Christopher “Chris” Medley

July 1, 1981 – April 26, 2026

Christopher “Chris” Medley, beloved son, partner, brother, friend, and adventurer, passed away on April 26, 2026, in Chamonix, France. He was 44 years old. Born on July 1, 1981, in Miami, Florida, Chris lived a life defined by boundless curiosity, deep generosity, and an extraordinary love for the natural world. His passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Chris is survived by his partner Lizzy, whose love he cherished above all else; his mother, Ana Maria; his father Bill; his sister Carolyn and her family Alex, Anamaria, and Lucas; his godmother and aunt Marcela; his extended family in Chile; and a wide circle of devoted friends whose lives he shaped in ways both great and small. He was predeceased by his sister, Nicole.

Those who knew Chris knew him as the kind of person who filled every room not with noise, but with warmth. He was gentle and considerate and never took a single day for granted. He carried with him a positivity and a gratitude for life that could not be matched. He was a wellspring of encouragement, always the first to high-five you at the end of the trail, always ready with sincere gratitude for even the smallest of gestures.

Chris knew how to turn dreams into reality. His appetite for life was mighty, and his range of skills was breathtaking — from carpenter, van builder, and bike mechanic to his love for the soul-filled “shred sports” of the mountains, water, and air. He was a master of all trades, a mentor to many, and a true student of his surroundings. Whether he was charging down a trail in Post Canyon, launching off a paragliding ramp, or chasing lines on Mt. Hood, every moment was infused with a deep appreciation for the beauty of being alive.

Chris’s legacy is not a single achievement, but a way of being — a reminder that life is precious and fleeting, and that the way we treat people matters more than anything else. He inspired those around him to pursue their passions with courage and to show up for one another with open hearts.

Chris was taken from us too soon, but the depth of his presence ensures that he will never truly be gone. He lives on in the hearts of everyone he touched, in the trails he rode, and in the enduring love he gave so freely and so fully.

A celebration of life will be held in May at the Hood River waterfront, followed by a Summer Solstice send-off on Mt. Hood on June 21, 2026. Details forthcoming. 

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/chris-medley-hood-river-or/obituary/

Copy