Racine – Christopher Harrison Edwards, age 55, of Racine, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at Wheaton Franciscan Medical Center, Racine on March 11, 2012 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri on September 19, 1956 to Peter G. and Joan D. Edwards. Christopher was raised in Gambier, Ohio and attended Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.
In 1977 his family moved east to Massachusetts, and Christopher spent several wonderful years working as a carpenter with his cousin Tim Gillespie in Westport Massachusetts. He fondly remembered this as one of the happiest times of his life. On June 14, 1980, he was united in marriage to Barbara “Beth” Stockwell at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in New Britain, Connecticut. In 1982, he returned to college and studied computer programming at Southeastern Massachusetts University, now UMass Dartmouth. In 1995, he moved his family to Wisconsin to begin work with a small engineering company called Automation Engineering in Racine, Wisconsin, now known as TriCore, Inc. He worked at this company until the time of his death.
Perhaps the most enduring legacy that he leaves his family is his love for Curly Rocks, the family’s summer cottage on a little island in Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada, where they summered every year. For many years, Christopher was a faithful member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Racine, but in 2010 he began a journey to become a member of the Roman Catholic faith. He and his wife Beth became members of St. Lucy’s Catholic Church in April, 2011.
Family left to cherish Christopher’s memory include his wife of 31 years, Beth; their two children, daughter Jessica, and son William, both of Milwaukee; mother Joan Edwards of Columbus, Ohio; brother Jonathan (Beth Anne) Edwards and nephew and niece Bateman and Alexandra Edwards, all of Leverkusen, Germany; sister-in-law Susan (Nicholas) Fletcher of Austin, Texas; and father-in-law Francis Stockwell of Austin, Texas. He is further survived by many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Peter G. Edwards, and mother-in-law, Laurel Stockwell.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Lucy’s Catholic Church (3101 Drexel Avenue) at 11:00 o’clock on Friday, March 16, 2012, with Rev. Mark Jones and Rev. Sean Granger concelebrating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Thursday, March 15, 2012 from 4 until 7 p.m. in the funeral home; or Friday in the church beginning at 10 a.m. Memorials have been suggested to the family, or to Froedtert Hospital Foundation, 9200 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53226.
The family wishes to express their most sincere gratitude and appreciation for the many fine physicians at Froedtert Hospital who helped Christopher throughout his illness, and the wonderful caring staff of Wheaton Franciscan Home Health and Hospice, especially nurses Mary and Barb.
Diane says
You know my thoughts are with you all at this incredibly difficult time.
May the happiest memories of love and laughter bring comfort to your hearts.
Gerard Kennedy says
I work with Tricore Inc. in the California Office. Chris was on my interview panel. The question I remember him asking me at my interview is where I grew up in Ireland. He explained that his mom is originally from Kilkenny in Ireland. This is the neighboring county to Tipperary, where I grew up. I rememeber this particularly because it is rare to come across people with Irish conenctions in this business.
After my interview I had only occasional contact with Chris. I do remember him as a very kind and decent person every time I had any contact. Very patient, kind and a real pleasure to work with. He was a thorough gentleman and a role model in the company. He will be sorely missed on both a personal and professional basis.
I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Chris’ family and friends for your tragic loss at this time.
Gerard Kennedy.
Tom & Tracy Pataska says
Love & prayers from our family to yours.
Tom, Tracy, & Matthew
Ellen and Larry Cardwell says
We remember Chris from our time together at St. Luke’s Church and our membership in “The Exodus Club”. We know how courageously he and Beth addressed his cancer and his dignity and kindness during treatment He will be missed by many. Our care and comfort to Beth and his family.
Brittany Hyde says
Chris was a great co-worker. I knew I could count on him to help me out anytime I needed. He will truly be missed here at TriCore. My prayers go out your entire family.
Judy says
Dear Beth, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time.
Nanette, Kayla &fun Kaeden says
Beth, Jess, Will,
We can’t imagine the pain. We know how strong and amazing you are. We are here for you always.
We love you.
Doug Alexander says
What a wonderful guy! We will miss his laconic style and great sense of humor.
aiset
Debbi says
I knew Christopher through Jonathan, Beth Anne and his Mother Joan. I know Christopher was a loving Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle and Son. My heart goes out to the entire family at this time. I am sorry I cannot be there with you. Much love.. Deb
Cheri Yandrick says
With all my love and sympathy to my dear friend, Beth, and for Jessica and William – seek peace and comfort in the Lord whom Chris cherished and loved and the faith he lived. – Cheri
Mike, Stacy, Emma, Luke, Chad & Ally says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Beth, Jess & Will; we love you and will always cherish your family and the unselfish love and time you have given ours. May the wonderful memories you have flood your hears and give you strength.
Jane and Barb says
Critter, continue to keep
your shiny side up.
Jane and Barb
Robert E Bennett says
Dear Joan: I am so sorry to hear of Christopher's early death — and glad to realize how happy his life was. I'm dating a man in Worthington and in Columbus a lot so if and when you have time and energy, please get in touch — would love to see you.
Diane says
Dear Beth….May God shower you with His love, strength and courage during this time of deep sorrow. Try to remember the love you shared, the blessing’s in your life and please know, Chris with always be with you. Love & big bear hugs…Diane
William Furniss says
I just found out about Christophers passing. My deepest sympathies to his family. May you rest in Peace Old Friend.