Christopher John Campanella

An amazing and powerful young man left this life on Monday, July 2nd. Christopher John Campanella lived 17 full years. He was born on May 5th, 1990 in Cody, WY and then moved to Centennial, CO in 1998. He lived with his parents John and Donna and sister Melissa.

Chris' life was filled with adventure—starting with an air ambulance trip from Cody to Denver when he was a week old. From the beginning he faced challenges that were incredible—uncontrolled seizures, numerous surgeries, varied medical diagnoses, and not being able to get around or talk the way most people can.

In spite of the challenges, Chris lived life with grace, determination, and phenomenal strength. Those who were honored to know Chris remember his contagious smile and laugh. He was a catalyst for change—helping to motivate fundraising for a new preschool building, advocating for pediatric therapy services where there were few before, increasing awareness, and forcing people to believe in possibilities.

There were lots of great doctors, nurses, therapists, caregivers, and teachers who were part of the Chris Team. Early in his life it became apparent that Chris gave to all of them as much as he received. He was a Master Teacher who forced a new look at challenges. He followed his own rule book that very often was quite different than the medical journals. Through it all, Chris caught people in his spell. The list of those touched by him is long and impressive.

In the traditional sense Chris was severely disabled, but he was more able than most in the ways that really matter. His greatest ability was to communicate Love to all—even those who might not easily be penetrated. This gift of Love is one that everyone remembers.

Even though he never walked or talked he traveled and communicated masterfully; conveying his wisdom and humor with his "talker", or simply through his presence, and going coast to coast from Los Angeles Children's Hospital to Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, to beaches, mountain tops, lakes, and gardens. Chris loved going to the Rocky Mountain Village Easter Seals Talking With Technology Camp in the summer. One of his favorite activities was the zip line. He wasn't a big fan of fishing. The night before he died he went to the late movie, "Live Free or Die Hard".

Chris is survived by his parents John and Donna, his sister Melissa, grandparents George and Colleen Campanella, uncles and aunts Kathy (Williams) and Mark Stordahl, John and Ellen Williams, Bob Williams, Jerry and Cathy Williams, Greg Campanella, Bruce Campanella, cousins Tiffany Williams, Dan Williams, Julia Williams, Sophia Williams, Brock Williams, Erica Madrigal, Nick Campanella, Ivy Campanella, Kirsten Campanella, and Holly Campanella. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Don and Fay Williams.

A Memorial Celebration will be held at Newcomer Family Funeral Home in Aurora, Colorado on Tuesday, July 10 at 7:00 p.m. www.newcomerfamily.com Inurnment will be at the Philbrook Cemetery in Utica, MT on Friday, July 13 at 4:00 p.m. Those who wish to gather before the inurnment may do so at the Kathy (Williams) and Mark Stordahl residence, 309 2nd Ave. East, Hobson, MT to receive directions to the cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to Easter Seals Colorado, 5755 W. Alameda Ave., Lakewood, CO 80226.