Christopher 'Chris' M. Billingslea, 68

Chris Billingslea, 68, passed away peacefully following a brief but aggressive battle with prostate cancer, surrounded by family and his higher power. His life was one of service, curiosity, generosity, and fearless adventure. 

Chris is survived by his beloved wife, Alessandra; his siblings, Paul and Elizabeth; his son, Wesley (wife Lauran and children Liliana and Theo); his daughter, Dominique; and his son, Samuel (wife Kyleigh and daughter Cora).

Chris met Alessandra “Sandy” Bertozzi at the University of Colorado and shared 44 years building a loving family and laughter-filled home. Together they traveled widely, chased adventure, and wholeheartedly supported each other’s passions.

Born in Montgomery, Ala., Chris was raised in Rowayton, Conn. He attended The Hill School in Pottstown, Pa., graduating in 1976, and later studied at Hobart College in Geneva, N.Y. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Colorado Boulder in 1984 before earning his medical degree from the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in Pomona, Calif., in 1991. During that time, he achieved the rank of Captain in the United States Army.

Following his military service, Chris became one of the founding partners of Post Falls Family Medicine and Northwest Specialty Hospital, where he spent decades caring for generations of families in North Idaho. His career was guided by humility, integrity and the belief that progress matters more than perfection.

A lifelong craftsman, Chris built wooden catamarans and later turned his creativity to furniture, metalwork and stonemasonry.

Adventure was part of who he was: hang gliding, diving, heliskiing, snowboarding, windsurfing, flightboarding, kiteboarding, mountain and dirt biking, ice and rock climbing, bow hunting, and even homemade bungee jumping just to mention a few. He also completed five Ironman triathlons and traveled widely, climbing Machu Picchu, fishing on Christmas Island, and cycling across New Zealand and Croatia. In later years, he found joy in golf and pickleball!

Those who knew Chris will remember his steady kindness, calm wisdom, sincere care for others, and ability to trust the process.

A celebration of life will be held Feb. 12, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Real Life Ministries, 1701 N. 4th St., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you spend meaningful moments outdoors in the sunshine with those you love.

Please visit Chris's online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.