Obituary of Christopher Mathew Gaines

Christopher Mathew Gaines was born March 16, 1966, in Auburn, New York, to Sue Ellen Slater. Sue and Chris were lovingly welcomed into the home of William and Virginia McAvinney, who had five children of their own. When Chris was three he and Sue moved to Greeley, Colorado where she met and married Myron Roy Gaines who adopted Chris. Three siblings followed: Andrew, Adam, and Holly. Chris loved and honored his mother for all the sacrifices she made for her children and for being his biggest fan. When Roy passed, Chris stepped up to fill a fatherly role model for his siblings. He was an example of how to make the most of any situation.  He was very loved by them all. 

From a young age it was evident Chris loved the Lord with all his heart and with all his mind. The Lord blessed Chris with a beautiful tenor voice and with the encouragement of his mother he started to sing in church and school. Chris took every opportunity to share the message of Jesus’ love and grace through, with his beautiful voice. Chris sang solo, duets, choir, and groups but it was his discovery of Southern Gospel Music that brought him his greatest joy.

Chris loved any Colorado athletic team but especially the Broncos. As a boy he spent hours playing football by himself and doing the play by play of his imaginary game. 

Anyone who met Chris was touched by his humor. He had an innate ability to laugh at himself. He was quick witted, and his humor put those around him at ease and often in stitches.

On September 26, 1993, Chris married, Ene Beattie. Together they were blessed to share over 24 years of genuine love and true adoration for one another. They had five near perfect children: Johnny, Bianca, Garrett, Kathryn, and Ella. Not enough can be said for how much Chris loved his family.  He was so very proud of the accomplishments of each one of his children and was grateful to see each one’s unique personality.

In 2002 Chris met his birth father William Wemple Strong. They forged a close relationship.

In 2011 Chris and Ene decided to be partners in a new adventure. They moved their family to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho where they opened a Home Instead Senior Care Franchise.  Together, they settled their family into a new community and worked harder than ever to build a business they were proud of. 

Chris graduated Campion Academy and Union College completing his degree in Communications with Public Relations emphasis.

Survivors: Ene Beattie Gaines, wife; Children: Johnny, Bianca (Andrew Hastings), Garrett, Kathryn, and Ella, grandchildren, Piper, Dayton, Grayson and Miley.  Sue Gaines, mother; Bill Strong (Cheryl), father; Siblings: Andrew (Luci), Adam (Seunghee), Holly Rose (Darren); Joyce Gaines, aunt; Bonitta Beattie, mother-in-law; and Tebow (world’s best dog).

Preceded; Roy Gaines, Marie Gaines, Willard Gaines

Memorial gifts can be made to Campion Academy, 300 SW 42nd Street, Loveland, Colorado 80537.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, Dec 1, 2017 at 2:00 pm - Prairie View Cemetery 7091 N. Ramsey Rd. in Coeur d’ Alene with a memorial service to follow on Saturday Dec. 2, 2017 at 3:00 pm at the Seventh Day Adventist Church 111 E. Locust Ave. Coeur d’ Alene with a reception to follow.