Christopher William Smaling

Christopher Smaling was a remarkable man who lived a very full life in a short time. He was passionate about nature, a world traveler, a mountain climber, a musician and a loving companion to his friends and family. Chris was born on September 10, 1996 in Livingston, New Jersey and died June 10, 2025 in Matawan, Michigan. He was a life-long learner and obtained a degree in Kinesiology from Columbia Community College (Sonora, CA). He was finishing a degree from Cal Poly Humboldt at the time of his death.

Growing up, Christopher passionately studied music, guitars and classical double bass. He was a musical prodigy and became the youngest Principal Bassist of the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestra. Christopher won many awards and grants including from the prestigious Interlochen Center for the Arts.

Christopher spent much of his life in California working and hiking in Yosemite National Park (frequently in Tuolumne Meadows). Highlights of his time in California include:

1) Climbing many big walls throughout Yosemite, including El Capitan and Half Dome.

2.) Chris was part of the "Toe the Line" First Ascent team (a 5.9+ at the foot step rocks in Del Norte County).

3.) Chris traveled and climbed all over the world after discovering his love of climbing in Spiti Valley (Northern India). He climbed many places including Moab, Red Rock Canyon, Zion, Joshua Tree and Yosemite.

4.) Chris spread his love of climbing to everyone he touched and taught many new climbers this skill.

5.) Chris was also an extremely accomplished slackliner and highliner. He revived the Cal Poly Humboldt Slackline Club and made the sport accessible to many others by setting up lines for people to learn on.

Christopher is survived by his mother Laura Smaling, his step father Kevin Malone, his father Rudolf Smaling, his step mother Helene, his siblings Camille, Sebastian and Teddy Smaling, his step-siblings Miles and Camille Cornils, his grandmother Dee Dee Gain and many many friends.

Christopher will be remembered for: being brave enough to try and do anything; caring more for the environment, animals and nature than himself; making friends very easily; and keeping up with everyone. Beyond all his accomplishments, Chris lived each day with intensity and joy. When he walked into a room it was as though sunshine had entered. He was a bright light to everyone who knew him. Christopher showed us what it means to live fully, love deeply and shine brightly. Though he is now gone, his light will never fade.

A Celebration of Christopher's life was held in Yosemite National Park, on September 10, 2025. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Christopher's name to the Yosemite Conservancy (at yosemite.org) or the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestra (kjso.org).