Christmas 2007 was to be a good one for the Christopher Haynes family.  Chris and his wife of 20 years, Vicki, were excited to have their oldest, 18 year old Sarah (a true “daddy’s girl”), home for the holidays after finishing her first semester at St. Mary’s University in Minnesota.  Their 13 yr. old son, Patrick, was looking forward to his May graduation and would soon be taking his entrance exam at Chris’ alma mater, De La Salle High School, with hopes of making the baseball and basketball teams.  Patrick and 10 yr. old Jacob (who was very anxious to see what “Santa” would bring) were in the middle of their basketball season and had already started training for the 2008 baseball season.  A happy family with bright hopes for the future; no one could know that Chris wouldn’t be there to see his kids open their gifts on Christmas morning.  On Saturday, December 22^nd, at the age of 45, Chris suffered a fatal heart attack at the wheel of his car while he and Vicki were driving young Patrick to his basketball game.  He was gone in an instant…and four lives changed forever.

 

Chris was the consummate family man and his love, pride and devotion was evident in everything he did.  It was rare that you would see him without at least one of his kids, whether it was in the car driving them to a game, on the gym floor or on a baseball field.   Over the years, Chris coached all three of his kids, Sarah in basketball and volleyball and Patrick and Jacob in baseball and basketball.  His dedication to coaching extended beyond his own family. Chris was also a favorite coach of many of the children in the Bridgeport community, nurturing their talents and encouraging them to be the best they could be.  He could always be counted on to do whatever needed doing, whether picking up kids who needed a ride or working the grill at fundraisers.  Chris had served as President of Bridgeport Catholic Academy Sports Committee.  He was co-founder and coach of the Bridgeport Bombers and a coach at the Mike White Basketball League.

 

Chris and Vicki Haynes faced the same challenges as other parents with a growing family; struggling to make ends meet, working to keep their kids on the “straight and narrow” in our ever-changing society, and trying to give them the best chance for a successful future…a loving home and a good education. Chris can’t be here to help his family realize their hopes and dreams. It is now up to Vicki to finish the job alone as she mourns the love of her life and comforts her children in their immeasurable loss.   

 

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Nativity of Our Lord Church Hall

3700 S. Union Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60609

6:00 p.m. -  11:00 p.m.