Dr. Chris Christian

Dr. Chris Christian

Dr. Chris Christian of Nampa, Idaho died suddenly March 1, 1997, at his home of cardiac arrest resulting from a longstanding heart condition due to and abnormal heart valve. Funeral services were March 4, 1997 at the Nampa Civic Center. The Rev. John Tivenan, Mercy Medical Center officiated. Burial followed in Hillcrest Cemetery. Memorials are to Dr. Christian Memorial Fund c/o Gordon Woods, Northwest Equine Reproductive Laboratory, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, 83944.

He was born June 25, 1945, in Lusk to Pat and John Christian. He spent his boyhood on the family cattle ranch, where he developed his work ethic, his love and appreciation for family and his respect for animals. He excelled early in his youth being honored as valedictorian, and class and student body president of his high school. He was chosen to participate in Boys State, was a member of the Wyoming State Champion Livestock Judging Team which competed nationally. He also participated on debate, wrestling and football teams. he attended the University of Wyoming and then transferred to Colorado State University, where he graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary medicine.

He married Keri Cook June 27, 1965. After his graduation from veterinary school, Keri, Chris and their young daughter moved to Nampa, joining Millard and Lionel Ickes in veterinary practice at Kindness Animal Hospital, renamed Idaho Veterinary hospital. He was a genius in the diagnosis and treatment of horses, especially when a lameness was involved. He brought the latest technology for surgical procedures into the area and his reputation for medical excellence was known throughout the Northwest, leading to referrals from around the country. He took great pride in mentoring young veterinarians, challenging them to utilize their talents to the fullest.

In 1989, he and his friend, Paul Girdner, were the only bidders willing, to respond to Ada County's auction to place Les Bois Park Racetrack in private hands. The move was a great personal risk, and was taken to save the racing industry in Idaho. Within five years, the operation turned from a loss to a profit and he was proud of the decision, hard work and creativity of the partners, managers and staff of Les Bois Park.

He believed that success in any venture depends upon the efforts of an enthusiastic and competent team. His teams will carry on those missions he pioneered and wholeheartedly encouraged at Idaho Veterinary Hospital and Les Bois Park.

He was a member of the Idaho Horse Racing Alliance, Idaho Horse Board, Advisory Board to the Northwest Equine Reproductive Laboratory, American Association of Equine Practitioners, and the Boise Opera Board. He was past president of the Idaho Thoroughbred Breeders Association. He was so proud of his family.

Survivors include his wife and best friend of Nampa; daughters Barbara Christian of Nampa, Jennifer and her husband, Jeff Kapis of Tempe, Ariz.; son Eric Christian and his wife, Tracy, of Beaverton, Ore.; mother of Nampa; sister Mikell Christian of Yakima, Wash; beloved granddaughter Larissa of Nampa; and mother-in-law Helen Cook of Denver. He will be missed by countless friends, especially a close group of friends known as "The Gourmet Group".

He was preceded in death by his father and father-in-law Fred Cook.

The Lusk Herald
March 12, 1997
Dr. Chris Christian

Dr. Chris Christian of Nampa, Idaho died suddenly March 1, 1997, at his home of cardiac arrest resulting from a longstanding heart condition due to and abnormal heart valve. Funeral services were March 4, 1997 at the Nampa Civic Center. The Rev. John Tivenan, Mercy Medical Center officiated. Burial followed in Hillcrest Cemetery. Memorials are to Dr. Christian Memorial Fund c/o Gordon Woods, Northwest Equine Reproductive Laboratory, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, 83944.

He was born June 25, 1945, in Lusk to Pat and John Christian. He spent his boyhood on the family cattle ranch, where he developed his work ethic, his love and appreciation for family and his respect for animals.

He married Keri Cook June 27, 1965.

Survivors include his wife of Nampa; daughters Barbara Christian of Nampa, Jennifer and her husband, Jeff Kapis of Tempe, Ariz.; son Eric Christian and his wife, Tracy, of Beaverton, Ore.; mother of Nampa; sister Mikell Christian of Yakima, Wash; beloved granddaughter Larissa of Nampa; and mother-in-law Helen Cook of Denver.

He was preceded in death by his father and father-in-law Fred Cook.

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