Christopher Maple

Described as loving, calm, and generous, Christopher Maple was the sort of man whom everyone wanted to know. He was easy going and level-headed, and he has been described as someone who could just make things better. Chris was blessed to share much of his life with his true love, and together they witnessed their family tree blossom to include the two sons who made him so very proud. A man of many interests, he lived fully in the moments he was given, satiating both his creative and adventurous sides in so many of the things he did with his time. Life will never be the same without Chris here, but he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that will be forever cherished.

The 1950s were a decade to remember. Sometimes recalled as the Nifty Fifties, this period brought us things like rock ’n roll and shows like I Love Lucy and Father Knows Best while blue jeans became part of our wardrobes. The space race between the United States and the Soviet Union got underway, and Rosa Parks set fire to the civil rights movement when she refused to give up her seat on an Alabama bus. It was during this exciting time that William and Mary (Guenin) Maple were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as spring appeared on the horizon in Elyria, Ohio, in 1956. The big day finally arrived on March 24th when the baby boy they named Chris J. made his arrival. He was the second of four children in his family and was raised in Elyria, a suburb of Cleveland, alongside his older sister, Maureen, and his younger brothers, Marshall and Bill. His parents owned some laundromats, which means that Chris and his siblings became very well versed in repairing washing machines. As a young boy he enjoyed things like playing baseball and football, but everyone did play a role in running the family business as well. Chris attended local schools and went on to graduate from Elyria High School in 1974. From there he went on to Western Michigan University where he was on his way to earning his bachelor’s degree over eight years. Although he was willing to work hard, Chris did very much enjoy the social aspects of college rather than the actual school part.

New and exciting changes were in store for Chris when he met the young woman of his dreams. Her name was Robin Butler, and they were introduced in Kalamazoo by her brother. They were quickly drawn to one another and began dating. After ten years, they were married. Together they also raised their two boys, Bill and Matt. Chris was an active part of his boys’ lives, and he was there to support them in their events and activities. They spent over 24 years living on Long Lake, a perfect setting for boat rides and explosive science experiments.

To support his family, Chris made a career with Flowserve beginning from the time he was an intern in college during the early eighties. His work required travel at times, and he was lucky to be able to take his family along with him. When there were people who came stateside for work, Chris was the one to show them around and make sure they experienced something beautiful from our country by the time they left. He was the first to put his arm around others and offer help in any way he could.

A man of many interests, Chris was one to keep busy in his free time. He was passionate about listening to new acts, playing by ear, and sharing his love of guitar with the whole family. He loved to tinker and build things – from 3D printers, laptop re-constructions, and the triple-tripper-double-do-over garage project. He loved taking things apart and seeing how they worked, though putting things back together was not always his forte. Chris was always found behind the camera, often at his son’s baseball games and family gatherings. He also never missed an opportunity to blow things up – illegal fireworks, dry ice bottles, Mentos and coke, tennis ball cannons….and even Maureen’s laptop!

All who knew Chris would agree that he was an extraordinary man to know and love. He was never one to focus on what he had, but rather on enriching the lives of those around him. Chris always put his family and friends first. We have all been so blessed to share this life with him. He was spontaneous and fun-loving with just the right amount of wit mixed in. Chris was most comfortable in a group of people and could bring a room to life. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Chris Maple, of Vicksburg, died on Wednesday, June 24, 2015. Chris’s family includes his wife, Robin; two sons: Bill Maple, of Grand Rapids and Matt Maple, of Vicksburg; mother: Mary (Pete) Kobasher, of OH; three siblings: Maureen (Dale) Wineland, OH; Marshall (Glenna) Maple, CA; Bill (Sandy) Maple, of OH; and several nieces and nephews who were very important in his life. Chris was preceded in death by his father: William Maple. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2015, at 2 p.m. at Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene, 7520 East U Ave, Vicksburg. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 1p.m. Please visit Chris’ webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign the guestbook, share a memory and/or photo. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the South County Community Services and/or Vicksburg High School Athletic Boosters.