On the evening of November 28, 1987, Christopher Daniel Oder entered this world, at home with the help of a very special midwife from Ghana. He was caught by his father Steve, who cut the cord and gave him to his mother while his two-year-old brother David watched with wonder in his eyes. From the day of his birth David became his brother’s keeper. Chris and Dave stayed close throughout his life. Right away it was obvious that Chris was hard-wired with a strong will, and was wiser than a kid ought to be. He spent his childhood skiing with his dad at Hoodoo in the winter and traveling to National Parks in the summer with his mom and step-dad. Chris was very loyal to his friends from early on. In middle school, where a quirky kid like Chris might have been bullied, he very cleverly worked the crowd with his understated comedic intelligence. More than once he would stand up and take responsibility for what his friends did. He knew how to logically present their case. One of his high school friends called Chris his attorney. Chris was a humble genius and tough as nails. He did everything his own way and wouldn’t ask anyone for help. Chris worked at Timberline Lodge for 10 years. He became part of the family at Timberline and in Government Camp, where everyone loved him. Chris will forever be remembered for being a loving friend and family member. Chris was quiet, but when he spoke people listened because his comments would either be insanely profound or drop-dead hilarious. This past summer Chris worked on a farm. He loved plants, and farming made him very happy. As it turns out, his work was some of the finest in the state this year. Chris died after slipping into a diabetic coma. He was a shining light and should not have died - only the good die young. His family and his communities of friends will be honoring his legacy by sharing his story. Chris is survived by his father Steve Oder, his mother and stepfather Peggy and Danon Kroessin, his stepmother Kevin Bostwick, siblings Adam Sedlack, David Kroessin, Jennifer Clarke, and the mountain community. A celebration will be held in his honor at Timberline Lodge, Monday January 16th, 4:30PM. To honor Chris, donations in his name can be made to the St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen in Albany OR, or Sandy Community Action Center in Sandy OR.