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Christopher Matthew Gaines

March 16, 1966 – Nov. 3, 2017

Christopher Matthew Gaines, 51, was born March 16, 1966, in Auburn, N.Y., to Sue Ellen Slater. Sue and Chris were lovingly welcomed into the home of William and Virginia McAvinney, who had five children of their own. When Chris was three, he and Sue moved to Greeley, Colo., where she met and married Myron Roy Gaines, who adopted Chris. Three siblings followed, Andrew, Adam, and Holly. Chris loved and honored his mother for all the sacrifices she made for her children and for being his biggest fan. When Roy passed, Chris stepped up to fill a fatherly role model for his siblings. He was an example of how to make the most of any situation. He was very loved by them all.

From a young age it was evident Chris loved the Lord with all his heart and with all his mind. The Lord blessed Chris with a beautiful tenor voice and with the encouragement of his mother he started to sing in church and school. Chris took every opportunity to share the message of Jesus’ love and grace through his beautiful voice. Chris sang solo, duets, choir and groups, but it was his discovery of Southern Gospel Music that brought him his greatest joy.

Chris loved any Colorado athletic team but especially the Broncos. As a boy he spent hours playing football by himself and doing the play by play of his imaginary game.

Anyone who met Chris was touched by his humor. He had an innate ability to laugh at himself. He was quick witted, and his humor put those around him at ease and often in stitches.

On Sept. 26, 1993, Chris married Ene Beattie. Together they were blessed to share over 24 years of genuine love and true adoration for one another. They had five near perfect children, Johnny, Bianca, Garrett, Kathryn, and Ella. Not enough can be said for how much Chris loved his family. He was so very proud of the accomplishments of each one of his children and was grateful to see each one’s unique personality.

In 2002 Chris met his birth father, William Wemple Strong. They forged a close relationship.

In 2011 Chris and Ene decided to be partners in a new adventure. They moved their family to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where they opened a Home Instead Senior Care Franchise. Together, they settled their family into a new community and worked harder than ever to build a business they were proud of.

Chris graduated Campion Academy and Union College, completing his degree in communications with public relations emphasis.

Survivors are his wife, Ene Beattie Gaines; children, Johnny, Bianca (Andrew Hastings), Garrett, Kathryn and Ella; grandchildren, Piper, Dayton, Grayson and Miley; mother, Sue Gaines; father, Bill (Cheryl) Strong; siblings, Andrew (Luci), Adam (Seunghee), Holly Rose (Darren); aunt, Joyce Gaines; mother-in-law, Bonitta Beattie; and Tebow (world’s best dog).

Preceding Chris are Roy Gaines, Marie Gaines and Willard Gaines.

Memorial gifts can be made to Campion Academy, 300 S.W. 42nd St., Loveland, CO, 80537.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1, 2017, at Prairie View Cemetery, 7091 N. Ramsey Road in Coeur d’Alene, with a memorial service to follow at 3 p.m. on Saturday Dec. 2, 2017, at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 111 E. Locust Ave. Coeur d’Alene, with a reception to follow.

Please share your thoughts and memories of Chris in his online memorial at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com. Bell Tower Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.