Christopher Lawrence Kirsch

Beloved son, husband and father, was tragically taken from us on Father's Day, Sunday, June 15, 2008. Chris was an honest and moral man who had a great thirst for learning. He was an avid reader who willingly shared his knowledge of cultures, languages, geography and economics with friends and family. He had traveled to over 52 countries and established businesses in several of them. He particularly loved the people of South American and Polynesia. His quick wit and love of people helped him feel comfortable among peoples of the world. Chris was born June 25, 1945 in Pasadena, California to Gertrude Grace Holladay and Lawrence Mathews Kirsch. Parents were later divorced. Chris grew up in Santa Monica, California where he described his childhood as idyllic. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a B.A. and later received a M.S. from UCLA in geography. He married Elaine Anderton in Honolulu, Hawaii January 15, 1972. He was currently teaching history and geography at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
Survivors include his wife - Elaine Kirsch; mother- Gipsy Norton of Honolulu, Hawaii; sister, Gretchen DeWitt. Children: Alexander, Sean, Michael, Matthew, Camilla, Nicholas, Ryan, David and Daniel Kirsch. Grandchildren: Dominic, Stella Rose and Lola Ryan.
Chris was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He followed the teachings of Jesus Christ in his compassionate and loyal service throughout his life. He served an honorable mission to Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was active in the scouting program and assisted in making over 30 pinewood derby cars for his sons and other youth. Chris will be greatly missed by his family, friends and associates.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 21, 2008 at the LDS Stake Center at 1000 North Main Street in Orem, Utah. A viewing will be held at 9:30 a.m. and the funeral will begin at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at the Orem City Cemetery.