Christopher Walter Rice

Christopher Rice, 48 a devoted father and son, passed away on September 6, 2024. His life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, adventure, sports, and generosity, touching the hearts of all who knew him.

Chris is survived by his children, Natalia (13) Colton (10) and Charlotte (9); his parents, James and Marie; his former wife, Lyndsay; an extended family and a lifetime of valued friends. Smart, funny, giving, and full of life, he leaves behind memories that will remain bright and lasting.

Chris was born in Dallas, Texas, and remained a lifetime Cowboys fan. He spent his childhood in San Rafael CA. Norway was home when he was 4, where he learned to ride a bike and speak a little Norwegian. From 1981 to 1986, he lived in England, where he began piano lessons which continued until age 16, playing Clair de Lune at his last recital. In England he excelled at soccer, cricket, snooker, darts, and nourished an English accent. During these years he travelled and skied with family in France, Germany, and Italy. Time spent in Australia initiated his love of snorkeling and surfing. A trip to Italy in 2002 with his mother, where he hiked through the Cinque Terre, reinforced his love of travel. With his dad, he loved fishing a 19' Boston Whaler on the rugged coast of Marin County. He was a competent skipper, who excelled in snagging and boating salmon and striped bass. He was never lost in a heavy fog.

Earning his Eagle Scout badge was an achievement of which Chris was proud. For his Eagle project he built wooden markers and guides for a nature trail in Novato CA.

Chris graduated from Terra Linda High School, San Rafael. He earned bachelor's degree in business at the University of Oregon. There he became the lifetime Duck he was. At the U of O Chris formed lifelong friendships with his fraternity brothers at Phi Kappa Psi.

After college, Chris worked as a Financial Advisor for 26 years with the firms of Smith Barney (San Rafael, CA), Morgan Stanley (Seattle, WA), RBC (Billings, MT), Waddell & Reed (Lake Oswego, OR) and Edward Jones (West Linn, OR).

He was an accomplished golfer, frequently sharing time with friends and colleagues on courses in the Portland area and throughout the Northwest. His favorite courses included Bandon Dunes, Chamber's Bay, and Briarwood Country Club.

Chris was an incredibly involved father to all three of his children; his life was devoted to their well-being. They enjoyed time in the outdoors, hiking, fishing, and camping with their dog, Blue Boy. When the kids were young the family traveled to Maui, snorkeled with sea turtles, and learned to hula. He shared with them his love for music, and they would often listen to "jams" in preparation for soccer games. He was truly their biggest fan and never missed a game. They spent time every year in Netarts, enjoying the peace and calm of the Oregon coast. Chris taught them origami, folding paper creations of all shapes and sizes. They also enjoyed wood working together, carving walking sticks and bamboo wind chimes, providing them as gifts to friends and family. He was their friend, their safe place, their confidant, their dad.

Chris had a lot of life left to live. His personal relationships resulted in tight and wide-reaching bonds with all who knew him. His selflessness was unparalleled. He always thought of the other person, and he touched so many with his generosity, kindness, and thoughtfulness. May we take his spirit and goodness and pay it forward in our own lives.

Burial will be at River View Cemetery, Portland at 3:00 pm on Oct 24.



A Celebration of Life will be held on October 25th at Langdon Farms, The Red Shed, in Aurora OR, 6:00-9:00 pm

Instead of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Heart Association.

Contributions to Natalia, Colton, and Charlotte's college fund can be made at:

https://gofund.me/731392b0