In loving memory of
Christopher France

• January 17, 1987
• -
• June 07, 2017

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Christopher France, loving servant of God, returns to his Father’s arms

It is not uncommon for a devout Christian to be loving, generous and charitable. Yet even among the faithful at the churches he frequented, such as Northland Church in Longwood, Fla., Christopher Jordan France stood out. The Lord called him home June 7, 2017 after only 30 years on this earth.

Chris was born January 17, 1987 in West Palm Beach, Fla. Like Jesus, he adored little children. It wasn’t hard to see the youthful rapture in his face as he romped with the little swimmers at his lifeguard job or tickled his only nephew, Alan Quick, age 4.

But he opened his heart equally to adults—like the Orlando homeless people he would often bring pizza, unsolicited. Or the troubled elderly woman he once talked off the South Causeway Bridge in New Smyrna, Fla., seconds before she planned to jump. Or the ill stranger he found seizing on the floor in a pool of blood and didn’t hesitate to cradle in his arms, drawing the man close and soothing him until medical help arrived.

Chris’ short life teemed with moments like this. The many family and friends who stood in awe of his loving spirit could go on for hours. That spirit is carried on by his parents, Alan and Allison France; sister, Tessa Quick; and beloved wife, Heidi France.

Chris and Heidi’s two-year marriage was not without its share of tribulations. Yet no matter how many miles or difficulties separated them, each morning Chris would greet his wife with a picture message of a glowing sunrise on the beach—and an equally warm pronouncement of his love. Chris spent every spare moment at the ocean, either soaking up the sun or fishing.

When he wasn’t serving the Lord or his family, Chris served the United States Navy from his station in Orlando. He had recently celebrated a promotion to the rank of Petty Officer Third Class.

Chris’ life will be celebrated at Rock Church in Port Orange, Fla., on Sunday, June 11 at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged in Chris’ name to either the Ocean Conservancy or the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.