Christian-  thank you for all of your help and warmth welcoming me to the chapter last year.  I moved from very far away and you helped to bring me into the SA Chapter family, and I appreciate everything you did for me personally, and all you did for our incredible chapter.  You will be missed. God Bless, Rest In Peace, Christian.   

Christian always had a way of helping without making you feel like your questions were dumb. His sense of humor was unique. Several years ago while working a TYFA game with him, he flagged the coach before the game started after the coach made a nasty comment. I thought, “I love this guy”. He was loyal to his family, friends, the game, and the Chapter.
He will be missed.

I met Christian for the first time at a meeting at Hero's Stadium.
after the meeting, He took the time to visit with me. This simple act meant so much to me. He became a friend and a confidant when I was learning to cope with the death of my father.

Christian always took the time to talk football and life, was empathetic towards me, and yet a very private individual. It seems he always knew that just lending an ear would help , no strings attached.

He always had a smile that was genuine. j

I will miss him as a mentor on the field and as a friend off of it.

Truly, I am heartbroken for his family. There are no words to make it easier, or better. Life instantly becomes different without "Dad". 

Know that you all are in my prayers, as I hope you are able to find peace quicker and easier than I did.

Sincerely

John Grindrod

Christian my crew Chief, brother I will miss you. I would always look forward to being on the field with you, from the time we would see each other it would always bring a smile to my face.  thank you for all the good times. I will always remember you and will always let people know that you was my Friend. Love you Brother and till we see each other again. Will always raise a beer for you. 

I remember inviting him to lunch at Spaghetti Warehouse.  I showed up to meet him there and to my surprise he was wearing a guayabera shirt (black with a white stripe).  I was wearing a similar shirt.  We both looked at each other and laughed.  The waitress asked if we planned this and Christian commented "We are in a mariachi band".  The waitress laughed and it set the tone for a very enjoyable lunch.  

Christian and I worked together for about 12 years. We both left our previous employer about the same time but ran into each other last November at a conference in Dallas. I hadn’t seen him in two years!! But it was like seeing my Big brother! He was one of the first “corporate” people I met when I started with our old company and he quickly became the known jokester. He said I was an easy target because I was “blonde” but I had my comebacks!! For years it was email jokes and VPN pranks. One year during a training in San Antonio I locked my keys in my car on the last day of training as I left my hotel. I was over an hour late to class and as I walked in he of course had to embarrass me. He stopped the class and everyone started clapping and then in true Christian form he posted a picture on the screen of my face and hands peering into a car window with keys sitting on the seat and some smart comment on the heading about my being blonde. I still don’t know how that guy was so good at memes and photo shop!! I will miss him and my heart goes out to Sarah, the kids, his mom and the rest of the family!! Prayers for all who loved him!

So sorry for your loss. Condolences to Sarah,Christine,Serena,Analise,Tiago, and Sylvia. Remember all the good times you had with Christian. Hope you find comfort during this difficult time.


After h.s i kinda lost contact with alot of friends i was living in houston but i was here visiting family. I went to Heb on kitty hawk and from clear across the store i here GoTexans. So me being a fan i turn and look and we reconized eachother met in the middle and it was my old friend Christian Contreras in his watt jersy and i was in my johnson jersy we talked about the team and connected on fb. I love all the funny jokes about the cowboys he would send me and post..  Us Texans stick together. He invited me several times to go tailgait and to games even when i told him i was sick and broke he always offered to come pik me and my kids up to go to a game with him i always told next time when i get back on my feet. He said Henry dont worry i got you. Now eveytime i watch a game and we win or have a big play i know its cuz he is there yelling at the guys to play harder.. You will be missed and never forgotten . rip my Texans Brother. Go Texans Go

People come into our lives for a Reason, a Season or a Lifetime. If it's possible, I think Christian came into mine for all of those. We know God has a plan for all of us and when needed, He will give us "course corrections". 

I first met Christian when I became a TASO Football Official in 2002.  He was on the crew for my first game as Back Judge with Ron Jenkins.  I also worked semi-pro with Christian with the last being the "State Playoff Championship" game at Wheatley Heights.  In 2016, I ran for President of TASO-SA and lost by a narrow margin.  I was going to run again in 2018 and had talked with a few fellow officials, with Christian being one of those.  We exchanged emails and spoke about what we wanted for the Chapter.  The things I wanted to see change in the Chapter were the same as his.  I decided NOT to run based on other factors as well, but the primary reason was that I was comfortable with him directing the Chapter.  Because of Christian, I might run again to finish his term and what he started.  I would be humbled by his guidance from above

As a coworker at ISS,  Christian helped guide me through JD Edwards ERP software and because of the time I spent with him, I now have an awesome job at Whataburger that started as Lead Software Quality Assurance Analyst over JDE and now encompasses our ordering app, along with JDE.  My time at ISS with Christian was short, but part of His plan for me.  After leaving ISS, my wife and I started Dive In Pool Service & Repair and it is still going strong.  Shortly after starting that business, I received a call from Whataburger and they "made me an offer I couldn't refuse"...so I now do both.

I say all that to get to this point...We never know why someone comes into our lives, nor do we know the impact they will have on us.  Christian was a tremendous and great man, and I will miss him dearly.

Christian was a great guy.  I have been going to the chapter meetings the last few years to stay up on the rules as I am a sports broadcaster.  Just saw him 2 days before he passed.  He was always good on letting me know about rules changes and such.

He will be sorely missed.

Greg

I worked with Christian at Friedrich Air Conditioning Co in the 2000's.  We kept in touch through face book over the years.  I'm a lucky man to have met Chris and I think I'm a better man was well.  I'm saddened  his life force is no longer with us here, but I'm also excited for his new life with the Lord.  I'm praying for his family and friends in this time of loss.  Tim Takacs

Christian was kind, gentle, humble and comical.  I officiated a few games with him over the past 6 years, and it took a while for him to reveal  all of his personality.  When you got all of him it was amazing to witness.  RIP my friend and officiate heaven until we get there.  

I was deeply saddened by the shocking news of Christian's passing.  My heart felt condolences to you and your entire family.. I'll miss Christian's smile and his humor.  

Thomas carson thank God for meeting Christian contreras for his love and understanding that Chris share with me and other.God bless his family and everyone else with love and understanding.

I first met Christian last year during a referee clinic, he was very friendly and passionate about football.  It was an honor to work with him on the board of directors and to have him as our President.

Alex

Christian gave me my first opportunity to become a San Antonio football official. He was my mentor and I looked up to him more and more on every game that we did together

Most Sincere Condolences to  all of Christian's Family. Prayers and warm thoughts in his memory. Genuine good guy with a sense of humor always. 

Sarah and family,
When I first heard the news of Christian's passing I was in total disbelief  and shock, as was all of his officiating brothers and sisters. We all share a common bond with Christian, not only was he our chapter president and fellow football official but more importantly he was my friend. His sense of humor, wit and  an all around great guy was a testament to who he was as a person and how he made you feel whenever you were around him. We lost and heaven gained a wonderful soul. May his lasting memory be forever a blessing...
Ron Isgur 

Very fond memories of  refereeing football with Christian and cracking jokes afterwards. Whether it was on the field or doing a casino event while he was dealing cards, he had me laughing all the time! Contreras family know  that he has been a  force for good in this wild world.  May you receive the warmest regards to your family in this time of transition. 
Schertz Councilman 
Cedric Edwards Sr 

I have lived in San Antonio for just over one year, but Christian was a tremendous help to me in getting me into the football officiating scene here in Texas.  Even though I was a football official for 20 years before moving here, there was much I had to learn about how things are done in Texas.  Whenever I had a question, Christian was there with the answer.  Whenever I didn't know where to go, he was there to show me.  We did not get to talk a lot, but what I saw and knew of him was that he was a man who cared about both the individual official and the San Antonio Chapter of Football Officials.  He was looked up to by many people, and he will be missed. 

My memories are simple ones--I had the pleasure of watching both Christian and Sarah grow from teens to fine adults while working at Fiesta Texas

Both were fine employees and friends...Christian had a terrific smile and a kind heart along with a sick sense of humor

He will be missed

Always upbeat and positive, with a ready smile, even when he shouldn't have.. great teacher/mentor in a sport he was a natural leader in.. we will miss you!

To the Contreras family, my condolences to you on your loss. May the healing hand of the Lord comfort you during this very difficult time. My thoughts and Prayers are with you.  Rest in Peace Christian, you will be missed. 

Losing you has been tragic and is still hard to grasp.  My last memory of you is your legacy...wanting to give of yourself, in any way possible, and dedicated to helping your family, friends and fellow officials while doing it with an occasional joke, but always with a smile or laugh as big as your passion.  
You made a difference Christian, one of the rays of light in a sometimes dark world.  You are missed my brother....Godspeed.

Great man with an incredible sense of humor and humility.   I worked with him when Sanitor's was still a smaller company and I do not think there was a day that he came to work in a bad mood.

I am truly sorry for your loss, and I can only send prayers for you and your family.

Christian, 

There was never a time when you weren’t present in my life. You were always there when I needed you, four houses over and across the street. We made so many memories together growing up that I can’t put all of them into words. 

I remember going with you to pinewood derby’s for Boy Scouts, playing in the parks for hours, tetherball, video games, birthday parties, playing in your backyard,  catechism, our first communion, church, and carpooling to college. There was ALWAYS laughter. That I will never forget. 

I am so grateful that we got to spend the time together that we did. I don’t think I ever once told you that I loved you and for that I’m sorry. I love you Christian. You were like a brother to me. I’m so happy that you found more friends and most importantly love and happiness. When your children are older, I hope to share with them the many memories I have of you. There are just so many to tell. 

You haven’t been four houses over and across the street for a while now, but you were always there. My heart is broken now that you are gone, but I know that you’ll be saving a room for me in the house of God, quite possibly four rooms over and across the hall. 

Love,
Maricelle Hernandez Thornton


I only moved to San Antonio in June 2017 after officiating football in 14 years prior to that. I had numerous conversations with Chris about not only football but about San Antonio and the Schertz area where we chose to reside. I respected his openness and candor and especially his love of the game and the kids who played it. He will be missed. 

I'm saddened to hear the sudden loss of Christian 
Christian was always joking and hassling me about my COWBOYS and I in turn gave it right to him about his Texans. Bit 1 thing he was respectful towards me and never did it get out hand with the hassling.  I'm gonna miss you man but I'm happy you're in a better place.  GOD Bless you and your family in this difficult time 

My heartfelt condolences to the Contreras family.  Although we grieve now, the memory of his strong character, and excellent sense of humor, will provide us motivation for the rest of our lives.  R.I.P. Chrisitian, you will not be forgotten.

Christian, during the time you have been an office holder you have provided the needed leadership to run an organization this large. That leadership plus your friendship will be missed. Rest In Peace my brother.

To  Sarah, the children and the entire Contreras family, I  wish to offer my sincere condolences and pray God to give you the strength to carry on in this difficult time.
Christian was a dedicated leader to the San Antonio Chapter of TASO.
All of the TASO  state Board members who had contact with Christian, to a man, indicated his professionalism and want to have what is best for "his San Antonio members".
He will be dearly missed by his chapter members and the entire statewide membership of  the TASO Football Division.
May eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord, and Perpetual Light shine upon him and may he rest in peace. Amen. 

Bill Fecci
Ex Officio State BOD 
TASO Football Division

Christian was a dependable friend who loved football. He will be remembered for a long time to come. My prayers extend to his family and friends. This is a sad loss for us all. 

Christian was so dedicated to our association.  If it were not for Christian, I would not have returned to officiate football in San Antonio.  He welcomed me back with open arms.  He was a wonderful man.

Christian was everybody's friend, and those of us who got to know him are richer for it. 
Our connection beyond football was our shared love of ice hockey.  We initiated a friendship by partnering to redesign the Chapter's Mentor Program in June of 2018, and I learned through his Facebook posts of his fanatical support of the local Rampage professional team, that he was a season ticket holder and would even take his family on vacations that would include Rampage road games. I was born and raised for the first 41 years of my life in St. Louis, playing hockey for most of those years, and when my childhood team the St. Louis Blues made the Rampage their Triple A affiliate starting in in 2018 season, our mutual journey of cheering on the Blues to the Stanley Cup championship (their first ever in 52 years) began. I am so grateful that Christian was able to enjoy that.
There is so much to share about Christian but I think this anecdote says it all.  We both worked a spring scrimmage at Alamo Heights on May 13, my birthday.  When he found out that I was going to head home afterwards and not celebrate, he insisted that I meet him and some of his Crew at a local watering hole "for a cold one on me".  He was always focused on creating memories.
And speaking of memories, mine will be his beaming smile, his unmistakable laugh (often about something innocently mischievous), and his belief in the capacity of living fully. 

Christian, Sarah and I met many, many years ago, before they were “Christian and Sarah” 😬.  I worked with them many years but one particular moment stays with me.  Christian and I were co supervisors at a stand called Zaragoza. I told C that I had been promoted but it hadn't been announced.  Needless to say, the team had a surprise party only hours later.  He was a kind, FUN and wonderful person.

Many years later, as his girls were in Girl Scouts, he offered to bring cookies I would buy to the park.  This was FAR and I always felt bad, but he never complained.  Each time he asked “hows the new ride coming?”.  After the second time, I quickly realized it wasn’t about the 4 meager boxes I bought, but more about seeing a sneak peak at the progress of the ride (and supporting his girls!). He loved those Coasters!

God Bless Him, his family, and Everyone who has wonderful memories just like these.

Christian. You were an inspiration to us all. Your selfless sacrifice to the chapter and your sense of humor will be missed. Rest In Peace brother. 

Christian was always there if I needed something for the new member training team. All I had to do was call and he would tell me where do you want to meet and what time. He regarding training of officials (all officials) a high priority so they could serve the schools, teams and players at the highest level possible. He practiced what he preached when it came to helping others. He is going to be missed even by those he never met because of his commitment to excellence of the San Antonio chapter he served.

Condolences to the family! Although my experience with Christian was short he was a very caring person that didn't mind helping anyone achieve success. You will be missed my friend. Rest easy!

Thoughts and prayers to Christian's family and all of us who had the pleasure of knowing him.  The passion that Christian brought to his life and his desire to help others was contagious.  Those of us that had the pleasure of spending some time with him are truly blessed.  Live everyday to it's fullest.  God bless. 

Roman's 12:6 We have different gifts according to the grace given us...v.7-8 If it is serving, let him serve...if it is encouraging,  let him encourage, if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently. 

Christian was a uniter. He had that unique ability to bring people together for the good of all. A true leader, he was able to put the good of the group above the desires of individuals and make people feel good about this avocation of ours. He will be sorely missed. May God bring you comfort this day and the days to come.

My condolences to Christian’s family.

It was an honor and pleasure to have officiated with Christian as a TASO football official. I will always be grateful that he provided me with an opportunity to officiate one of my first varsity games. He always offered constructive feedback and encouragement. Christian will be truly missed. 

May he rest in eternal peace. 

Christian and I worked for the same company- I was located in NJ- we hit it off right away- I found him to be down to earth, funny and always with a good attitude- we haven’t seen each other since 2013 but kept in touch on Facebook- he is truly one of the nicest guys- here on earth it is a great loss but heaven had gained

I enjoyed every moment I can remember with Christian. He was a source of joy and humor, and his wit was resourceful and sharp. So many things. He had enthusiasm, a desire to serve, and a gentle manner. He made me laugh. Silly, I know, but I would especially look forward to his online witty posts and quips, especially in which he would poke fun at Cowboy fans which he loved to do. So many other things he brought in life. My prayers are with his family. I know Christian believed in the Lord so his spirit is with the Lord and he is waiting to bring us all joy of who he is again when we meet again. Until then my friend.

As a new member to football Christian was the first one to greet me. My second year he motivated to return after speaking to him over the summer. You are deeply missed. 

Christian was just teasing me at the State Meeting about my crazy socks. Last Monday I told him I was getting him a pair of crazy socks. My brother I’ll definitely keep the crazy socks going even on Friday nights just for you. RIP my brother.

Christian was a great friend that we grew up with on the West side of U.C.  We played many basketball games, collected cards but most of all shared many great laughs together. While I leave an open Dos Equis for my good friend I will reminisce of looking at Christian staying warm with his uncle in an idling car at the bus stop while Harmin and I froze during winter months and bus rides home giving Mr.Love hell for all the shenanigans that happened on bus #22 😎🤙🏽🍻 

Sarah, Serena, Analise and Tiago, I'm so sorry for the loss of your husband and father. Christian was truly one of a kind, was loved by so many and will always remain in our hearts. He was so, so special and I know I will never know anyone who was as loving, funny, generous, caring, outgoing, sarcastic and overall just a good person. 
I'm keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers and sending you my love.

Sarah we are sorry for your loss.  We are thinking of you and the kids. An Angel taken to soon . We will pray for you all. ❤️

Christian was one of a kind.  He will be missed by many.  He made a lasting impression on everyone he met.  Our most  sincere condolences to the entire family.  Our thoughts and prayers to you. 

Looking for a left handed spatula at Alamo camp out.

My condolences to the family of Christian. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched. 

may God bless our Angel Christian Contreras RIP keep his laughs,jokes and smiles alive Christian one time i will say this go Texans go 

OBITUARY

Christian "Chris" Contreras

September 1, 1976 – August 7, 2019

Colonial Funeral Home

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Past Services

Visitation with a Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass

Interment