Well known as a restauranteur in Ventura, Sacramento, and Dallas, Chris served as a chef, kitchen manager, and manager in many corporate restaurants such as Marie Callendar's and Red Lobster.

Prior to his death he worked for The Egg & I, a restaurant corporation, which serves breakfast and lunch. Chris opened and managed several restaurants in the Dallas area.

He was born in Northridge, CA. He is survived by his parents Merle Block and Judi Block; his brother John Block and his wife Diann; his sister Elizabeth Block and as many loving friends as there are stars in the sky.The family moved from LA in 1963 and made Ventura their life long home. Chris attended Washington Elementary, Cabrillo Middle School, and Ventura High School. A lover of the great outdoors, Chris became an early and lifelong surfer. Chris spent his summers, placer gold mining with his father and brother, John, deep in the California Sierra Mountains.

At Ventura High School, Chris became well known for his theatrical abilities; acting in every production during his junior and senior years. He also became a regular a performer for two local theater groups, Ventura and Nucleus. He received numerous published reviews for his outstanding performances as Ricky Hillier in "The Desperate Hours" and as an abused child in "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead".

Chris married Jamey Whalen. The couple exchanged their vows on a high cliff overlooking Lake Tahoe.

Chris continued his entertainer persona throughout his life. He recorded two CD albums playing guitar and singing the songs he had composed. When living in Sacramento, he frequently played guitar with the Weekend Warriors.

Not only a good friend to so many, through his personality and his character, he brought joy and happiness to those who knew him. Julie de Sousa, of Dallas, was his devoted caregiver.

As he wished, there will be no burial service. His family invites friends and loved ones to join them in a celebration of life memorial aboard the Island Packer on February 7th, 2015. Please call John Block at (805) 216-5623 for further information.

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

Published by Ventura County Star from Jan. 11 to Jan. 14, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Block

13 Entries

Dennis Harrison

January 26, 2015

Chris and I attended Cabrillo together. Always a nice guy and funny. R.I.P. My friend

Gail Singley

January 15, 2015

I was fortunate to meet Chris in Jr High at Cabrillo. He was a light and made the transition to a new school easy and fun for many of us. We had classes together and he and Matt were a constant source of entertainment. Chris was a true friend in every sense, a young man that impacted a persons life forever. My husband said to me "why do you weep so inconsolably for someone you have not seen in over 30 years?" and it is because he was my friend, and I loved him, always have, was my answer. I will continue to miss you my friend and know you are now healthy, happy and making those who have gone before us laugh. I will see you again someday.

January 14, 2015

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Chris. Please take comfort in fond memories and Gods promised hope for the future. (Is. 15:26) Many thoughts and prayers are with you. My condolences to you all.

January 13, 2015

DEAR JUDY & MERLE,& ELIZABETH
I DON'T KNOW IF YOU REMEMBER ME BUT WE WERE NEIGHBORS WHEN GEORGE & I LIVED ON ARTEMISIA ST. WE HAD STEVE, SUSAN, DOUG & DEVON THAT YOUR CHILDREN WERE FRIENDS WITH.
SO VERY SORRY TO READ OF CHRIS' PASSING
WE LOST GEORGE JAN. 9TH 2014.
OUR SINCEREST CONDOLENCES TO YOU & YOUR DEAR FAMILY.
LOVE , FROM THE SNYDERS (MARY & CHILDREN)

Carol Beck Burridge

January 13, 2015

One of the best of VHS! I'll never forget going to lunch, watching the waves or listening to the gold nugget stories. Forever rest in peace Chris.

Dawn (Baker) Barrett

January 12, 2015

I knew Chris well in High School. Like many of us, we all go our own ways afterwards. He had a thoughtful and kind spirit. He passed the same week as my Dad...I hope they cross paths in Heaven. Rest in peace, my friend.

Ken Kagan

January 12, 2015

Chris was my acting buddy at Ventura High, always fun and funny and just a great guy.

Dan Swim

January 12, 2015

Always remember that great smile... never heard a negative word from you all through High School. You will be missed

Diana Roemer

January 12, 2015

Unable to fully express the love and devoted friendship that we shared. I was fortunate enough to see him weeks prior to his passing for one last hug and laughter ... he will be greatly missed

Eric Lewis

January 11, 2015

We were friends in high school. I was glad to know you.

Murray Sims

January 11, 2015

We went to school together, from Elementary through High School.

Good bye Chris, see you on the other side someday.

Debbie Deloye-Navarro

January 11, 2015

I went to Vta. HS with Chris. He was a great entertainer and a sweet soul. Always, happy and sincerely cared about others. Our loss, God's gain.

Wendy Beasley

January 11, 2015

I had the pleasure of meeting Chris years ago!! Nice mellow guy may he rest in peace now!!