Chris was born to Michael and Jacque Frei on April 27, 1972 in Newport Beach, California. Chris lived the majority of his life in Holladay Utah - graduating from Olympus High School in 1990. He then attended Westminster College in Salt Lake City and eventually graduated from the University of Montana in Missoula. Chris holds a Bachelor's Degree in Wildlife Biology.
Chris was employed for many years by PermaPlate Company (the maker of automotive appearance protection products) in South Salt Lake, working with the warehouse staff and doing much of the product shipping to all parts of the world.
Chris married Erica Snyder in 2006 and together they had a daughter, Nina Frei. Following their divorce, Chris met Cheryl Gilbert, who has been his loving "significant other" for the last ten years of his life. One of Chris's greatest joys was spending time with Nina (14) and Makenna (27), Erica's daughter from of prior marriage.
Throughout his life, Chris has had a love for travel, tennis, NBA basketball, movies, jazz music, snowboarding, boogie boarding, and all things Hawaii. One of his greatest adventures (and much to his parents' concern), was living in a pup tent on a Hawaiian beach for many months.
Chris loved interacting with his family and close friends and was fiercely loyal to his family members, always the first to call his siblings on their birthdays. Chris is remembered for his quick wit and funny vocabulary. Chris's many world travels have taken him to remote places, especially when he was a "dead head" following the Grateful Dead band to over 60 concerts across the world.
Even though it is heartbreaking for those of us who remain on earth, there is a great heavenly reunion taking place with Chris and two of his favorite people - Mother Jacque and Grandmother Nina. Throughout his life Chris remained close to his grandparents (Reid and MaRee Sloan & Clark and Nina Frei) who we are sure were waiting with great anticipation and open arms to bring him home.
Chris is survived by his father Michael Frei and step-mother, Shauna Frei, and daughters Nina Frei and Makenna Snyder. He is also survived by four siblings: Dan Frei (Lisa), Jaime Free (Tyler), Kelly Noakes and Tracie Larson (Mark). Chris is also survived by his significant other, Cheryl Gilbert, his ex-wife Erica Snyder, and many nieces and nephews.
We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the doctors, nurses and staff at St. Mark's Hospital for their tireless efforts in caring for Chris under almost "combat conditions" brought about by COVID-19 spiking and stretched staffing.
A Celebration of Life for close family and friends will be held on Sunday, November 14, 2021 at 12:30 pm at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary Chapel, 3401 S. Highland Dr, Millcreek, Utah with a short family "gathering" beforehand starting at noon.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to an Educational Fund for Chris's daughter, Nina. Donations can be made by using Venmo "@NinaFrei529."
