Christopher Floyd Pearson

There is a story about a young child who heard that the neighbor next door had just passed away. This child’s family, not thinking that the little boy understood the meaning of those words, were confused when he insisted on going over there to see the family member who was now there all alone.

He was gone for what seemed like a very long time, but eventually he returned with a smile upon his face. When his family asked him, what was he doing there so long he simply stated… “First, I helped him cry and then I helped him smile.” His parents were confused, “You helped him cry?” they asked. “How did you do that?”

“I just hugged him,” he said. “How did you help him smile?” they asked. He simply answered, “I just listened as he told me about some of the places they had gone and talked about the things they had seen together and that made us smile.” Ah…the wisdom of a child.

No one had taught him how to care, no one told him what someone needs when they have lost a loved one from their lives, and no one stopped him from doing what he instinctively felt in his heart that was right. I guess the moral here is “First you cry.”

But we must not miss the second part of this little boys’ heartfelt lesson about grieving. Remember he said, they then shared memories of better times, ending with “and that made us smile.” This is what today is all about.

Good morning, and welcome everyone, my name is Becky Hinton, and I am humbled and privileged to be the Funeral Celebrant today, as we honor a man who has been such a large part of all your lives; Christopher Floyd Pearson. The common denominator everyone shares today is Christopher. If you had not been touched by this man’s life, in some way, big or small, you would not be here. This thread, which connects us all, may seem fragile, but I assure you it’s not. This bond, shared between him and you, may be one of blood as family, or mutual respect, sharing of similar interests, a hunger to learn, a willingness to help or your never-ending love. You have all played an important role in his life and for many of you who have known him throughout the years, this man has played a significant role in your lives as well. Christopher’s death has left a hole in the hearts of his incredible family; he leaves behind his devoted wife, Jeannie; daughter, Sarah and her husband, Dano; son, Ashe; daughter, Chelsea and her husband, Richard; daughter, Stephanie and her husband, Cody; daughter, April and her husband, Avo; sister, Robbie; brother, Todd and his wife, Suzy; grandsons Ezra and Broc and a granddaughter on the way; and cousin, Donna and her husband, Jeff.

On behalf of Christopher’s family, thank you for being here for this important moment. Whether you came from near or far, nothing takes the place of friends and family at a time like this. Your support has lifted them up and will continue to help them get through this time of loss and readjustment in all of their lives.

As we open this time of celebration and remembrance, I would like to invite April to lead us in the Lord’s Prayer.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven;

Hallowed be Thy Name;

Thy kingdom come;

Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven;

Give us this day our daily bread;

And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us;

And lead us not into temptation;

But deliver us from evil;

For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever.

Amen.

While we pause to listen to a song, please try to think of a memory of Christopher, you might like to share with everyone, later in the service.

Song— “Go Rest High”

Christopher Floyd Pearson was born November 11, 1956 in Somis, California to Floyd and Venna (Coleman) Pearson. He grew up in a very loving family; they did lots of camping, travelling and outdoor activities. His parents divorced but they continued to spend time together, so there was no friction.

Christopher spent time at Christian summer camps, he was a fantastic swimmer and loved to surf, so was only natural that he became a lifeguard as well. He was a handsome young man and quite popular with the ladies.

After graduating from high school, Christopher went through a phase of partying and screwing around. He decided his life needed direction, so he joined the United States Air Force. He was proud to be an American and to be able to serve his country. During his time in the military he was a “Security Specialist”, with a rank of “Senior Airman”. According to his buddy, Jeff Fautt, “Chris dealt with the mind-numbing boredom of making sure nobody stole any nukes out of the ground, missiles off the shelf or armed fighter planes in or out of the hangar”.

Christopher met and married Julie, and they welcomed three children: a son they named Ashe and two daughters, Chelsea and Stephanie. Unfortunately, the marriage ended, and the kids stayed with their Mom.

Before online dating became popular, people answered personal ads in the newspaper. Christopher placed an ad and Jeannie answered. She thought he sounded intriguing, but he waited two weeks to contact her! Jeannie was finishing up work at her hair salon when he called. They discovered they lived about 45 minutes from one another and they talked for hours! It was 11:30 pm and he asked if she wanted to meet. Jeannie thought, “If he’s as cute as he sounds and kisses good—I’m in”! As she pulled up to Christopher’s place, he was outside waiting, with a beaming smile on his face! The chemistry they felt on the phone intensified when he hugged and kissed her. Jeannie said, “It was great”!

After dating for about a year, Jeannie took him out to dinner, got down on one knee (with a ring) and proposed! She even booked a hotel room to celebrate the engagement!

They were together five years before tying the knot, and every time they had a spat, Christopher threw his ring out his truck window! Fortunately, he found out where she bought it, so he stocked up and bought six replacements!

Jeannie had two daughters, 12-year-old Sarah and 3-year-old. Christopher welcomed the girls’ Dad into their home, to celebrate holidays and birthdays together. He was always very gracious, just like his parents had been after their divorce.

He and Jeannie’s visited her parents in Lake Havasu, they came to Phoenix to see NASCAR, and Christopher liked the valley. They made 8 visits before finding a home and moving to Arizona. Daughter, April started seventh grade here.

Jeannie said, “It was a very modest house, but it had a great vibe”. Christopher was in love with Arizona weather (particularly in summer), their backyard pool and that freeways ran at a much slower pace here!

Christopher was self-employed and ran “CFP Painting” for 42 years. He got into the trade through his friend, Rocky, who taught him nearly everything he knew. Christopher was extremely detailed, patient and precise with his work. And though it was wonderful to only answer to himself, it could often be very stressful. It took a while for Christopher to establish his business here, but his impeccable results led to loads of referrals. He started over all by word of mouth! He was incredibly hard every day, so painting his own home was low on his list of priorities. He recently painted the inside of the house (except the kitchen) and it only took him 14 years to finally do it! Someone once said, “Being your own boss is great. You get to choose which 18 hours a day you work”! ~unknown.

Birthdays were a huge deal to him and carrot cake was his favorite, so Jeannie always made him one. It sounds more like a wedding cake, because it tipped the scales at 25 pounds!

Christopher appreciated jewelry, he was particularly fond of silver and turquoise and he preferred to wear bolo ties. Two years ago, the family had a custom turquoise shaped scorpion bolo tie made for him. It was a one-of-a-kind piece, and it blew him away!

He took forever to unwrap gifts, he was emotional and he did a funny thing with his hands—Jeannie said, “We called it, The Tyrannosaurus Rex”! He often sent random texts or pictures, especially on Saturdays, because he was home while Jeannie was working.

When it came to food, he liked Bow-tie pesto pasta, Beer Butt chicken on the BBQ, Ribeye steak and cantaloupe. He was not talented using the BBQ! Christopher spent most of his leisure time in the pool. He was even able to watch tv while swimming. Once, Jeannie asked him to watch the BBQ while she went inside to change the laundry. Upon returning, she found their dinner on fire! She asked him, “Did you check the steaks”? To which Christopher replied, “You told me to watch them”! Without missing a beat, Jeannie tossed one of the charred steaks into the pool, but Christopher fished it out and ate it! She asked, “How’s the chlorine”? “It’s alright”, he muttered!

He came up with some really strange food combinations; he took hummus, peanut butter, orange marmalade, banana and pretzels and mixed them together! Christopher had a sweet tooth; he loved Peanut butter and chocolate ice cream, Reese’s Peanut butter cups and peanut butter cookies. See a theme there?! He also enjoyed Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer, wine, Honey Jack Whiskey, Rockstar energy drinks and black coffee, which Jeannie freshly ground each morning.

Jeannie smoked cigars and Christopher smoked Natural American Spirit cigarettes. He had rough hands but refused to use lotion. He was a meticulous dresser, but asked Jeannie to style his hair. After she finished, he ran his hands through and made it all stand up!

Christopher was a huge NASCAR fan and his favorite driver was Dale Earnhardt Jr. He looked forward to Arizona Diamondbacks games and was really disappointed that he didn’t get to attend games this year, because of Covid-19. He was interested in freestyle motocross, especially rider, Brian Deegan, who was the first to do a 360° in competition.

Christopher owned two Harley Davidson’s. His latest bike only had about five thousand miles on it. He had fun riding out to the “Hideaway” in Cave Creek, but his first-choice place to hangout was, “The Road Runner” in New River—it was very rustic, open, western themed and he knew the barkeeps and waitresses.

He felt very comfortable at both spots, he enjoyed meeting new people, and he never knew a stranger. With his intelligence and knowledge of current events, he could find common ground with anyone.

On television, he spent time watching Cops and Live PD. He also watched, Dancing with the Stars and The Bachelor, but he could never seem to be quiet—he kept interrupting, and always screwed it up! He liked watching movies at home or in the theater. He liked action, horror and scary movies the best. Flicks like, John Wick, The Matrix, Mission Impossible and Top Gun. He loved actor, Tom Cruise, but Kevin Costner was his favorite. He probably watched, Dances with Wolves a hundred times, and he was thrilled to have met Kevin Costner at a school function for one of his kids!

Christopher was an amazing artist. He called it “doodling”, and he drew his dogs, he painted a pink flamingo, a gorilla, a palm tree, a saguaro and a scantily clad woman among other things. He had a beautiful signature and always turned the first initial of a person’s name, into something special.

Christopher was very proud to have learned Shotokan Karate, a weaponless martial art, founded on the basic techniques of punching, striking, kicking and blocking, and character development. He even coached his girls in soccer when they were young.

He loved to take drives, and travelled around California, Lake Havasu, Florida and Cancun.

They had two pugs, Max and Norma Jean. Norma Jean was Christopher’s girl, but sadly, she passed away several months before he did.

Sarah and April were there when Ashe, Chelsea and Stephanie came for weekend visits. Sarah considered Christopher to be another father figure. She has wonderful memories of deep conversations with him. They talked about life, religion, politics and he gave her business advice.

Christopher loved being a grandpa. He was “Papa Chris” and had fun anytime he was with Ezra. They had fun watching a show about Sasquatch, Papa Chris told him all about the legends and they even found a video online to watch together.

Papa Chris was able to hold the newest addition (baby Broc) while his parents attended an out-of-town bachelor and bachelorette party. It was the one and only photo of him with the baby.

Now, I would like to share a special text message Christopher sent to Sarah.

“Hi Love…I am so happy for you.

It is so very Awesome foremost of the Amazing gifts you have in your life.

The newest being Broc.

Of course, I am in love with this Amazing Birth...and the Amazing Baby you have worked so hard for.

A Big Deal…Yes It Is.

You’re Family...Dano…Ezra....and Yourself are blessed from the Most High...The Creator has given.

I have chosen time to pass a bit...so as to allow this newness, for you and you're Family to begin to rest through the moment of all.

I have you on my mind and in my Heart always...I have been with you in Spirit. Please do not think I am ignoring you…or the love you have for me. I have always been wanting to give the proper time to others first, it is my nature to give the special place of Birth to the Family First.

I am to excited for another Grandson...he will be Great.

Ezra and He will thrive together as partners...Brothers and Friends forever. I am looking forward to meeting Broc...I just want you to have your time...settling in.

You and I can talk about this at some point…once...time prepares itself for my visit.

I Love You.

And again...please don’t think I have gone from this.

I'm right here, always thinking of the Family.”

When it came to stress, Christopher was very introverted and wasn’t able to ask for help. When asked, his stock answer was, “I’m fine”. He had a temper when it came to finances.

Instead of using hand towels, Christopher kept a paper towel in his pocket, and he always left water spots on Jeannie’s black granite counter tops! He had terrible dance skills! Jeannie said, “It was too embarrassing to be his partner”! Even so, he made some really great memories going to the bars with Jeannie, Sarah and Dano.

He loved loud music, and some of his favorite artists were Journey, Hal Ketchum, Michael Jackson and old-style country music. While in his truck, he kept the volume low and the windows down. He liked the feel of the outside air and drove all around the valley without using his perfectly good air conditioning!

He enjoyed talking on the phone, and it was not unusual for him to have four-hour conversations with his brother, Todd. He also stayed in close contact with friends, John, Debbie and Chuck among others.

The couple were proud to be homeowners; Jeannie never thought she’d have her own place, and she credits her husband with making it a reality. Christopher reassured her and said, “this is our forever home, and we’ll always be here”.

He was in his element out in the backyard, cooling off in the pool and laying underneath the umbrella in his lounge chair. The couple worked long hours, and were mostly on their feet. So, when they had time to sit outside and unwind, he always said, “It’s good to see you relaxing”.

Christopher had dreams and goals for the future. He hated flying, but intended to take Jeannie to Hawaii next year, to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary. He also planned to road trip around the United States—visiting family and friends.

Jeannie has an array of orchids, and Christopher was responsible for most of the flowers in her collection. In fact, he gave her an exquisite purple bloom to celebrate their last anniversary.

The two shared in a remarkable relationship. He called her Mama and Honey—They lived simply, felt completely free to be themselves and adored one another. While they weren’t perfect individuals, they were a perfect pair! Jeannie said, “I never wanted him to go to work, and I couldn’t wait for him to come home. Even if we fought, everything was ok”.

An unknown author wrote,

Love Isn’t Always Perfect

Love isn’t always perfect

It isn’t a fairy-tale or a storybook.

And it doesn’t always come easy.

Love is overcoming obstacles, facing challenges,

fighting to be together, holding on and never letting go.

It is a short word, easy to spell, difficult to define,

and impossible to live without.

Love is work, but most of all,

love is realizing that every hour, every minute, and

every second it was worth it because you did it together.

In honor of the life Christopher and Jeannie shared, we will now pause to listen to something very special. It was their wedding song.

Song— “Amazed”

It was my privilege to begin this conversation…but only those who truly knew this extraordinary man can tell the real story… To speak of someone is to pay respect, and it is said that we do not remember days but we remember moments…please share those moments with us now…tell us what has brought you so much joy…

• I’d like to start by inviting Stephanie and Chelsea to come up and speak.

• Christopher’s brother, Todd has written something he would like their brother-in-law, Steve to read at this time.

“What could I tell you about Chris?

I could tell you how he taught me to catch a ball and throw a frisbee. When we would play football in the living room or when he would say he let me win at basketball. He didn't let win BY THE WAY!

That’s not what’s important.

I want to tell you about the love he has for Jeannie.

When I was in the hospital in 1996, from December to February. Chris would come see me every day.

He stopped by one day started telling me about this amazing woman he had met. Then the next night again this amazing woman story.

Then the next night this amazing woman story again. I knew then we would be seeing more of this amazing woman.

He would go on and on about this wonderful amazing woman. He'd say she's smart and she's beautiful and she has a heart of gold. He was there with me every day for months, that is, when he wasn't with this amazing woman.

I tell you I was very happy for him.

But if I heard one more story about this amazing woman, I was going to pull my hair out. So, for about 25 years now I've been lucky enough to know this amazing woman that made my beloved brother so happy. Jeannie you really did like no other person could ever do.

All he wanted was to provide for Jeannie and have a beautiful family and home which he did.

I would call him to see what's up he would say I'm in the pool watching the D backs or a race waiting for the wife to come home. Then he'd say she's home. I'd hear him say hi honey!

Jeannie would bust his balls a bit. He'd laugh say I better go then 3 hours later we would hang up. We would talk everyday if we didn't to connect for some reason he would call or text and leave a message. Saying Toddy missed your call. Call me love you bro. So, to my beloved brother. I miss you love you brother.”

• I’d like to invite Mike to come up and share.

• Finally, I would like to invite Sarah to come forward.

At this time, we’d like to hear from everyone else. You don’t have to have anything prepared- just speak from your heart. Who would like to share a memory?

It can be very difficult to get up and speak in a situation like this, so I encourage you to visit Chapel of the Chimes website, where you can leave a condolence message or a memory. They will be printed in a book (along with all the pictures you’ve seen on the screens) as a keepsake for Christopher’s family.

We will now listen to one more song.

Song— “I Can Only Imagine”

Author Dianne Arcangel wrote:

“Grief comes in one size, Extra Large. If we tuck it away in the bottom drawer where it never sees the light of day, it remains exactly the same. On the other hand, if we wear it, feel it, talk about it, and share it with others, it is likely that it will become faded, shrunk and worn, or will simply no longer fit. When grief has served its purpose, we are able to recognize the many gifts we have gained.”

As our gathering comes to an end,

and you prepare to leave,

may you take the memory of Christopher with you,

tuck it in a special place in your heart,

and never let him be forgotten.

May you honor his life,

by, enjoying the outdoors,

staying in touch with family and friends,

and finding joy in simple pleasures,

for the remainder of your life,

just as Christopher did!

* * * * * * * * * *

Christopher Floyd Pearson, age 63, of Glendale, Arizona passed away on Monday, September 14, 2020. He was born November 11, 1956 in Somis, California to Floyd and Venna (Coleman) Pearson.

Christopher served in the Air Force as a Security Specl. He later moved to Arizona began his own very successful commercial painting business. Christopher was a avid fan of the Arizona Cardinals and the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was also enjoyed NASCAR and was a fan of Dale Earnhardt.

A Memorial service will be held on Monday, October 26, 2020 from 11:00 AM at Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary, 7924 North 59th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301. A Committal service will follow at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85392.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapeloftheChimesMortuary.com for the Pearson family.