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Chris Chavez Obituary

CHRIS RUDY CHAVEZ Chris was born on October 2, 1976, in Fresno, CA, to Rudy and Dolores Chavez. He passed away on Saturday, November 16, 2002, at the age of 26. He graduated from San Joaquin Memorial High School and received his bachelor's degree from California State University, Fresno. Chris was employed by Pelco. He was very active in sports. Chris loved his family and he enjoyed life to the fullest. He is best remembered for his beautiful smile and great sense of humor. Chris will be deeply missed by his loving family and his wealth of friends. He is survived by his cherished parents, Rudy and Dolores of Coarsegold, CA; his beloved sisters, Stephanie of Santa Maria, CA, and Renee of Fresno. Visitation will be held at Lisle Funeral Home, on Wednesday, November 20, 2002, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A Rosary will be recited at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, on Wednesday, November 20, 2002, at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, on Thursday, November 21, 2002, at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Peter's Cemetery.

LISLE FUNERAL HOME1605 "L" Street, Fresno 266-0666

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Published by Fresno Bee on Nov. 19, 2002.

Memories and Condolences
for Chris Chavez

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Veronica Velasquez

December 19, 2002

Chris,

I don't know where to start. I guess i should tell you how much i will miss you. You probably never realized how much i cared for you, but i hope you realize that now. I am so happy for the time we shared together. Although it was short, you made me laugh through every second of it. I'm sorry that your bright smile had to leave this earth, but one day i will see it again. Rest in peace and listen for me as i pray at night.



love always,

Veronica

Tammy Harder

December 18, 2002

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. The Harder Family

Stephanie Chavez

December 8, 2002

Chris,



As I write this, I have so many memories that go through my head. I have memories of Rams helmets, and jerseys that mom had to pry off of you to wash when we were little; of barefoot kicking the football no matter how cold it was outside; of us dragging you out of bed Christmas morning to open our presents and sometimes all three of us sneaking into the living room to look at what was under the tree before mom and dad got up; of the talks about different things in high school like your friends, girlfriends, music, sports, silly pranks you used to pull; of you helping Renee and I practice our sports like hitting the ball to us during softball season or coming out to practice soccer with me; of the way we could never stay mad at you for longer than thirty seconds because you would make us laugh; and even being able to hang out with you as a friend at times. Even after I left home, I remember not being able to come home for Christmas from cold North Dakota, but would get a card from you and Lori with some silly remark you would make that would always make me laugh and remind me of home. And when I moved to LA (up until this past summer), I would get the chance to come home and spend Thanksgiving and Christmas and weekends with everyone and we would always do something – you and Lori would go with me to visit friends (you would strike up better conversations with my friends than I would!), or all four of us (me, Renee, you and Lori) would go to the movies, or whatever. I will miss those times. For nearly six years it was always you and Lori -- it was so obvious how much you loved each other and always would………but I guess God has other plans for you. I can only hope that one day I will have something even half as great as you two did. I watched you and listened to you for twenty-six years and I know what was in your heart, such a kind heart that so many of us had the privilege of knowing. I even remember the first time I ever saw you – dad had picked you and mom up from the hospital after you were born and you all came to pick me up from kindergarten. And I remember the last time I saw you before you left the house that night – you were teasing me about my 49er jacket as we so often did tease each other about…Rams vs 49ers. I have 26 years of cherished memories and I could go on and on, but I’ll lastly mention, as I must of course as everyone else has, your smile and your sense of humor that you will best be remembered for (in addition to your ability to walk down the street and see and talk to several people you know, or even didn’t know). Even as a kid, you would dazzle people (old and young and everyone in between) with your charm and your huge smile that so many would complement you on. For twenty six years you have been my little brother and I am truly honored and blessed to have had you for my brother. We have had so much support throughout these last few weeks and it is obvious how loved you were by so many people (which I always knew) and what a great impact on so many lives you have had – I admire that about you. I am lucky and feel truly privileged to have known you as both a brother and as a friend. I love you always and one day I will see you again – please watch over us and help us get through this. Help me to understand. God has taken you from us, but I am sure there is a good reason and I know He has you there with Him in heaven. We love you always.



All my love, your sister,

Steph



Thank you to everyone that has supported us the last several weeks. God Bless you.

Rita and Jason Chevalier(Olivares)

December 1, 2002

To Tio Rudy,Tia Dolores Steph,and Rene



WOW did you guys see how much love chris shared.I will always

remember when I was a kid my mom would take us ALL, to your house,On those HOT summers to go swimming. I remember back as kids Christpher would wanted to lison to rap music. Because my older brothers played rap music and christpher knew it. He would ask me please bring some of tapes with me.And I recall one of those times we got caught listen to them,but christpher said it was all his fault.It was a nice try Chris , But we both in up in trouble anyways.Tio Rudy,Tia Dolores you always made us feel welcome when we showed up at your house.I hope you know even before Christpher went home to the LORD. You guys are always in my prayers and always will be. I LOVE YOU TIO,TIA,STEPH,RENE,and CHRIS. Jason, (my husband,see how much we keep in touch.) Heard and read all the GREAT and Funny-crazy stuff everyone said about Chris.He wished he could have talk to him more then just saying HI .When he worked at Golden Corral. Christpher I know your sitted at the right hand of the father.Also tell Carlos jr. WE ALL MISS you BOTH so VERY MUCH and WE LOVE you guys. Take care of eachother. love always

your cuz RITA

Valerie Valdez

November 30, 2002

Chris,

What a guy! Everytime I ran into you, you always had that look... The smile no one ever seems to forget. Always soo happy or either pissed off, never in the middle:) But, that's OK because you made me just smile even bigger. GENUINELY SINCERE was what I loved about you and having those memories will be a wonderful feeling to keep with me. You will be missed Chris. Please, take care of us and send us your sense of peace.



To the Chavez family:

Stay strong. God will not leave you. Your son will be taken care of, always...

nicole lucero

November 27, 2002

Rudy, Dolores, Stephanie and Renee- My thoughts and prayers are with you. I love you all so very much.

-Nicky Lucero

Ana Domingez-Cedillo

November 26, 2002

Rudy, Dolores, Stephanie & Renee

My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. God bless.

Jose Montano

November 25, 2002

Chris,
There`s no words that i can say of how much i miss you.You were like an older brother too me.All i do is think about of all the things we did,We would go too football games,shopping,and clubbing.And espeacialy when we played softball,Im going too miss all of the times we would argue of who the better shortstop was,And yes you were.Its not going too be the same without you,Gosh,i was just talking too you on Friday after work.And just like that,your gone.But i know your in a better place right now,And your in my prayers every night.You were and still one of my bestfriends,And i miss you terribly.
You will always and forever be my BROTHER,LOVE AND MISS YOU BRO.

ashley matthews

November 24, 2002

When Jen told what happended it really came as a shock to me. I really thought you and Jen made a good couple. I remember you knocking at my door begging to get Jen to forgive you for a disagreement you had. You said that you couldn't amagine your life with out her. So eventually I saved your butt you brat. But I then realized that you loved my friend so then it was cool.You and Jen were almost together 2 years auh. Alex really misses you, she knows your in heaven now looking down apon her. I know she will always remember you when she gets in the Barbie car you bought her. It still feels like your here with us. It's sad to know that we won't hang out like couples anymore, but I'm sure you will be there in spirit. Now it's time to say our goodbyes for now just remember you will always be in our hearts. Auh from time to time when your looking down from heaven on us please check in on Jen & Alex.



May god bless Rudy,Dolores,Renee,& Stephanie



Gone but not forgotten

Love your friend

Ashley

james potwora

November 23, 2002

you the man. How much we learned from each other. You helped me to be a better teacher, i remember you thanking me for the gift of patience. As you may know, im fairly sick, see you soon, like in a couuple of months, In Christs' Peace, P

Lori Natal

November 22, 2002

Chris,



I'm not quite sure where to begin . . . all my memories of you are so very vivid . . . The first day I saw you, you caught my eye . . .we were in English class and there you were and your gorgeous smile beaming from across the classroom, I knew I wanted to get to know you better . . . who knew that we were to spend so many years of our lives together . . . You saw me throughout all of our college years, christmas', birthdays, weddings, easters, thanksgivings, college graduation, everything! You carried such an amazing charisma about yourself, everywhere we went I remember people shouting out "CHAVEZ"! You touched so many lives Chris . . . and they are all truly blessed by you having been a part of their lives.

I will forever cherish all of the beautiful memories that we have together. I love you so deeply, words can never express the love that I feel for you.

Rest now baby, know that you will always, always, be near and dear to my heart.



Mr. and Mrs. Chavez, Stephanie and Renee,

thank you so very much for welcoming into your family. Please know that I love your son so very much. He gave me so many great memories and your family will always be in my heart and in my prayers. Chris was such a great blessing in my life . . . and now he is our guardian angel in heaven.

I will always keep in touch.



with great love and heartfelt sympathy,



Lori

Meegan (Henningsgard) Grant

November 21, 2002

Dear The Chavez Family,



Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this hard time. I recently had the chance to catch up with Chris last week while at the gym. It was great to hear all that has gone on with him since high school. All that knew him will definitely miss his smile and enthusiasm.

Irene R

November 21, 2002

Hey Chris, I just wanted to let you know that you will truly be missed. You and Jennifer will always be part of my life. I will miss having you and Jen over for parties and just because the two of you just stopped by to say "HI" GOD BLESS YOU, JENNIFER, ALEX, AND OF COURSE YOUR LOVING PARENTS AND SISTERS.

Tosha (Aquino) Giuffrida

November 21, 2002

To the Chavez Family:



When I think of Chris, I think of this smiling boy chasing my sister around my parent's van at one of our softball games 13 years ago! He was then, and will always be, remembered as a dedicated son, brother and friend to many of us.



Renee and Stephanie, my heart goes out to the two of you during this difficult time. The bond of siblings is unbreakable and that little brother of yours will be looking over the two of you now, as you have always looked after him.



God Bless.

Ryan Cloud

November 21, 2002

To Chris Chavez and family:



Chris, you and I shared one of the greatest friendships two people can possibly share. From the beginning of freshman year until even now I consider you like a brother to me. I feel sorry for other people who don't ever experience times like the ones we've had together. Second to none Chavez! When I think about the best times throughout my high school years and even my college years you were always involved. You and I were and always will be the greatest duo God ever created.

So many great memories have been flashing through my mind these past couple days..like the times you used to tease Sister Barbara during lunch, the time I shot you in the leg with my pellet gun at my 15th birthday, the time we blew up the golf cart haaa, all of the years we've played ball together, the fab 4 -Oberti, Cap, RC, and Chavez...then came the 5th with Galaviez, the parties at Sablan's house after practice, listening to Eazy, Too Short, and "Back to the Hotel," all the times that you, Janette, Allison, and I hung out....all of them timeless.

Many people say that your high school years are the best years of your life...well when I think of all of the great times I've had with you, I'd say they're dead right. I'll miss getting into trouble with the master himself Chris Chavez. '

Let me finish by saying that I was very proud and fortunate to have known you for as long as I did. Your spirit will never die cause you'll always be a part of me. No matter what you'll still be a groomsman on my wedding day.

I give all my sympathies to the Chavez family in memory of one of the best friends I've ever had.



Your brother to the end,

Ryan Cloud



You were even more pimp than Eazy-E,

well, maybe not that pimp! Haa. And if people think this entry was too long.....Screw Em!!

Kelly Molina

November 20, 2002

Chris,

Mike and I really enjoyed the time that you and Lori spent with us. We remember what a funny guy you were and how much you loved our kids. The funniest thing I remember about you was the first time you ever changed a diaper. I'm proud that my kid's diaper was it. You did a good job, even though you put it on backwards!! Thanks for the good times, we'll see you in heaven.

Janette (Pino) Brous

November 20, 2002

My best memories of high school always seem to include you Chavez. No matter where we were or what we were doing, you some how always made me laugh till it hurt, especilly in Algebra class! Even though we didn't see much of each other these past few years, my family and I would would often bring up funny stories of you. Those memories will forever be with me. I know you are with God now, watching over each of us. Just know that you had made such a difference in all of lives, and we love you. Mr. and Mrs. Chavez, Stephanie, and Renee, you are in my and my families thoughts and prayers everyday.

Eric Castellon

November 20, 2002

Chavez,

We had some great times together, i wish that we had kept in touch more, but hey so many women so little time, huh. I'm glad we became friends and you will never be forgotten.



Chavez Family,

I would like to send my condolences to Mr. & Mrs. Chavez, and the rest of the family. Although we never met I would like to say your son was a great man and well loved by all.



Peace brotha!!!

Michele McGuinn

November 20, 2002

Chuey,

Thanks for all the wonderful times and memories. Did we have fun or what?!! I will never forget your amazing smile and personality (along with that great cooking at Bennigan's). My thoughts and prayers are with the Chavez family.

Love your friend, Michele "Mishi"

Paul Jaurique

November 20, 2002

My deepest condolences and prayers to the Chavez family.



I knew Chris for about 10 years. We went to the same high school and had the same major at Fresno State. He was a great guy who always had a smile on his face. I just talked to Chris last Thursday and he was so happy and excited about the St. Louis Rams winning streak. Chris, your life and your sudden departure from this earth have taught me some very important lessons. I will always remember you like you were last Thursday, happy and excited with life. My Rams jersey will have your initials on it. Keep smiling in the heaven Chris.

Zach Miller

November 20, 2002

Chris,



So many good memories come to mind when thinking about our time at SJM. The Chavez "Hey" chant on the bus rides back from football games will be something I'll never forget. Best wishes to your family and friends..we'll miss you buddy.



Zach

Anne (O'Neill) Zogg

November 20, 2002

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Chavez and Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. I am thankful for the time that I shared with Chris and for the memories that I have.

AUDREY RIVERA-TAMONDONG

November 20, 2002

I RECALL CHRIS "NAE'S LITTLE BRO," HIS SMILE "ALL DIMPLES" WITH REMARKABLE GLOW! HIS STUBBORNESS TOO, WHEN HE THREW HIS ATTITUDE...ONLY TO PLACE BLAME ON HIS TWO BIG SISTERS FOR HIS MOOD! CHRIS AND I SHARED A COMMON PASSION, THE LOVE FOR THE ST.LOUIS RAMS WITH NO RETRACTIONS!!! A LITTLE BROTHER WHO WAS ALWAYS THERE TO SUPPORT HIS FAMILY WITH TOTAL LOVE AND CARE. A HARD WORKER, AND "CHUEY" THE LOYAL FRIEND, PART OF THE CORONA CREW, AND A PELCO MAN, CHRIS WILL BE MISSED GREATLY BY ALL OF US....BUT NOW, HIS CALL FROM JESUS BECAME A MUST! WITH GREAT MEMORIES OF CHRIS AND MY BLESSINGS FOR THE CHAVEZ FAMILY, I KNOW THAT CHRIS IS WITH CHRIST LIVING ETERNAL LIFE HAPPILY!!SO I SAY TO YOU "NAE'S LITTLE BROTHER"..."UNTIL WE ALL MEET AGAIN IN THE HOME OF OUR HEAVELY FATHER."

Raquel Puente

November 20, 2002

Chris,

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family in this time of sorrow! Your glowing smile and great sense of humor are just a few of your charismatic characteristics that will be greatly missed!

-Raquel

Kimberly McTeer

November 19, 2002

Chris,



My heart is with you and your family. I will always remember how we would act just like brother and sister, always picking on each other for fun and making each other laugh about it. God bless you and your family.

Justin Garza

November 19, 2002

Chris, You will be very missed by everyone. My condolences to your family. I remember talking to you just last week about how things were going... Here are my top 5 memories of you.

5. Meeting Chuy Chavez for the first time. When you played little league with my brother.

4.Wrestling against you at clark.

( I beat you 6-2)

3.catching up with you at SJM, when you had "steps" shaved into your head. (the haircut)

3. Going to all the state games. (before we had cars)

2. Hanging out (10 years later)

1. Being teammates.

Gloria Velasco

November 19, 2002

Chris,

I know we didn't talk that much but I miss your smile and those dimples.

How about those Rams!! You will be greatly missed. Love You.

Walt McCarthy

November 19, 2002

The Chavez Family,

I am so sorry to learn of your loss. Chris was someone who always had that "guess what I've been up to grin" during my time at SJM. My family and my prayers are with you during this time. Chris was and is, one of the "good guys".



Walt McCarthy

Carole Word

November 19, 2002

Chris was a wonderful person. I will remember his smile which could brighten a room. He will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time.

Rob Gonzales

November 19, 2002

Chris my heart goes out to you and your family. You were always a great freind throughout our years at SJM. May you always live on in the hearts of all those who love you. You will be greatly missed.

Kari Watters

November 19, 2002

Chris when my brother Rob Gonzales came to me today and said you had passed on to a better place the first thing I said was not Chris with that great smile-- the one I went to the Saddies with, and he said yes Chris. I still have that picture of us in our teal Stussy shirts and remembering how the photographer was trying so hard to get you to show your dimple-- thanks Chris!- thanks for the memory of going to a dance that I will cherish forever because I had your friendship...... Love always a friend-- Kari Gonzales-Watters

Paul Cameron

November 19, 2002

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Chavez and family,

My deepest condolences go out to you and your family. Chris was a fine young man whom I was very lucky to know from my days at SJM. May God bless you and Chris in this time of sorrow.

Paul Cameron

Joe & Lisa Gutilla

November 19, 2002

Chris,



We wish to extend our deepest sympathy and prayers to your family. You will always be remembered as a wonderful classmate, teamate, and friend. God Bless You.

Rudy Puente

November 19, 2002

Chris, I am going too miss your great sense of humor and all the fun times we had hanging out together. Most of all, I will miss your friendship. Chris good friends are very rare, I thank God each day for knowing you and most of all for having you as a friend. Love ya brother.



Rudy Puente

C.O. crew wingman for ever!!

JASMINE ROMERO

November 19, 2002

THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS MAKING ME CHICKEN ON A STICK. I WILL MISS YOU. LOVE JASMINE

Karen W.

November 19, 2002

Love and prayers to your family at this very difficult time. We're here for you.

Soma Balber

November 19, 2002

Chris,

You lived life to the fullest, and we will always remember your beautiful dimples and smile. We'll always remember the good times going dancing. And wow, can you dance!



(From your dancing buddies...Soma Balber, Pauline Preble, and Tammy Wilson).

GABRIEL AND ELVA ROMERO

November 19, 2002

CHRIS, YOU HAVE BEEN A WONDERFUL FRIEND TO US AND OUR FAMILY. WE WILL MISS YOU GREATLY. SOFTBALL WILL NEVER BE THE SAME WITHOUT YOU. AND AT WORK, OUR BREAKFAST AND LUNCH WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. WE WILL MISS YOUR GREAT SMILE AND YOUR CUTE DIMPLES. WE LOVE YOU....GO RAMS!!! GABRIEL AND ELVA ROMERO

Rod Caballero

November 19, 2002

Chris also known to others as (Chuey). The friendship that we had was very special to me. When I think of all the good times we had together. You may not be here to share my problems or my happiness, but you will always be in my heart.



Love your friend

Rod

Mario Meza

November 19, 2002

Chris you were a great employee & friend. I am sorry that your time on earth was short, in that time you enriched many people with the joy you would bring and the smile that made all the girls go wild. It was great hanging out and you will be missed but never forgotten.



Your Friend,

Mario

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