August 20, 2002
Kris,
I remember our last conversation in July when you stopped by on the way to see your parents. You sat there at the dining room table with Dereck. I walked up to you and asked you if you were sure if it was okay we named our baby after you. You looked up and straight into my eyes and said yes. You then had to take off. So off you went in your sunflower seed Saturn. I am sorry for not telling you then, Thank you!
You will never get to know Kristofor and he will never get to meet you. He will know of you only through our stories and memories. I am so sorry that you were not here to get the phone call from Ric that he had arrived. If little Kristofor grows up to be half the man you became he will have accomplished such a wonderful feat.
Kris you have taught so much to Dereck and Camrin. That same July you spent time with them while they were at Camp Grandma Roofs and Grandpa Ric’s house. They talk of those memories to this day. Reflecting on the little things that so many of us would take for granted but yet you made sure they watched out for. Camrin talked of how caring you were to the little critters you saw at Peace Valley Park. So sensitive and respectful to their lives but yet you watched and learned from them. I think that she gets her sensitive side from you in that aspect. Camrin shows the same love and sensitivity to the people she meets or the critters she watches in awe. She sees a rainbow of colors when she looks at the world thanks to you. Dereck being somewhat of a difficult person to figure out at times never really gave you a challenge you could not win. I was amazed at how you could be talking about critters and bugs with Camrin and then turn and be shooting nerf guns with Dereck. I am sorry if I looked at you a little funny when you sat there on the couch teaching my children the finer tips on poker. But I have to give you credit, you only played with their money and left them thinking they had won yours. Dereck and Camrin are wonderful poker players now. They have picked up on the money thing though.
I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for being the person who you were. Such a free and wandering spirit; caring, giving and loving to everyone you met. You touched so many lives in so many different ways.
Words will never be able to describe how much we as your family will miss you. Even though you are not here with us now your thoughts and memories will live on in us all.
Even though Dereck, Camrin, Kristofor and I are not able to share this time in Montana with the rest of the family, I would like you to know that we are having our own Kris dinner. Cheap cigars (chocolate ones), coke (bottled ones, kids can’t have the Guinness) and fine food (their favorite little tidbits). Oh, but I am sorry Kris there is one thing that I making sure of on your birthday. It’s not as good as your dads but we are going to start a tradition today. Coconut cake!!! Happy Birthday Kris.
Love
Dana