Chris was born on June 10,1976 to Robert and Carole (Stimpson) Brown. He grew up in Oneonta. He attended Oneonta City Schools and graduated from Oneonta High School in 1994.
As a child Chris was known as a mischievous imp with an unending sense of humor. He lived for pranks and practical jokes, much to the amusement and/or consternation of his victims.
Chris was gifted with an ear for music and played alto sax through many of his school years. Chris sang as well and lent his voice to a “garage” band with his brother and friends in high school.
As the “middle child” between David and Robert, Chris willingly took the role of peacemaker or instigator depending on which benefited him on any particular day.
After high school Chris began a career in carpentry starting out as an apprentice with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. The Oneonta local union moved to Utica so Chris went to work with local contractors, working with several over the years. An injury caused him to have to leave this type of work but his skills and talents remain evident in several homes both built and remodeled in our area.
On October 18, 2003 Chris married the love of his life, April Ruthford and together they have three children, Sarah and twins Alaina and Jackson.
Chris loved his family and enjoyed their summer camping trips and was a consummate fire builder. In winter he’d use his snowblower and make trails and snow forts or igloos in the side yard which his children enjoyed immensely.
Chris had artistic talents which included drawing as well as building elaborate fairy villages for his children while camping. Also among his pastimes were fishing (especially with his children) and hunting for ginseng with his cousin Tim.
He was blessed (some might say cursed) with the gift of gab and could keep family or friends occupied for extended periods of time. There was no topic about which he didn’t have an opinion or idea of how it could be done better.
Chris is survived by his wife April and their children, Sarah, Alaina, and Jackson, his parents Carole and Robert, his brothers David Brown (Kathy) and Robert Brown, his mother-in-law Jane Lints, sister-in-law Karen Lints, sister-in-law Kelly (Ron) Georgia, nieces and nephews Ariana Brown, Ethan Brown, Ashley Georgia, Brianna (Aubry) Georgia, Johnny Orisini, three great nieces, a great nephew and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Chris was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Ralph and Florence Stimpson, and paternal grandparents, Robert and Vivian Brown, as well as his aunt and uncle Julie and Richard Stimpson and his aunt Sandra Goodspeed who were active in his growing up years.
Chris’ funeral will be held Saturday August 3 at 1:00 P.M. at the Elm Park United Methodist Church at 401 Chestnut Street, Oneonta, N.Y. Pastor John Buddle of Elm Park will officiate. Immediately following will be a time of fellowship and remembrance in the church’s fellowship hall.
As Chris was a casual kind of guy there is no dress code, come as you feel comfortable and bring your best Chris stories.
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