Christopher A. York

Christopher Aaron York, 31, of Idaho Falls, passed away April 25, 2009, at his home after a courageous battle with brain cancer.

Chris was born March 1, 1978, in Moscow, Idaho, to William Aaron York and Rebecca June White York. He attended elementary schools in Rigby and Mountain Home, Idaho. He continued his education in Mountain Home and graduated from Mountain Home High School in 1996. During high school, he played on the football team and enjoyed spending time with his friends. At the age of 16, Chris was diagnosed with his first brain tumor. He underwent surgery, radiation and chemotherapy for 13 months before he went into remission. During his treatments, he continued to play basketball and football with his friends and served as an assistant to the high school football team. To show their support for Chris, his teammates and friends shaved their heads as he underwent chemotherapy. He maintained a positive attitude and never complained throughout all of his treatments. During his illness, he attended Camp Rainbow Gold in Sun Valley, Idaho, for children with cancer and later became a counselor at the camp.

After graduating from high school, Chris attended Boise State University for one year. He was then called to serve an LDS mission in the Virginia Richmond Mission from 1997 to 1999. Upon returning home, he enrolled at Ricks College. He graduated with an Associate Degree in Health Science from Brigham Young University-Idaho in April 2002. He continued on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture with an emphasis in Landscape Design in December 2005. Chris always joked that he crammed a four-year degree into six years! After graduation, Chris was employed at the Idaho Falls Temple maintaining the grounds.

While attending BYU-Idaho, Chris met Jennifer Marie Strobel. They were married on July 23, 2004, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple for time and all eternity. Chris was a loving and devoted husband to Jennifer. Their daughter, Sadie Elizabeth, was born February 16, 2009. Chris wanted nothing more in life than to be a father and that dream was realized with the birth of their little miracle. Chris loved to cuddle with and hold his little girl.

Chris loved hunting, fishing and being outdoors. He was a very talented artist and loved making homemade cards for people. He was a friend to all and was genuinely concerned for others' well-being. Chris always said "hi" and waved to everyone he met. He always had a smile on his face and loved to make people laugh. He was sensitive to others' needs and enjoyed serving those around him. Chris was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend.

Chris was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many callings. He served as the Elders Quorum President in his BYU-Idaho ward and in his current ward in Idaho Falls. He touched many people's lives through his faithful service. He had a strong testimony of his Savior, Jesus Christ and of the gospel. He frequently shared his testimony through his words and example.

Chris was rediagnosed with a brain tumor in September 2007. He again underwent surgery, radiation and 16 months of chemotherapy. Even as Chris' health declined, he remained optimistic until the end. He never complained about the trials he had to endure. Chris was lovingly cared for by his wife, Jennifer, throughout his illness.

Chris is survived by the loves of his life, his wife, Jennifer, and his daughter, Sadie. He is also survived by his parents, Bill and Kendra York of Ogden, Utah, and Ed and June Hall of Kona, Hawaii; siblings, Stephanie (Darrin) Johnson of Clinton, Utah, Becky (Dustin) McKay of Logan, Utah, Leilani (Scott) Richards of Boise, Idaho, Cheilah (Adam) Bentley of Logan, Utah, Brenon York, currently serving an LDS mission in Chile, Wendy York of Logan, Utah, and Eddie and Elliot Hall of Kona, Hawaii; his grandma, Barbara York of Arco, Idaho; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert Aaron York, LeRoy Sterling White and Rebecca Opal White; and siblings, Katherine, Spencer, Derek and David York.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 30, 2009, at the Taylor Mountain LDS Stake Center, 260 Castlerock Lane in Idaho Falls, with Bishop Scott Smith of the Idaho Falls Rose Park Ward officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 South Ammon Road, and from 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Thursday at the church. Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery in Idaho Falls under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. Chris left an impact on all who met him and will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know him. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.

Family Tribute