Christopher Keith Underhill

Christopher Keith Underhill (57) passed away January 25, 2022, following a brief battle with Covid-pneumonia in the Odessa Medical Center Hospital, Odessa, TX. Chris’ wife Darlene and her daughter Ashley were by his side.

Chris is survived by his spouse Darlene Marie, whom he had first married in 1982, separated, then rejoined in marriage in 2008, his daughter Danielle Gillette and granddaughter Emalei Gillette. Chris is also survived by his step-children Jamie Brady (son Zack Brady), Nathanial Brady (son Nate Brady Jr.), and Ashley Saragoza.

Chris was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, January 2, 1965, and grew up with his mother Linda Marie (deceased) and his father Douglas (Doug) Underhill. They moved to Colorado in 1971, and after living for six years in the Denver area, followed by a year in Victor, CO, they moved to Clifton, CO in March 1977, where he attended Central High School. Chris lived for more than 40 years in the Grand Junction area working in, and surviving the economic ups and downs of both the building supply and energy industries. This included becoming yard manager at Valley Lumber where he worked for 19 years. In 2012 he joined his high school friend Keith Allen becoming a partner in Bulldog Machine. In 2019 Chris and Darlene moved to Odessa, TX.

Chris made many long lasting friends throughout his life, from those he met in his Central High school years, through his many associations in the Grand Valley, and beyond. Many will truly miss his infectious humor and genuine character. Chris would always lend a hand when he was called on to help. One of Chris’s favorite sayings was: “It is what it is!”

Chris had a passion for family, fishing, travel, woodworking and building, enjoying life and his two dogs: Hotchkiss and Odin. Chris first visited the United States from Montreal when he was 3 weeks old. After moving to the Denver area, on several occasions he visited Mexico with his mother and father. In the fall of 1998 he partied at Octoberfest in Germany with his long time buddy Jamie Vezakas, and then traveled on to Vienna, Austria to visit his father and wife Kim. From there they drove through Slovakia and Hungary which provided them with some understanding of how hard life was in post-Soviet era eastern Europe. Later he and Darlene enjoyed fishing trips to northern Ontario, as well as a fun visit to Belize.


MEMORIAL EVENTS

A gathering of family and friends in a celebration of Chris’ life is planned in Grand Junction, June 4th, 2022. Please watch this site for details of location and time.

CHARITIES

In memory of Chris visit All Pets Center, the “Maggie McDawg Fund”, to benefit emergency treatment of dogs. 424 South 5th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501; 970-241-1976. Donations may be made by check, credit card by phone or in person. Advise All Pets Center your donation is in memory of Chris Underhill.