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Dr. Chris Christian 51, of Nampa, died suddenly Saturday March
1, 1997, at his home, of cardiac arrest resulting from a
long-standing heart condition due to an abnormal heart valve.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m., Tuesday, March
4, 1997, at the Nampa Civic Center, Father John Tivenan, Mercy
Medical Center, will officiate. Burial will follow at
the Hillcrest Cemetery, Caldwell.
Chris was born June 25, 1945, in Lusk, Wyoming, the
only son of Pat and John Christian. He spent his boyhood
on the family cattle ranch where he developed his work ethic,
his love of and appreciation for family, and his respect for
animals. Chris excelled early in his youth being honored
as valedictorian, and class and student body president of his
high school. He was chosen to participate in Boy's
State, was a member the Wyoming State champion livestock
judging team which competed nationally. He also
participated on debate, wrestling, and football teams.
Chris attended the University of Wyoming and then transferred
to Colorado State University where he graduated as a Doctor of
Veterinary Medicine.
He married Keri Cook on June 27, 1965. After his
graduation from veterinary school, Keri, Chris and their young
daughter moved to Nampa, joining Millard and Lionel Ickes in
veterinary practice at Kindness Animal Hospital, renamed Idaho
Veterinary Hospital. Chris was a genius in the diagnosis
and treatment of horses, especially when a lameness was
involved. He brought the latest technology for surgical
procedures into the area and his reputation for medical
excellence was known throughout the Northwest, leading to
referrals from around the country. He took great pride
in mentoring young veterinarians, challenging them to utilize
their talents to the fullest.
In 1989, Chris and his friend Paul Girdner, were the
only bidders willing to respond to Ada County's auction to
place Les Bois Park Racetrack in private hands. The move
was a great personal risk, and was taken to save the racing
industry in Idaho. Within five years, the operation
turned from a loss to a profit and Chris was proud of the
dedication, hard work and creativity of the partners, managers
and staff of Les Bois Park.
Chris believed that success in any venture depends upon
the efforts of an enthusiastic and competent team.
Chris' teams will carry on those missions he pioneered and
wholeheartedly encouraged at Idaho Veterinary Hospital and Les
Boise Park.
Chris was a member of the Idaho Horse Racing Alliance,
Idaho Horse Board, Advisory Board to the Northwest Equine
Reproductive Laboratory, American Association of Equine
Practitioners, and the Boise Opera Board. He was past
president of the Idaho Thoroughbred Breeders Association.
Chris was so proud of his family.
He is survived by his wife and best friend, Keri of
Nampa; a daughter, Barbara Christian of Nampa; a son, Eric
Christian and his wife, Tracy, of Beaverton, Oregon; a
daughter, Jennifer and her husband, Jeff Kapis, of Tempe,
Arizona; his mother, Pat Christian of Nampa; a sister, Mikell
Christain of Yakima, Washington; his beloved granddaughter,
Larissa, of Nampa, and his mother-in-law, Helen Cook of
Denver. He will be missed by countless friends,
especially a close group of friends known as "The Gourmet
Group."
Chris was preceded in death by his father, John
Christian, and his father-in-law, Fred Cook.
The family suggests that memorials be made to the Dr.
Chris Christian Memorial Fund, c/o Gordon Woods, Northwest
Equine Reproductive Laboratory, University of Idaho, Moscow,
Idaho 83844.
A viewing will be held at Alsip Funeral Chapel in Nampa
until 8 p.m. today, March 3. |
