Christopher Michael Sachs

Christopher Michael Sachs, 65, died October 19th in a tragic boating accident. An outgoing and colorful man of varied interests, Chris maintained a devotion to and affection for his family and friends throughout his life. He never met a stranger. He collected and cherished friends everywhere he went.

Born and raised in Hanover, NH, he graduated from Hanover High School in 1970 and prior to heading to the University of New Hampshire, he worked as a personal assistant to Governor John King. “That was a misleading title,” he used to explain. “I was actually just a back-up driver and the guy who got him coffee the way he liked it.” After graduation, he taught first grade in Barre, VT for several years; he later claimed that his days spent teaching youngsters to read gave him more pleasure than any other professional endeavor. Nonetheless, his professional skills took him in many directions.

Chris emerged from the womb with the gifts of a salesman, and he loved finding ways to help clients make good use of the products he knew well. Whether it was time-shares on major mainframe computers, real estate, or the new-fangled device called Softbook devised by his younger brother Jim- which later became the Kindle- Chris could explain its merits and match its essence to whomever he spoke with.

For most of the 21st century, he served as a realtor with JB Goodwin Realtors in Austin, where he quickly became recognized for his skills in training and mentoring. But he was happiest with his family. Out on the boat, hiking in the Adirondack Mountains, geocaching, or skiing with friends on the steepest trail within sight of the lift line, (“when you look this good, you gotta be seen!”) His exuberance and joie de vivre were his calling card.

Chris is survived by his wife, Kay Gilson Sachs; daughter, Hannah Sachs of Thetford, VT and her daughter, Willa; son, Jamie Sachs of Brooklyn, NY and his wife and son, Thea and Quinn; brothers, Rusty Sachs of Norwich VT, Bob Sachs of Alexandria VA; sisters, Ann Sachs of New York NY, and Patricia Chess of Tempe AZ; and beloved aunt, Marie Morrison of Wellfleet MA. His Texas children include Carrie of Austin TX, Kathryn of Staten Island NY, and Kelly Gilson of San Antonio TX; and Kelly’s children Ava and AJ. Chris cherished the special relationship with his loving blended family, including Rodney and Valerie Gilson and Ryan Martin all of Austin TX. Chris treasured the connections he had with his nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family all across the country.

Chris is predeceased by his younger brother Jim, and his parents, Jeanne and Dr. Ernest Sachs.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to:

The Doc and Gayle Young Food Drive Fund: on Facebook or tinyurl.com/DocGail

The LBJ Wildflower Center, visit their website: www.wildflower.org