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BORN
1950
DIED
2024
Christopher Petit Obituary
February 8, 1950 - October 7, 2024
Major Christopher John Petit, USAF-known to his loyal readers as C.J. Petit-passed away on Monday, October 7, 2024. Chris was born February 8, 1950 in Providence, RI to Theodore and Claire (Young) Petit and spent his childhood in Warwick, RI. In 1968, at the age of 18, Chris joined the U.S. Air Force where he served 12½ years as an enlisted medical radiology technician and another 12½ years as a missile operations officer. He retired from the Air Force in 1994 at the rank of Major.
Chris was married twice. His first wife, Karen, gave him two children-Christopher and Catherine. Following his divorce, he married Lauren MacKenzie; they had two children-Keith and Meredith (wife of Abhijit Mohanty).
Upon his retirement from the Air Force, Chris worked for the City of Bellevue, NE as its first and last inhouse information systems manager. Just 22 months after beginning his job there, Chris was diagnosed with stage IV head and neck cancer. For many, that would have been a death sentence, but not for Chris. He completed the 9-week course of radiation treatments and immediately returned to Bellevue City Hall where he worked full-time for another 15 years until the long-term effects of those treatments left him disabled.
Chris was not one to sit about and feel sorry for himself. At the urging of his daughter Meredith, he took up writing as a means of passing the time. A child of the '50s, he loved old style Westerns and chose that genre for his stories. In early December 2016, he began writing his first novel, Rock Creek. Chris then went on to complete and publish a total of 96 separate, full-length novels. All Westerns! More recently, with the help of narrator Michael Alan White, Chris had begun producing audiobook versions of some of his more popular titles.
In addition to his immediate family members, Chris is survived by his siblings and their spouses-Steve and Robin Petit, Ted and Diane Petit, Daniel Petit, Claire and Ray Gruneberg, He also leaves behind scores of friends, colleagues, and fans who will miss his outgoing personality, sharp sense of humor, and amazing gift for storytelling.
In gratitude for the outstanding care and unwavering friendship provided by his doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, Chris had chosen to donate his body to the University of Nebraska Medical Center for research. For that reason, there will be no funeral services at this time. For those who would like to send a memorial gift, we suggest you consider the Bellevue Public Library Foundation (Bellevue, NE), the Missionary Society of St. Columban (St. Columban, NE), the Bellevue Public Schools Foundation, or a charity of your own choosing.
Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Petit
Diane Lane
October 18, 2025
I was heart broken to hear of Mr. Petit's passing. I am a big fan of his work and read every one of his books. He will be sorely missed by all his fans that he never met or those who did not meet him except through his written word.
Dennis Swaney
August 31, 2025
I am a retired USAF MSgt and long time fan of Major Petit's books. I supected his passing due to the lack of new books. I'll miss his writing. Rest In Peace.
David Nelms
July 12, 2025
I just learned of Mr. Petit's passing and feel compelled to provide his family another of what must be a very long string of accolades and appreciations for his wonderful abilities as an author of immersive western novels. I am 82 years old and have been a big fan of cj petit after somehow discovering his work via Amazon Kindle. Over the past 5-6 years, I have read the 81 titles of which I am aware a combined total of 1,086 times! At my age I have acquired a somewhat selective memory problem that I am unable to properly explain. Among its occasional inconveniences there is one pleasant positive note: In reading and reading Mr. Petit's amazing body of work, while I by now recall at least a bit of most of them, there remains enough "fresh" material to continue to make them a continuing delight. And for this, I am eternally grateful. Early on, I sent Mr. Petit a fan letter remarking how much I enjoyed his works and, particularly, his gift for creating engaging story lines and providing just enough incidental details here and there throughout each one to make them lifelike and engaging. I continue to be reminded at least weekly of just how significant that gift is to my enjoyment. So, I know you must miss him a great deal but be assured, the product of his lovely "hobby" remains alive and well and will continue to do so for years to come. My sincere thanks to each of you who encouraged and supported him in this work in the face of his considerable physical challenges. Neither you work nor his was wasted.
Betty Blyler-Beaver
June 11, 2025
I read all of his books. I loved the way he treated women, and that he had a command of language so he didn’t need to curse.
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Bernard P. Giroux
May 24, 2025
I have read 88 of his books. I think he was a top-notch Western novelist. He brought the reality of the west in the 19th century to life. God Bless CJ Petit.
Fernando (Fuzzy) Conejo
April 24, 2025
I too was stationed at Grand Forks AFB from 1982 to 1985 and worked with Chris as a missile launch officer. I learned a lot from him and have many memories of him. May he now Rest in Peace and may God grant his family the strength and peace as you go forward with him in your heart.
Larry Thompkins
April 23, 2025
My deepest condolences. I just learned of Chris´ passing today (4/23). I served with Chris when we were both stationed at Grand Forks AFB. On occasion, I would give Chris a ride home to his apartment since we both lived downtown.
I have the fondest memories of Chris and it was a privilege knowing him.
John Abel
April 16, 2025
I learned of Mr. Petit's passing today (April 16th, 2025). Although aware of his health problems, for months, I have continued my near daily search for new CJ Petit titles on kindle. I have read every one of this man's books and enjoyed them all. I will truly miss him and the very solid fruits of his literary efforts.
Emma
April 4, 2025
I have read all of Mr. Petits books and after a space of time , started on a second round of reading. I have so enjoyed his books. Since I had not seen any new books on Amazon I decided to search online to see if Mr. Petit had passed. Unfortunately he had. I will so miss his writing. I imagine that he was a very Interesting character.
Lynda Mclarrin
March 23, 2025
I retired the same year CJ Petit started writing his books. They were such great company as I traveled solo all around the US. I felt he was a wonderful storyteller and a fine example of a well lived life. Thank you so much.
Kathie Zingler
March 1, 2025
I loved your books and especially your women characters. Then I read about your life. Thank you for your wonderful example of courage and love of life. Vaya con Dios.
Wayne Kichenmaster
February 21, 2025
Lauren - I was devastated to hear of Chris´s death and I send my sincerest condolences. I´m not a Facebook person so I haven´t participated in the Petit fan club as much as I would have liked. I was astounded when Chris actually responded via email to a suggestion I made on his website in December 2023 and we have chatted back and forth since then. His last email was on Oct 3, indicating that he was writing the epilogue for Cold Pursuit. He was truly a very remarkable man and will be missed by many.
Rebecca Coleman
January 14, 2025
Lauren, I am so very sorry for your loss. Not having known you, I´ve yet appreciated Chris´s "Elf", for inspiring him to include a special lady for each of his heroes. His life-how he handled his illnesses-will continue to live in my memory.
Along with thousands of others, I am grateful for his wonderful stories and the messages enfolded in them.
David Hartman
December 27, 2024
I was saddened to hear of his passing. I admired his writing abilities and was amazed at his abilities to keep on going, no matter what was thrown his way. It is amazing how he was able to churn out those stories in the condition he was in. My sincere condolences to his family
Michael Gotschall
December 27, 2024
I'm an Air Force Veteran as well. I stumbled across his western's and read 2-3 a day until I read them all, and re-read multiple times since then. I'm saddened to hear of his passing.
Sheryl Schmand
December 11, 2024
I bought every book made a list in order and read them again. I am so sorry for your loss . When I would ask people their favorite author his name would be first over and over.
.
Vertina Robertson
December 10, 2024
I loved all of Mr Petit books. He was a great writer and evidently a good man. My thoughts go out to his family.
R. O. Lane
November 22, 2024
I never met CJ, but I admired his writing from the very start. He had such great ideas and an excellent way of writing. I learned a lot from him, and I'm sorry to see he's passed. He will be missed. I send condolences to his family, and I'm looking forward to reading his last book, which has already garnered an incredible 2500 reviews even though it's just been released.
Dar keefe
November 18, 2024
I am devastated by this news I love all of his books I read them when I feel like I need a friend so yes I will miss his future books that he took with him when he passed but will continue to read the ones he wrote for us thank you sir for your service and your books I will miss you sorry for all the family god bless you all
Dar
Paul Harman
November 11, 2024
Rest in peace Chris, you have brought me and thousands of others many joyful hours of reading your amazing stories. Thank you so much for your gift to us all. My deepest condolences to your loving wife and family members for your loss. May God bless them and keep them in his loving arms.
Sue Loyland
October 21, 2024
My thoughts and prayers go out to CJ Petit´s family. I recently lost my sister on Oct.11 to cancer as well so I feel for you all. Since I hadn´t seen a new release for awhile I began to wonder so I decided to reread my favorite- the Joe Beck series - I enjoyed CJ´s writing very much! Again so sorry, Sue
S. Buch
October 18, 2024
Chris has written 96 novels in seven years. Divide that out. His contemporary western writers, meanwhile, struggle to put out one or two per year. I have great admiration for him. He couldn't speak are eat food and it is incredible what he accomplished under such circumstances. He also had a sense of humor as evidenced in our e-mails. People who don't read, or don't read Westerns will never know the immense contribution he made to this genre. He is right up there with Zane Grey and Louis L'Amour.
My sympathies to Lauren and the family.
What a mark he has made on the world.
VFW ,FRA, American legion Chaplain
October 14, 2024
Thank you for your service May you be Granted Golden Wings to carry you on Your Honorable Journey to a Restful Peace
Bill Strobel
October 14, 2024
I've had the honor to know Chris for the last six years. We shared several visits in his man cave, and even enjoyed a game of cribbage. I will miss our ongoing email chats. He was a good man. Goodbye friend. Bill
M S
October 13, 2024
Thank you for your military service
Dave and Dandy Bojanski
October 12, 2024
Sometimes there are no words for a loss so great. What a generous, intelligent, humorous neighbor he was . He will be missed. Wishes of peace and comfort during this difficult time .
Sue Hayes
October 12, 2024
Dear Lauren,
Please accept my deepest condolences to you and your family for the passing of Chris.
Love Patti (Cameli)
October 11, 2024
Lauren and family - my heartfelt sympathy is with you all. You´ll be in my thoughts and prayers.
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