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Christopher ECKHARDT Obituary

ECKHARDT, Christopher Paul, Of Clearwater, passed quietly Dec. 27, 2012, at the age of 62 from cancer. Chris is survived by his partner, Donald J. Adams (DJ) of Florida; his brothers (and sisters in law), Edward (Sheryl) of Ankeny, Iowa and Steven (Corinne) of Toronto, Canada. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Margaret Eckhardt and brother Bill Eckhardt. Chris will be missed dearly by all who loved him, including his very dear friends, Jack, Kent, Bonnie, Gram, Tiffany and Roosevelt. Chris was involved in the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s, and was also involved in winning a US Supreme Court decision in 1969; Tinker vs Des Moines School Board. Chris was a recipient of the Earl Warren Civil Liberties Award & authored and published The Baker Act Conspiracy in early 2012.

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Published by Tampa Bay Times on Jan. 1, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Christopher ECKHARDT

9 Entries

Rich Petersen

January 4, 2013

Ed, Steve and Families
I was very sorry to hear of your loss of Chris. He was a special person with many talents, not the least of which was putting a smile on your face. Chris had knack for salesmanship and telling stories. Marc, Tom and I, plus others, were roomates of his in our younger days and got to share in many adventures with Chris, some of which still bring smiles and laughter to our faces. He will not be forgotten. He was a unique and compassionate individual.

Gene & Kathy Flanagan Garton

January 2, 2013

Ed, Sheryl and families,
So very sad to hear the news of Chris' passing. It was a gift that Chris had for writing, with people and with everything he did. Chris will be missed. Gene and I are so glad we had the opportunity to be with him last year at his book signing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Melinda Voss

January 2, 2013

Chris was an inspiration for us all early in life when he was a named plaintiff in the now famous Tinker vs. Des Moines Board of Education. He and the Tinkers wore black arm bands to Roosevelt High School in 1965 to protest the Vietnam War. Ultimately, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a person's First Amendment rights do not stop at the schoolhouse door. At the time, my main concern was who I was going to go out with on Saturday night. Chris, we will miss you. You made a difference for all of us and future generations. Thank you. We love you

January 2, 2013

A light went out here on earth the day you left us Chris, but another brighter light is now shining up above us all. You are an inspiration to me and I am so honored to have known you for such a long time. I will cherish my memories of you. And now that you're in a much better place than us, maybe you can pull a few strings out there & straighten out this world! My prayers are with your family Chris and may you rest in peace. Love, Mary Kay Johnson-Smith

January 2, 2013

Chris....you dealt with your disease in such a positive way. You never let it get in your way of enjoying life....at least not outwardly...a very stoic individual indeed. Enjoy your new pain free life. See you in paradise.

Kathy Collins Reilly

January 2, 2013

You left your mark in this world, Chris. Your name constitutes the first two words of a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision. Not many people leave that kind of footprint on this Earth. Godspeed, and thank you!

Jay Jackson Jensen

January 1, 2013

My dear old friend, you will be missed. I am so happy that we were able to have dinner in Kansas City, in September. Love always, Jayj

Betty Hesseltine

January 1, 2013

Chris although I only knew you a short time thru facebook..I knew you as a kind, caring and intelligent person.....you will be greatly missed!!

B Schmitz

January 1, 2013

I am saddened to hear this news. May his spirit live on in each of us.

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results

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