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Christopher was born October 3, 1982 in Norwood, Massachusetts and raised in Marlborough, New Hampshire until moving to Chesterland, Ohio at the age of 15. As a child, Chris excelled playing baseball, soccer, participating in Boy Scouts and 4-H. His leadership skills were evident early as he served as a 4-H leader beginning at the age of 14, teaching children all about computers and how to use them. Always an independent young man, he began working summers in a local used bookstore at just 12 years old, helping to sort and place books in their proper place. Being an avid reader, he spent most of his pay purchasing books! At 8 years old, he went to see the US Navy Blue Angels fly with his dad and Grampy; this is where his dream to serve in the US Armed Services and fly was born. Always holding onto this dream, Chris graduated from West Geauga High School in 2000 and Case Western Reserve University in 2004. He was a member of the Delta Tau Delta Lambda Chapter while at CWRU and joined the Army Reserves. Serving in the Army Reserves, Chris took a temporary duty assignment in Florida in 2006. This assignment set his life's path, not only for his dream to fly, but is where he met the love of his life and best friend, LeeSandra. Chris began flight school training with the goal of flying the Apache helicopter. He worked hard to earn the privilege of flying this amazing machine. He wanted it so badly, that his classmates cheered as he finally was able to select to go into training for the Apache. He could finally stop talking about it. With flight school and Apache training behind him, Chris set his sights on the next important goal in his life, marrying LeeSandra. Together they planned their wedding, making their own invitations, favors, centerpieces and choosing a venue, and on June 12, 2010, he realized his dream of marrying his soul mate. Chris had a love for many hobbies. He enjoyed camping, hiking, taking photos, snowboarding, brewing his own beer, tile work and building anything he could dream up. He was a jack of all trades. Chris's sense of humor and wit could make a quiet room come alive with laughter and just the sight of his smile could brighten an otherwise trying day. He was a caring, compassionate human being, watching over his wife, his family, including his two "sons" Moony, his Yorkie and Nolan, his Akita, his Delt brothers, his friends and most of all his brothers in the US Army. He will continue to watch over them all, including his unborn baby. Chris was over the moon when LeeSandra told him he was going to be a daddy, it was just one more dream realized. One of his soldier brothers in Afghanistan stated his skill in the Apache and his courage at all times were two of the attributes he admired about Chris. He said that Chris not only did his job with perfection, but could "fly the Hell out of the aircraft." He was "one Hell of a stick", as the saying goes. I could always count on him to do the right thing without Robb. His smiling face in the aircraft will be missed. Chris will be remembered for his love of country, flag, army and family. He was an incredible man, inside and out. Chief Warrant Officer Christopher R. Thibodeau died May 26 in Paktika province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when his helicopter crashed during combat operations. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas. Chris's awards include the Air Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon and the Army Service Ribbon. Chris was the beloved husband of LeeSandra nee Rios of Copperas Cove, TX and the dear son of Robert and Doreen Thibodeau of Chesterland, OH. Chris was the dear brother of Nicole M. Vodicka Nicholas of Flower Mound, TX and Michael A. Thibodeau fiancee, Alison Smith of Chesterland, OH and the beloved grandson of Dora Walker of Dedham, MA. He was also survived by his Yorkie, Moony Love and his Akita, Nolan Ryan. The family prefers that those who wish may make contributions in his name to The USO of Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey, Inc., Philadelphia International Airport Terminal, A-East, Philadelphia, PA 19153, www.libertyuso.org/donate . Funeral Services will be held, Tuesday, June 7th at 11 am in the Amasa Stone Chapel of CWRU, 10940 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106. Interment will be Wednesday in the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman, OH. FRIENDS MAY CALL AT BROWN-FORWARD, 17022 CHAGRIN BLVD., SHAKER HTS., OH, MONDAY, JUNE 6TH , FROM 2-4 AND 6-8 PM. BROWN-FORWARD SERVICE 216 752-1200


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