All of my love to the Mariani family, and everyone hurting with this horrific loss. Straps was one in a million and he shined so very, very bright. Dad of the year forever. Until we meet again, friend. My deepest condolences for this unbelievable loss. Love Jen

Rest Eternal ***ooommpphh***

When I came to work at Alta not knowing anyone, Chris was among the first to welcome me and make me feel at home. Enjoying sports in Utah is more of a participatory role than as a spectator; people ski, mountain bike and trail run in nature. It's healthier than swilling beer and eating hot dogs in the bleachers, but I found it hard to commiserate with anyone about last night's football, baseball or hockey game. Chris was always willing to be that person, and I will miss that. We will miss him at third base and in our ski school locker room. But as his dear wife points out, his spirit and love will continue on in all who he touched. I'm better having known him. 

Chris touched our family, even though we knew him for a short time. He was supportive and friendly in ski school with my daughter Elisa, and it was always fun for me to speak with him as a parent. He was able to really connect with us and we will miss him. We will think of him when we ski at Alta. 

I didn't get to know Chris super well. I worked with him at Alta in the ski school and he was always so kind and willing to offer up a smile. One day I was having a hard day and he noticed and came up and asked me if I was okay which meant a lot to me. I loved to watch Chris interact with his students in children's ski school. He was always so patient and loving with them. Truly a special kind of soul. I know Chris will be missed by many.  Condolences to his family and loved ones!

Chris and Sarah honeymoon trip

Hard to imagine we’re saying goodbye to Chris, someone so young with a zest for life, and an uncanny sense of humor.  Chris, you were like one of my boys growing up, very few days you weren’t at my house playing video games and creating havoc with Brad, Chris Bennett, Anthony, Greg, Joe, and countless others.  Wouldn’t trade those memories for anything.  You called me just a few years back to thank me for putting up with the chaos, meant so much to me.  You and your sweet wife came to visit Shawn and I recently in Hawaii, such a treat.  Your untimely passing reminds us tomorrow is not promised.  Rest in love Chris, until we meet again.

It was always a pleasure unexpectedly running into Chris on the slopes or lodges of Alta, as whether it was a tough day or a great one beforehand, his presence always made the day even better! He will be deeply missed!

Chris always had a special place in my heart. I will miss him.

So very sorry for your loss. I worked with Chris for many years
at Alta's ski school ,
and will  remember many of our smiles together.

You could shuffle a deck of cards every second since the beginning of time and never get them in the same order twice. The odds of making a friend like Chris are as equally astronomical. We will miss losing our money to you, Chris. You were a great card player but an even better friend. Our sincere condolences to your family during this difficult time. You will truly be missed and forever remembered. Tell Raisin' Ray hi for us!

We were so lucky to have Chris as Amelia's ski coach this year. He was always  encouraging. He was a great listener and really cared about his group. Weekly, he reminded Amelia to stay out of the 'back seat' and she was finally getting it! He helped her go from a 'take it or leave it skier', to a shredder who said she really loved skiing after each session. We all skied Gunsite in his honor on Saturday- what a special moment.

One of my first friends in Sharpsville (actually Clark),  Never judged me and was always a huge supporter of my military career. I will miss our conversations and seeing your wonderful smile. Rest in Peace Chris!! 

I didn't get a chance to know Chris well, but in my interactions with him he was always happy and upbeat and stoked to be out skiing. He was a great coach to my son, who truly loved his time skiing with Chris. He will be missed. 

Our deep sympathy to your family.  Gabe especially remembers Chris from church activities as a caring friend with a big heart.  May God bring you peace and comfort.

My goodness do I have a ton of memories. All loving. Straps was special… so very special. I’ll just share the last time we spent together. We had an impromptu class reunion years back because a bunch of us somehow ended up back in the Ville from wherever we currently lived. It’s as if no time passed, we cracked each other up and I remember my heart feeling so much bigger and warm. We fought over who would pay for a round of shots for everyone that showed up at good ole Muscy’s. Mid argument, we both screeched to a stop when the bartender gave the total. Chris living in ski country Utah and me in ski country Colorado, we were shocked to hear the amount was so affordable. We both looked at each other and said in unison (no joke) “make it two rounds”. We laughed and laughed some more. The world is certainly less bright without you here, but heaven is surely sparkling. I love you, my beautiful friend

We love you, Straps. The laughter and joy you shared with us will never be forgotten. Sending love and warmth to everyone mourning his passing. Godspeed my friend. 

Chris, I remember when I first met you.  We were both on the wrestling mat about nine or 10 years old.  I remember at some point during the match you bit me.  I was upset with you, but that soon faded away once I talked to you and realized that you were a great person. We laugh about that now and you told me when I talked to you last that you’d bite me again and I told you I was going to bite you first.  We joked about it but I’m pretty sure we would have bit each other.  You are one of a kind Chris. Pretty much since that day forward I knew you were going to be my friend.  We used to joke all the time during track practice, High-school and then we graduated and we hung out even more.  To hanging out at the park playing hockey sack.  You even came and worked with me for a little while but I knew that you were off to bigger and better things.  Something in your soul was calling you.  That was your passion of skiing.  I look back to when you lived in Sharon and I would come over there and hang out with you and all boys.  Some of the greatest times of my younger years.  You called me about three months ago when I was going through the absolute worst time of my life.  You didn’t realize it but you happened to call me exactly when I needed it.  Those were very dark times for me and I credit you to help me get through that point of my life.  These past few days all I can do is think about you and reminisce on all the good times we had.  The next time I see you will be upstairs when God calls me home.  God wanted you more than we did.  I miss you Chris. I will continue to stay in touch with your family.  I can’t believe you’re gone Chris.  I love you buddy. 

We were lucky enough to have known Chris. We send our sincerest condolences to his family. He will be missed

We loved Chris and will miss him terribly. His outgoing, friendly demeanor and quick wit made fast friends out of strangers when we'd all go out during his visits back home. Praying for everyone during this time of loss.

Chris was an inspiration to me. He took initiative to get to know me and become my close friend. Chris was Genuine. He really cared about people & listened with an open heart. His soothing voice always offered support & honest advice. He was an exceptional friend to me & so many others. An incredible person that I will deeply miss. 

I'll never forget skiing the deepest powder of my life with Chris at Alta Ski Area on January 6th, 2019. I was new to Alta & chasing the high alpine when Chris smiled & mysteriously recommended we go to Vail Ridge. It was deep. We skied til last chair & shared a pint at the Sitzmark after-- both hysterically laughing the whole time. One of the best days of my life. 

From Isla (ski school student):

Chris was always so fun to ski with. Although I only knew Chris for a short period of time, he always made me laugh, and made me happy. Chris will never be forgotten.

Chris was one of our favorite parts of our trips to Alta!! He was a great friend too us and a huge mentor to our son, who is a better kid because of Chris’s enormous patience and love. We have a huge void in our hearts, but are so grateful to have know Chris. 

Dad was always trying to make people laugh, he always had some weird story or thing to say. He made it his goal to help everyone he could. These past few months he was trying so hard to work on himself and become a better person, and I am so grateful I got to see him flourish, even if it was for a short time. I cannot believe he is gone but we will remember him in his life, not his death.