Chris hit the ground running on July 14, 1968 and never stopped. He was an adventurous soul who loved exploring the world around him. In his childhood, he enjoyed spending time digging in the dirt and exploring the new construction sites in his neighborhood. He loved getting messy and figuring out how things worked. This led to his lifelong passion for building. Throughout his life, he found comfort and peace in using his hands and tools to create masterpieces. Some of his many projects include the woodwork and cabinetry at McKay-Dee Hospital, many schools throughout the state and countless other construction projects. Finish carpentry was his favorite trade, but he could build anything, bottom to top. His true passion came from building things for his family like shelves for his sister’s classroom; for his mom, stair railings, custom built in bookcases, new hardwood floors; new bedrooms for his daughters, and remodeling the house for his wife. Chris was a perfectionist and made sure every project he completed was done with attention to every last detail.

Chris also loved music, all things rock and roll. He was a reliable walking database of rock trivia, past and present. Every chance he had, he’d see a live show, and has an enviable collection of concert tee’s, song books and CD’s. He taught himself how to play the guitar. He spent countless hours learning chords and teaching himself to play his favorite songs. Some of his favorites were MSG, UFO, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Scorpions, Tesla, Pink Floyd and many more. You name a band from the 60’s to now and he’s probably seen them live.

Chris graduated from Washington High School in Ogden. After graduation, Chris served his country in the Army working in a military hospital in Landstuhl, Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1993, after which he earned his BA in Technology Science.

Chris met his beloved wife, Michelle Nicholson when his cousin organized a group road trip, to see a concert. The happiest years of his life were their years together. Chris and Michelle have two daughters, Jaycee and Lilian Nicholson.

Chris cherished his family, both the family he was born to and the family he collected during his journey through this life. Chris is survived by his wife and daughters, mother Bonnie Wolthuis Stephens, bonus mom Joan Balcombe, father Ned Stephens, sister Marnie (Glen) Montgomery, brother Mason (Cami) Stephens, nephews Ian (Kenzie) and Adam Montgomery, Logan and William Stephens, and nieces Maiya Montgomery, Abby and Claire Stephens, bonus siblings Heidi, Sean, and Carl Harwood and Holli Sackett and their children and grandchildren, bonus children Jon Brooks, Samantha (Najeel) Washington, Nate Brooks, Chance (Brandi) Brooks, Steven Byington and grandchildren, Samuel and Jesse Patterson and Athena Brooks, in addition to many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his beloved uncle Richard Wolthuis, who he shared a passion for construction and building, maternal grandparents Gerrit and Maxine Wolthuis, paternal grandparents Julian and Margaret Stephens, and bonus mom Sheila Stephens.

In lieu of flowers spend the money making memories with your loved ones or make a donation in Chris’ name to

https://glioblastomafoundation.org/get-involved/donate

https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=braincancermedia&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaignid=17604508476&utm_adgroupid=154868974228&utm_keyword=glioblastoma%20research&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD2heef4KoirSjn0U5HeOZ6PEefea

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.