Christopher Rockefellow

When reflecting on the life of Christopher Rockefellow, it is clear to see that he was all about the people he loved. He lived to be with his family, and he was the sort of person others knew they could count on. All who knew Chris would say that he was the king of all fishermen, and he could often be found with a fishing pole in his hand in his free time. Life will never be the same without him here, but he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever cherish.

The 1970s were a time to remember in America. Walt Disney World opened in Orlando, Jaws became one of the first blockbuster films, and progressive rock created a new generation of bands like Genesis, Yes, and Pink Floyd. Amidst this eventful time was the year 1979 when Clifford and Mary Ann were pleased to announce the birth of the baby boy they named Christopher John on December 19th, in Southfield, Michigan. He was raised in the family home in Livonia, and he had two siblings, Katie and Adam. Chris was so proud to have a younger sister, and he was always very protective of her. In fact, he often wanted to stay home from school so that he could play with her instead! His father owned a drug store and pharmacy while his mother was a nurse who primarily stayed at home while Chris was growing up. He loved going to the drug store with his dad and being “the boss” in the stock room.

From his youngest days, Chris was a bustle of activity. He had his phone number memorized by the time he was three years old, and he knew how to use the phone, too, since he was known to call his grandpa if he was put in a time out. Of course grandpa showed up at the front door and whisked Chris away! He loved his Grandpa Trost, especially going to train shows with him. His Grandmother Alice played a significant role in his life as well. Alice always knew what to say and made him feel special. Chris looked forward to being with the family on holidays, especially during Christmas, and he was always the life of the party. As he grew older, his love for Christmas remained, and Chris always went over and above since there was nothing he loved more than seeing the look of sheer delight on the faces of his loved ones.

One of the places Chris loved being most was near or on the water. He enjoyed going to the family cottage on Lake Erie in Canada where he did plenty of fishing exploring, swimming, and boating. When he was eight he went out fishing on his Zodiak, and his family was amazed at the amount of fish he kept coming back with. Chris loved bragging about his catch, and his mom set to work preparing all of the perch, walleye, and bass for dinner. It was later that evening that he admitted that the fisherman on the fishing boats gave him the fish to keep him away! As a teen, he became passionate about fishing as he was fishing anywhere, anytime. Chris was always the one to catch the fish, too, even when no one around him was catching anything. He even wanted to take his fishing pole on vacation! His second passion was cars, and he spent hours on end out in the garage working on them. Chris masterfully took them apart and then rebuilt them with such skill that he had rebuilt a car before he even got his driver’s license! He loved all cars, but he was particularly fond of his yellow Camaro. Chris also loved racing cars, and he found such a thrill while drag racing or even just being at the track.

As a student, Chris excelled in school despite have a mischievous and inquisitive nature. He graduated from high school and then took a few college classes, but he really came into his own after becoming an apprentice in the heating and cooling business under his Uncle Brian. Chris learned so much from him, and he was eager to learn everything he could about the trade. He truly enjoyed working with his uncle as well. After several years in heating and cooling, Chris began working in the auto industry at Roush for quite some time.

While he was busy working hard, Chris had a blossoming romance with Jill. They were together for several years before getting married, and shortly after exchanging their vows they were blessed with their baby girl, MacKenna. Chris loved her deeply and was so very proud of her as well. Although he and Jill later divorced, he was always so grateful for the daughter they shared.

Later on, Chris met Suzy, and it has been said that he really came to life upon meeting her. She made him happier than anyone he had ever known, and she was his rock, his best friend, the love of his life, and even his caretaker in the end. Not to be forgotten was the dogs in his life as their companionship was so important to Chris. His first dog was Sparky, and he was later followed by Pongo after Chris took the dog home and convinced his mom that the dog needed to stay. There was also Cody and Jed who was his best bud.

All who knew Christopher Rockefellow would agree that he brought the world around him to life. He was a fun-loving and adventurous person who loved life and had a certain spunk about him that drew others near with ease. Chris treasured his loved ones, and it was when surrounded by his family and he was truly happy. He loved being at his cottage in Canada and holding a fishing pole in his hand no matter where he was. Deeply loved, Chris will be forever missed.

Christopher J. Rockefellow died on February 24, 2016. Chris is survived by his daughter, MacKenna; parents, Mary Ann (Timothy) Grezlik and Clifford; grandmother, Alice Trost; siblings, Katie (Jason) Partain and Adam; nephews, Jack, Luke, and Harry; girlfriend, Suzie Zebley. Visitation will be held on Sunday, 2-7 p.m. at Neely-Turowski Funeral Home 30200 Five Mile (Between Middlebelt and Merriman). Instate Monday 9:30 until time of mass 10 a.m. at St. Priscilla Catholic Church 19120 Purlingbrook (North of 7 mile, West of Middlebelt). You may upload a photo, share a memory and sign the guest book at www.TurowskiLifeStory.com