names. He was my linemate in hockey and we practiced so much together, we could read each other mind's on the rink. I got to spend some of my best time with Kris in europe, and recently in San Antonio, while he was training for the Air Force. He was my best man, my best friend. May God watch over him. Peace, my brother.

Karen Marinshaw

September 8, 2004

Words cannot express the sorrow we feel, and our family feels over the loss of Kris. He was John's, our son, very best friend, and he was very special to our family. Memories of cub scouting, skateboarding, hockey, teenage trials, a super visit with us while living in Germany, Christmas dinner with us while in Air Force training, celebrating his birthday, and just watching him become the wonderful and fun-loving man he came to be. He was so very, very special to us. I, too, lost a son,and I know the heartbreak. Our prayers are with Julie, Don, and his dad and step-mom. May they be comforted knowing Kris is now in the arms of our loving Father. We are thankful we have been blessed to know Kris, and to love him. With prayers and love, Steve and Karen Marinshaw

Peggy Trevino

September 8, 2004

To my dear sweet friend Julie, My deepest heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. May God hold you in his tender hands and comfort you. He will give you strength. Kris will always be watching his beloved mom and you will feel his love every moment.

Andrew Trask

September 8, 2004

Kris was one of the first friends I had when I first moved to Texas. He introduced me to the awesome group of friends who we ended up growing up with though-out the most important years that shape our lives. He was the most fearless person I have ever met and made me laugh like no other. Because of this, I know he's doing just fine.

Dale and Jill Cole

September 8, 2004

Lynn, John, Brandon and Nick...and all of Kristopher's loving family. our deepest sympathy goes out to you right now...I'm sure he touched many lives in a positive way, especially serving with the Air Force! May God watch over you now and always.

(neighbor of Lynn and John)

Robin Briguglio

September 8, 2004

My first memory of Kris, was seeing him for the first time as an 8 month old baby, sitting in a splash of sun on the living room floor of our home,in upstate NY with Julie. She was showing him a wooden alphabet block, and he jabbed at it with his little hands. He looked up when I walked in the room, right into my face, and smiled. His eyes so beautiful; he sat in that sunny spot looking like a golden child! Kris was always up for fun and games, and we had such fun with him on his visits to New York to see the relatives. He called several times from Iraq and made my day. He had a blast with his cousins, especially in June of this year. My last memory of Kris is from June 24 as he stood in the front doorway and kicked off his shoes before coming in, and I noticed the stream of sun that followed him in the door. What a wonderful lasting memory! Love,

Robin

Saba Vlach

September 8, 2004

Julie,

Words can not express my sadness for the loss of your beloved son. My prayers are with you and your family.

Love,

Saba

Don & Seretta Truitt

September 8, 2004

Words cannot express the pain so many are feeling over the loss of Kris. May God be with your entire family.

Don & Seretta

Maria Freitag

September 8, 2004

Julie, Know that I am holding you and your family in constant prayer.

Pamela Marinshaw

September 8, 2004

Kris Mansfield was my brother John's best friend. Growing up with my older brother, I saw a lot of Kris. He always had the greatest energy and was always up for anything. He was so brave, and he proved that all throughout his life - from the time he did crazy stunts on skateboards in the fourth grade to the time he served his country in Iraq.

Kris had a great smile and a huge heart. It hurts me tremendously to have to write about him in the past tense and I pray for his family, friends and for everyone else who had the oppurtunity to know Kris. He was a great man and will never be forgotten.

Kimberly Marinshaw

September 8, 2004

It's extremely hard and painful to find the words to express my sadness over Kris's death. I knew him while he lived in Arlington, and got to watch him grow up with my brother. They were best friends. The memories I have of Kris make me smile. I remember him in Boy Scouts with my brother and my father. I remember him and John dancing around like dorks to Kris Kross's "Jump". He was such a wonderful person. He was always willing to help people, and could make anyone laugh with the random things he said. Kris was so kind and thoughtful to my entire family. Kris had such a good heart and was always ambitious to help people. I remember Kris as very polite, funny, and adventurous, always up for anything. He was a great friend to my brother. Kris lifted the spirits of everyone around him with his unfaltering positive attitude and his huge smile. I will miss him and I send my condolences to his family and friends. I am very sorry and sad for your loss. You are all in my thoughts.

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