Once upon a time, I worked for a very forward-thinking company, US Preventive Medicine, Inc., in Jacksonville, Florida. At the helm was a visionary leader who had the idea to arm people with knowledge about their health and offer some help to make it better. There was nothing like it in the marketplace, and the tens of thousands of people who used our plan clearly benefitted by our work. We had a great team and I enjoyed every day working with Chris.

Word reached me this week of Chris' passing, and I had a few moments to recall those good days. I can say, without reservation, that Chris was unique among men. He never met a stranger, never held a bad thought or said a pessimistic word in my presence. He believed in the great, the good, the possible, and the hopeful. He gave no space to negativity or pessimism. Most of all, he believed in himself and his vision. He was a natural salesman and marketeer, and had more ideas than we could keep up with. A day with Chris would leave you exhausted, because he had more energy than anyone, and he never stopped moving.

He was proud of his companies, and had some great successes, but mostly he was proud of his three sons. I think they always knew that.

It was my pleasure to work with Chris in two companies. He was always good to me, and he took my advice when offered. He trusted me. I can say for certain that I never worked with a man like him before, and not since, and I doubt his like will come along again.

I hope for peace for Chris' family, his friends, his many colleagues who are missing him these days, and for him. He was a man who could never sit still, and I am sure that whereever in the Universe he is today, he is still smiling, still selling, still shaking hands, and still moving forward.

So sorry to hear of the passing of Chris.  He was a charming, vivacious and loving person with an eternal zest for life.  Chris was a fierce defender of his friends, family and most of all, he was madly in love with his wife Lorrie.  As a couple, they were unstoppable and made everyone they met smile a little bigger and feel more hopeful about life and their dreams.  He has gone on to a place where he will find peace and love with God.  Lorrie and Chris were blessed to share 10 years of this incredible life together and I know it will be wonderous homecoming when they meet again.   I feel blessed and honored to be friend of both of these incredible people.  God bless Chris, his family and my dear friend for life - Lorrie.   With Love - Pam Balinski