Christopher Murdock

Anyone who knew him would say that he was one in a million because of his ever-friendly demeanor and his joking ways. We will forever remember his enormous smile, his big blue eyes, and his amazing life talks. His wise thoughts were always appreciated, as was his ability to continually support his loved ones in their various endeavors. There will never be another Chris, as he was one of a kind. He was a loving father and a generous friend. It is difficult to say goodbye to such a kind spirit.

The year in which Chris began his life was one of many exciting new possibilities. Families could now book a trip across the country with Amtrak. Entertainment for the country grew with the debut of National Public Radio (NPR) as well as the grand opening of Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Teenagers rejoiced with their new responsibility and duty, as the 26th amendment lowered the voting age to 18. The nation recognized the importance of our environment and formed Greenpeace. Technology was also sweeping the country with the invention of the Microprocessor which was the start of our digital footprint.

On September 6, 1971, Ronald and Vonda (Harville) Murdock welcomed their precious son, Christopher, to Kalamazoo, Michigan. His older brother, Tony, eagerly waited for his little brother to become a willing and able playmate. Vonda and Ron eventually took different paths in life, and Ron met Debbie. Before long, the boys were joined by Amy, Ryann, and a step-sister Tanya to complete the family. Their parents worked hard to support the kids. His dad worked in maintenance and Debbie worked in clerical. Vonda was a factory worker. The kids spent their childhood exploring and making memories in the Kalamazoo area.

Chris kicked up lots of dust on the little league ball fields, as he played baseball and toured with his team as well. His boyhood was complete, for he had a buddy who helped him find lots of trouble. Chris and Kyle would never disappoint in their ability to find mischief. Together, they made many unforgettable memories.

As he matured, he attended Loy Norrix High School, but life led him in a different direction. He eventually received his GED and found many odd jobs to earn his keep. One job even taught him a little about how to have a green thumb, as it was a position at a greenhouse.

Though he was working hard to make a living, he was still available enough to find love. Chris met Kristie in 1990, and the two began the adventure of parenthood together. They welcomed 3 children: Cassie, Duncan, and Elisha. Sadly, the couple endured the loss of Cassie and Duncan at a very young age. With the support of their loved ones, they were able to find the goodness in life again. During their time together, they lived in the Detroit area for a short time. Chris had a job at a plastic factory, and much to Kristie's dismay, he would bring home the world's ugliest neon plastic plates. Kristie and Chris experienced many memorable times in their lives together. Though they never married, they still remained supportive friends of one another.

As they took different paths in life, Chris was fortunate to find love a second time. He met Jill many years ago (1987), but the two did not romantically connect at that time. In 1994, however, they began a committed relationship that endured 24 years! They celebrated the births of 3 children into their lives: CJ, Caleb, and Laci (whom he lovingly called Lu-Lu). Chris was the love of Jill’s life, as she was his. In 1994, they purchased a home in Vicksburg where Jill owned a daycare and was delighted that Chris took a big role helping out. They would eventually also own a tanning salon, that Chris built from the ground up, and he was very proud of his achievement. It took him many hours and days to complete the project, and sometimes he would even fall asleep at the building from pure exhaustion.

After the loss of Jill's mother in 2003, they decided to move from Vicksburg to Jill’s mother’s home in Mendon. After this event Jill and Chris struggled but were always supportive of each other. At this time Chris was employed at Stewart Sutherland Company in Vicksburg where he stayed for 16 years! He was known to call home every day during his lunch break, asking how everyone was doing; his family always looked forward to those calls, especially his daughter Laci. He was a machine operator, and he was very proud of this position. For the last two months, Chris was working with Holland Pallet Company where he worked in building maintenance.

Chris was a super friendly guy and a real kid at heart. As a father, he was very active with the kids - even running all over the place with them - so much that people would often tell him that he was going to hurt himself playing so hard. He could always be counted on to play a good game of tag or suit up for some serious sledding adventures. Chris could make friends with anyone too. He was the type that could walk into a gas station and walk out with 10 new pals. He was an easy person to be around, and everyone enjoyed his company. He was quick with a cheesy dad joke or a harmless prank. He truly loved his family, and he would do whatever it took to make sure they knew that. He was always willing to drive 13 hours to see his daughter Elisha's dance recitals in North Carolina. His son Caleb was his best buddy - always crawling all over his dad while he tried to play video games. Chris was even known to take the kids to Taco Bell on a spur-of-the-moment midnight snack excursion.

When he was not loving his family or working, Chris found ways to keep busy. He loved to play cards. He knew how to play Poker, Spades, Hearts, Euchre, and even played Uno with the kids. He often played online lotto games like Texas Hold-em and Black Jack. He also had a sweet spot for his dogs. . .and he tolerated the cats. "Camo" the dog came from a friend's house and was one of his favorites.

In his lifetime, Chris left an impression on everyone he met. Once you met Chris, you would always love him, no matter where your journey would lead you. We are saddened that the journey has ended, as Chris Murdock unexpectedly passed away on August 1, 2017. In the 45 years he spent in this lifetime, we could always count on him to be there. In his humble way, he leaves behind quite a legacy. We will hold our memories of Chris close, and we will never forget him.

Visit with his family and friends and view his life story film on Sunday, August 6, from 4–7 at the Life Story Funeral Home, Vicksburg; 490 S. Main St. (649-1697).

A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Monday, August 7 at the same location.

Left to cherish his memory are his partner of 24 years, Jill Mattimore; his children: CJ (Tiffany Mizikar) Murdock, Elisha Smith, Caleb Murdock, Laci Murdock; mother of 3 of his children Kristie (Smith) Hertel; father Ron (Debbie) Murdock; siblings: Tony (Jackie) Murdock, Amy (Gary Kreiser) Murdock, and Ryann Blesing; step-sister Tanya Murdock; many nieces and nephews; and the many friends who were like family throughout the years.

He was preceded in death by his mother Vonda; and children Cassie Smith and Duncan Smith.

A special thank you to Mary and Norm Smith of Lawton for your love and support over the years.