Christopher John Strate
Aug. 7, 1947 ~ Sept. 19, 2018
Christopher John Strate was born to Greek immigrants John and Peggy Strate on Aug. 7, 1947, in Scottsbluff, Neb. He was the youngest of four children who all grew up in a loving home. The Greek community was a very influential part of Chris’s life during his childhood. As a young adult he moved to Denver, Colo., and worked for Gate’s Rubber Company for 10 years. Chris spoke fondly of his time at Gate’s and the lifelong friends he made working there. He met the love of his life, Peggy, in the fall of 1973. She was living with his sister Christine and her husband Gus while she was student teaching in Meeker. They were married on Sept. 28, 1974, and lived for six years in Denver.
In the fall of 1980 Chris and Peggy moved to Meeker to open Bumper-to-Bumper Auto Parts. Their only child, John, was born on Dec. 1, 1980. After two years Chris sold the parts store and started a carpet cleaning and janitorial service. Chris was passionate about his work and ran a successful business until his health declined after undergoing his second open heart surgery in the fall of 1993. He then opened a flower and gift shop in Meeker, which he thoroughly enjoyed operating for eight years. He finished out his working life relishing being surrounded by people each and every day while working at WalMart in Rifle.
Chris was passionate about many things in his life. He had a love for people, fishing, camping, touring in his OHV, traveling and his family. He loved being involved in the Meeker community throughout his life. He especially enjoyed his time involved with the Meeker Volunteer Fire Department and Lions Club. Chris and Peggy took multiple trips both in and out of country that were highlights of their life together. They especially loved visiting Chris’s family in Greece, as well as Peggy’s family in Norway.
Chris is survived by his wife Peggy, son John and his wife Kirstie who was like a daughter to him, grandchildren Christopher and Carter Strate, sister Christine Halandras and her husband Gus, brother George Strate and his wife Charlene as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Bill Strate.
Memorial donations can be made to HopeWest or the American Heart Association.
