Christopher “Chris” Merrill, an avid outdoorsman and lover of life, passed away as the result of a tragic accident on April 13th at the age of 24.

Chris was born August 27, 1983, in Portland, OR to Jim and Kathy Merrill. After his mother and brother’s untimely deaths in 1983 and 1984, Jim’s sister, Jeri and her husband, Larry helped in the raising of Chris. It was at this time that he moved to Hood River, OR. Chris always maintained a special relationship with his father, Jim.

Growing up in the Hood River area, Chris attended Baptist Christian School, Parkdale Elementary, and Wy’east Middle School, graduated from Hood River Valley High School in 2002, and attended Mt. Hood Community College. Chris most loved to spend time with his friends and family. Whether it be hiking in the gorge, snowboarding on Mt. Hood, playing music, photography, or cooking, he was enthusiastic about everything he attempted. Life for Chris was a quest for meaning and purpose. He sought a unique niche that he might experience a sense of connection and the ability to contribute significantly to the lives of those around him.

Chris, compassionate and protective of those he loved, always had a ready smile that brightened any room. It is that sparkling smile, followed-up with a bear hug, that will be missed most by those who love him. Those lucky enough to know Chris should carry that spirit to those now unable to meet him.

Chris was preceded in death by his mother Kathy Merrill and brother B.J. Merrill. He is survived by his father, Jim Merrill of Boring, OR, parents Larry and Jeri Rector of Parkdale, OR; sister, Alyssa Merrill of Seattle, WA, brother Jimmy Rector of Omaha, NE, brother Eric Rector, of Crimmitshau, Germany; grandparents Katherine Merrill of Hood River, OR, George and Aimee Woodruff of Trout Lake, WA, and Dean and Gilda Rector of Portland, OR; aunts and uncles, Terry and Peggy Merrill of Albany, OR, David and Debbie Woodruff, Diane and Fred Paxson, and Karen Woodruff of Trout Lake, WA, Tom Rector of Oregon City, OR, Daryl and Tracie Rector of Gresham, OR, Bruce and Shaun Rector of Troutdale, OR, Bonnie Anderson of Oregon City, OR, numerous cousins and countless friends.

Chris’ family and friends would have agreed that his love for music, drums and guitar was a love song for life. A memorial in his name has been established for the music department at Hood River Valley High School and can be sent to Anderson’s Tribute Center. We ask that you remember Chris in this way, rather than in a floral donation.

Services are planned for 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 19th, 2008 at the Parkdale Community Church. Special note pages will be provided for you to share your stories and memories of Chris, with his family.

Please visit www.andersonstributecenter.com to sign the family guest book and share your stories there as well. All of the memories will be bound in a book.