Stories and Memories

Sharon l Busch from Forked River wrote on October 27, 2016 at 12:05 pm

It was one year ago this October 1st that Chris left us here to wonder and grieve over his passing. Missing him has not lessened, hearing his laughter still lingers in our souls. It has been a long but short year & I wonder if the pain will ever lessen. He was here in our lives for many reasons. I think about the time he pulled me out of the frozen lake while we were ice skating one snowy winter’s day. Would I be here today writing this if not for him? The summer he went to Boy Scout Camp and during his swim to earn a life saving badge, he had the opportunity to pull to safety a fellow scout (Chris Chaffey) as he was being pulled under the deep water by a large & angry snapping turtle ~ Would that young lad be here today without Chris’s intervention? While he was working as a guide for Vail Mountain Resorts, Colorado he came upon a rock climber who had fallen when his gear had malfunctioned while propelling down a mountain side. He held this man in his arms while he passed away from his injuries, there was no saving this life. The man’s wife of three days, beside herself in shock, lay on the ground beside her dying husband. Chris was there to comfort and guide this woman in her greatest pain. Chris was a friend to many, he was as opinionated as he was compassionate, always willing to give of himself and to help others if he knew you or if you were a perfect stranger. Sometimes heroes walk among us and we seldom recognize or appreciate their value, until they’re gone. So many stories to tell, perhaps you’ll have a few that you’d like to share with me and all those others that Chris loved and who loved him. He touched so many hearts and I know it’s difficult to talk about these things but I hope you’ll find the courage within you to share your experiences. Through talking about the lives we’re privileged to share with others, comes healing or so I’m told. I wait for healing and joy as one day this will come.