Nikki,
First of all, my deepest condolences for your loss. It felt like a total punch in the gut when I heard, so I can only imagine how you’re feeling right now.
I’ve only known Chris for the last couple years, since early 2009. I was already a huge fan of Women when they played at the venue I worked at in Portland, opening for Chad VanGaalen, and immediately found that
whole crew to be such a sweet, hilarious bunch of people. Chris made me feel like I was instantly part of their gang, too, with that friendly, welcoming, warm vibe he always had. Over the next couple years of touring I kept running in to those guys at various festivals and such, and got to know Chris as a dude always ready with an excited hug in greeting, an offer of beer, and ready to chat and joke around for hours. I was consistently dazzled by his playing too. An unbelievably inventive, amazingly gifted guitarist. He made Women sound like the future, which is a remarkable thing for a dude with a guitar in this day and age.
I last saw him in October, when he and Rena showed up unexpectedly at another of Chad’s shows in Portland, at the same venue, which was an excellent surprise. We talked about his year of touring with the Dodos and his hopes for the future. Drank some beers, of course, got some good hangout time in there. I was super glad to see him and hear about how well things were working out for him, thought Rena was such an awesome lady too. Man, I was hoping to be friends with Chris forever, you know? Not to mention my anticipation for whatever he recorded next.
That’s all I’ve really got to say, just wanted to let you know how valued he was by even a peripheral figure such as myself. I’m deeply sad for his loss, and my deepest sympathies go out to all the family and friends. I’m thinking of you all.
christopher john joseph reimer 