Christopher Kevin Olson Nelson passed away peacefully at home Feb. 28, 2012, at age 30 due to pulmonary atrial hypertension.

Chris, who when he was younger was affectionately known as “Critter,” will be missed by his brother, Richard; sister Amber; mom Jodi and dad Eric. He is also survived by his grandmother, Edna (Eddie) Ohnemus; grandparents Charles Robert and Ruth Elizabeth Nelson; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his grandfather, James (Jim) Ohnemus.

Due to a rare undiagnosed genetic syndrome Chris was autistic and developmentally delayed, but always had a smile and did his best to make everyone he met smile and laugh. Chris loved interacting with people, even though he was unable to speak normally he would do his best to communicate and entertain and even had his own words for many things, those who met him will remember him saying, “hi,” “wahtadaeo,” “ahh—baby” and “buh-bye.”

Chris was born in Brewster, Wash., on Sept. 29, 1981, and raised in Coeur d’Alene. Chris attended pre-school through high school in the Coeur d’Alene School District 271. He graduated from Lake City High School in 2002. He participated at TESH after graduation. The last several years he has been a client of SL Start. He bravely fought serious lung and heart problems for the last two years of his life. He left this life as he lived it, surrounded by his loving family.

His family would like to thank the many people who have been part of Chris’ life too numerous to mention for their help, love and support during his life.

Donations in memory are requested to either the Panhandle Autism Society for the kids or the Pulmonary Hypertension Association.

There will be a celebration and memorial of his life from 6-9 p.m. Friday, March 9, 2012, at St Pius Catholic Church in the Great Room faith formation center (west parking lot).

Please sign Christopher’s guest registry and view his online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.