Chris Gene Draayer

Chris Draayer Obituary

Chris Gene Draayer Will Be Missed On a beautiful Fall day, Chris passed away doing what he loved most – riding his motorcycle. As a young man Chris raced for his father's Harley-Davidson dealership (Chris Draayer Harley Davidson, est. 1941) and eventually joined the Harley Davidson factory team (national number 77). He later took over the dealership from his father and ran it until 1984. In 1997 Chris was contacted by BMW Motorcycles to participate in the BMW "Battle of the Legends" where he was able to rejoin many of his peers back on the track. In addition to his passion for motorcycles, Chris was active in the LDS Church and served in numerous callings. He touched many lives in many ways and will be greatly missed, especially by his family. In addition to innumerous friends, he leaves behind his son, Christian (Austin, TX); sister, Loye Bertelson (Provo, UT); and wife, Martha Brown (Heber City, UT), to whom he was married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Funeral services will be held Wed-nesday, September 22, 2004, 1 p.m. in the Park Meadows LDS Ward, 2300 Monitor Drive, Park City. Friends and family may call on Wed-nesday from 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. prior to the services at the LDS Church. Following the church services there will be a private family service at the graveside. Arrangements are in the care of Olpin-Hoopes Funeral Home, Heber City, Utah. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family at [email protected] (Include the family name in the email.)

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Sep. 21 to Sep. 22, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Chris Draayer

14 Entries

Scott Hawes

July 2, 2017

I met Chris through a mutual friend, Stuart Felton, whom sadly we have also lost. I rode with Chris and Stuart up to Jackson hole. Stuart on a Yamaha 650 turbo and me on an 1100 Yamaha. Needless to say we couldn't keep up with him.
But my best memory of him was at lake Powell. I had my boat and a knee board. Chris wanted to ride it. I towed him around for 40 minutes at least, and he fell off dozens of times before he managed, with one arm to get on his knees. That was Chris. Determined. Relentless. Driven. He never gave up. I only knew him for a short time but he left a lasting impression. Ride on my friend.

Brian French

September 26, 2004

Christian, I was on the memorial ride today. I had intended to offer you my sincerest heartfelt condolences, but I was unable to find the right words. Your dad was admired by many people, not just for his incredible riding ability, but because, more importantly, he was a good man. Todays ride was a very fitting tribute, I'm sure he was riding with you through all those beautiful sweepers. Godbless you, and your mom at this time.

Pete Williams

September 24, 2004

I was so sorry to hear of the passing of our old friend and riding buddy. I attended the funeral and was uplifted and comforted by the remarkable tributes to his life. I had three lives with Chris. First as a teenager with a new Ossa dirt bike purchased from Chris, later as a neighbor in Salt Lake City, and lastly as my companion on a 1000 mile dirt bike trip in Baja, California. He was my friend, and he will be missed. I take great comfort in knowing that our faith gives us the knowledge that we will see him again one day.

Mike Hanks

September 23, 2004

I am saddened at the passing of Chris but feel consoled that Chris understood the Plan of Salvation and the meaning of our Savior's Atonement. My son in-law, Eric Thompson had met Chris when both lived on Harvard Ave. Eric had shared with me one day how he had met this fellow Chris Draayer in his ward and how much he enjoyed his friendship. Eric had no idea that I was a long time friend of Chris and shared his same feelings about Chris.

John Merrick

September 23, 2004

Goodbye old friend, You could always be counted on for a smile and a good joke. Always something to brighten the day of everyone around you. But I´d have to say you are in some pretty good company now as well, enjoy the new ride as much as you did the last one.

John Merrick

Bob Sheidler

September 22, 2004

I had the pleasure of riding with Chris many times. He showed me some of the best riding roads in Utah and northern Arizona. He was a great guy and a great friend. His death came as a huge shock to me. It is hard to believe that I won't have the chance to return the favor and show him around the roads of southern New Mexico.

RIP Chris, I miss you man.

MJ Shipley

September 22, 2004

May you find comfort in the memories of Chris's strong faith and love of God. His devotion to his son is a fond memory of mine {from decades ago} that still sparks the heart with warmth.

Rick Ford

September 22, 2004

Sorry to here of the passing of an old friend. Chris and I met in Junior High and rode motorcycles together for years. He was one of the nicest persons I have ever had the pleasure to know. Even though we hadn't seen each other lately, I'm saddened to know I will not hear his laugh or see that great smile again. My sincerest condolences to the family and all of of us who were lucky enough to know Chris.

Sincerely,

Rick Ford

Lorraine

September 21, 2004

To The Draayer Family:

May Loving Memories bring you Peace.

My Deepest Sympathies.

Always remember the memories,

and smile for each new one made.

Memories keep the one you love

close to you in spirit and in thought.

They are always in your heart,

today and forever.

May you find comfort and peace

knowing that, Chris is with you always.

I was a friend of Chris's way back in the 70's.

That "way back" seems like only yesterday to me.

Everyday Chris and his Dad came into my Mom's Café.

{ Esther's Café 919 South State Street }

They both, always had a big smile, to start your day.

At that time, ~Chris Draayer Motor's~

was on the corner of 9th South and State Street.

I would go into his store after getting off of work

from Mom's Café, and he would tell me stories about

his motorcycle's and his bike racing.

Those stories were fun and interesting.

The last time I spoke with Chris and his Dad was in 1976

when my Mom sold her Café.

We all had some great years together back then !!!

I remember how Chris loved life and he lived each day to the fullest.

He had a heart of GOLD.

And the most beautiful BIG BLUE EYES, I have ever seen !!!

Love to you, Chris...'God Bless You'

It was real special knowing someone such as you in my life.

You will never be forgotten, just loved & missed by many !!!

'GOD BLESS ALL'

Terry & Jan Clemmer

September 21, 2004

Our sincerest condolences upon Chris' passing.

He was a cheerful, helpful soul in his dealings with Yale 2nd Ward(SL Bonneville Stake-Salt Lake City). Chris worked hard to be a good,loving father and a good example for young Christian.

We'll miss his enthusiasm for life.

Douglas Pratt

September 20, 2004

Chris was a good person. When I bought my motorcycle from him in 1970, I was honored when he would invite me to go trail riding with him out in stockton or Manning Canyon. He was always the fastest rider and the highest on the hill.

MIKE HUMPHREY

September 20, 2004

TO CHRIS' FAMILY, MY FIRST DIRT BIKE CAME FROM CHRIS DRAAYER'S AND WAS AN OSSA. I BOUGHT MY FIRST HARLEY IN 1973 FROM JIM. IN 1982 I BOUGHT AN FXR FROM CHRIS. MY OLDER BROTHER AND I WATCHED CHRIS' RACING CAREER WITH GREAT INTEREST. I ENJOYED WATCHING CHRIS ON HIS DIRT BIKE UP ON THE B. I ADMIRED HIM SO MUCH AND AM SADDENED BY HIS DEATH. WE SEND OUR DEEPEST SYMPHONY TO YOU FOR YOUR LOSS. MIKE HUMPHRE & FAMILY

Gayle & Shonnie Bates

September 19, 2004

We were so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Spencer Saito

September 19, 2004

My condolances to the Draayer Family. As the Honda Motorcycle rep for Utah for many years I was very aware of the many contributions and how well Chris represented the sport and business of motorcycling in Utah and United States.

Spencer Saito Honda Motor Co., Retired

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