Remembering Chris

On the afternoon of August 24, Chris Schillinger passed into eternity. Chris was my daughter, Elizabeth's fiancé, and the love of her life.

He had been sick for about a week, and seemed to be getting a little better, when he woke up in the middle of the night unable to breathe. He was rushed to the hospital but they were unable to help him and he passed away the following afternoon from emphysema, complicated by a viral infection. He was fifty.

Chris is the quiet guy in the background
sitting next to Liz and manning the grill.  
(Mark in the front, my son Josh and
his wife Nicole to the right)

Chris was the nicest guy you'd ever want to meet. He loved camping and target shooting, and guns in general. He loved trucks, especially his truck, and dragons (the house was filled with his very large collection), and the Minions. And he loved cooking steaks and just about anything else outside on the grill. He was the guy who grilled your steak at the Outback Steakhouse in Spokane Valley, and he knew his stuff. He was kind hearted and quiet spoken, and always willing to help if he could.

I regret I didn't have more time to get to know Chris. We visited Liz and the girls once a year in the summer, and during much of our time there Chris was working. We had a few visits with him this past June while we were there and enjoyed the short time we had.

When Liz told me the news, I felt I needed to be with her. So I got in the car and made the long trip back to Spokane, leaving Mark with the RV. It was a tough trip but a necessary one. I wasn't sure how long I would need to be there, but Liz is a tough cookie-- strong and resilient. Once I knew she would be okay, I headed home again. 

We will all miss Chris, but Liz will miss him most of all. They were together five years, and his passing left a giant hole in her heart that will take a long time to heal. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. 

Rest in peace, Chris Schillinger.