A beautiful soul, Christopher James Cordova, left this word, far too soon, on June 12th, 2016. He took with him, a piece of our hearts that can never be replaced. Chris came into our lives on July 20th, 1991. Our sweet baby boy filled our lives with such joy.
Chris was always a free spirit with a great sense of humor. He loved fishing and camping with his Dad and his best friend and brother, Michael. He taught himself to play the guitar and bass and played by ear; not by reading music. He was a talented artist and loved to draw. Chris was very articulate when he spoke, sometimes adding many colorful words. You could never stay mad at him for very long, because he would always end up making you laugh about it later. He was a friend to everyone, no matter what their status was. He always made people feel important.
Chris was a hard worker who started working at Sutherlands at the age of 14. Oh, how he hated watering all those plants! After graduating from Carbon High in 2009, he worked for Chrysalis for two years, taking care of young people with disabilities. He was so compassionate and had a special way of connecting with them.
Chris worked for the Department of Public Safety and was a compassionate, caring, and professional dispatcher. He received many commendations for the way he handled emergency calls. After being there for two years, he knew that he wanted to become a police officer. Following in his father’s footsteps, he graduated from the Utah Police Academy on December 20th, 2012. He was employed by the Price City Police Department for three and a half years, where he excelled in his duties and accomplishments and was praised and respected by many. He had a passion for helping people, no matter what their walk of life was. He always treated people with respect and dignity. We were so very proud of him.
Chris had an amazing relationship with his brother, Michael. They were inseparable as children and were each other’s best friend. They were each other’s confidante as they grew into young men. Though separated by miles, the past few years, they stayed connected by playing Xbox together. Chris was more than proud that Michael had asked him to be his best man for his upcoming wedding. His physical presence will be sorely missed and irreplaceable. “I sought my soul, but my soul I could not see. I sought my God, but my God eluded me. I sought my brother, and I found all three.” Love, Michael.
On October 14th, 2013, Chris was diagnosed with Leukemia. Though he was scared, he remained strong for all of us. He was hospitalized for a long period of time, but always remained optimistic. His best memory was having Steve-O come and visit him. After a year, he was officially in remission but had to continue with monthly blood tests and oral chemo medication. With this came depression and anxiety. Still struggling with the effects of the Leukemia, his blood levels were continually fluctuating and he was hospitalized several more times. He suffered from severe headaches and only found relief with bed rest. Additionally, work issues, relationship problems, and countless bills resulted in a very stressful life.
Our boy was a fighter until the end while trying to get a hold of his life. He was ready to start a new life. He was excited for it. We know he didn’t want to leave, but sometimes the mind takes over the heart. “Fly free baby, we will forever miss you. Loved you yesterday, love you still, always have, always will.” Love Mom and Dad.
Survived by his loving family; parents James and Anna Cordova; brother Michael (Samantha) Cordova; grandparents Edward and Margaret Ellis, Richard Cordova; aunt and uncle Debbie and Larry Madrigal; God mother Anna Austin; lifelong friends Patrick Cox, Dorian Scoville, Roy Austin; faithful companions Parks and Echo; and countless friends, family, and Brother’s in Blue.
Preceded in death by his grandmother Clorinda Cordova; great grandmother Beth Ellis, who is now with her “little Christopher”; and many other family and friends who welcomed him home.
Funeral Mass, Saturday, June 18, 2016, 11:00 a.m., Saint George Catholic Church (259 West 200 North, St. George). Vigil service, Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment, Tonaquint Cemetery, St. George. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Chris online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.