Chris was my friend and neighbor since I moved into the house next door in 2007. From the first he was friendly and helpful, always had a smile and a kind word. Every Summer for a time I left my beloved yard and flower gardens in Chris' care, knowing when I returned the flowers would not only be blooming and the grass green, but the garden weeded and perhaps some wood chips put down, too, because Chris was thoughtful and dependable that way. The seasons would pass and Chris and I would see each other outside, as neighbors do, and catch up on events while tending lawns, shoveling snow, raking leaves, always with his beloved sweet little dog nearby. Chris was my favorite neighbor and in time, I considered him a friend - a handsome man with a beautiful smile, loving heart and kind eyes. This past Christmas during the Lansing power outages, we would speak on the phone, updating each other, and I was so pleased to learn he was spending all his time in Okemos with his Fiancee. I'll never forget Chris, and someday, I feel certain, I'll recognize him again in a far better place. But until then, I'll miss you, Chris, and remember you always.