Chris Kaufman
1946 - 2012
Chris Kaufman, beloved husband, father, grandfather and teacher to thousands of grateful students in Glendale, has passed away. His 14 year struggle with Alzheimer’s disease has come to an end and his many friends and past students are joined in celebration of a very good man. Chris coached Swimming and Water Polo at Notre Dame High and coached and taught at all four Glendale high schools. He is remembered fondly by countless students, colleagues and parents, all of whom recognized a teacher of extraordinary talent. Chris was, by any definition, a Renaissance Man. This was reflected in the walls of his home that were decorated with his many paintings, with the guitar that sat in his study along with his books that reflected his inquisitive ever-searching mind. Always an athlete, Chris attended the University of Colorado on a swimming scholarship, he swam in several Maui Channel Relays, rode his bike from San Francisco to LA and you could often see him jogging along the fire trails in Glendale. Chris continued swimming, biking and jogging until he was no longer able.
Chris is survived by his wife of 43 years, Marcia, son Nick, daughter Katie Epstein (Matty) and grandchildren Kaden and Cassidy Epstein, brother John and sister Marianne Sharp (David.) To celebrate Chris’ life, the family has established this on-line memorial and would appreciate any comments, stories or additional photos you would like to share.
Photos: Click to Enlarge
My good friend Chris Kaufman has ended his long struggle and is at last free from a body that has suffered too long in this life. I have missed him for some years now; missed a kindred spirit, whose wonderful, complex mind has steadily retreated to a place away from us all who loved him. I can only imagine and hope and pray that he is re-awakened and has set off on a greater journey by far than his trek through this earthly existence.
If Chris were here to read that, he would probably have a good laugh and chastise me for an unwarranted release of hot air. We tried not to bullshit each other too much and that was part of the beauty of our friendship. We were buddies right from the start and the many memories that are locked in my mind and close to my heart are with him as well. I believe that and I think that my good friend, my colleague, my kindred spirit, believed it as well.
We taught together, skied together, philosophized together, survived Little League with our daughters together, golfed together, sang some good duets together, drank some fine wine and smoked some good dope together. We made each other think and made each other laugh and that made both of us friends right from the start.
Good-bye for now , Chris. I salute you for a life well lived, for the positive influence you had on the many, many people who are the better for having known you, and for the great memories that leave me with a smile on my face and a heartfelt gratitude that our paths crossed.
Posted by dan kimber on May 6, 2012 4:05 pm