WESTFIELD – To know Christopher Linthwaite (1984-2020) was to love Christopher Linthwaite. He was charismatic, witty, intelligent, funny and an agent of chaos. Chris, nicknamed Rogue, was always the life of the party. A warrior through and through. Chris fought 3 types of cancer over a 20-year period and on his 36th birthday, July 16th, passed away. He used every moment he was healthy to live life to the fullest. “Go big or go home” was one of his favorite sayings. Having a Bachelor’s degree in computer science from Westfield State, he had recently found his dream job at ISO New England coding programs. A Renaissance man at heart, Chris’s many hobbies ranged from gold panning, video game creation, participating in Hack-a-thons, cosplaying, sculpting, painting, chemistry and was a Star Wars aficionado.
He is left behind by his soulmate, fiancée and forever love Katherine Campion; mother Debra Linthwaite-Gardner; sisters Allyson and Laine Gardner; stepsister Malerie Hinckley; his very special grandma Frances Teehan Bush; predeceased by his special grandfather Ray Bush; Auntie Donna Morrissey, Uncle Michael and cousins Kyle and Kolleen; Auntie Cheryl Masciadrelli, Uncle Donny, cousins Emily and Matt, and Uncle Michael Warren; Auntie Joanne Weir, Uncle Tom, and cousins Raymond, Ryan, and Tyde. Friends Jules, David, Matt, Cheryl, Chris, James, Brittany, Arianna, and Sid. Kevin, Judy, and Jerrod Campion, Laura and Chris Kaflik, who loved him as a part of their family and so many more people whose lives he touched.
A very important and special thank you is extended from Chris’s family and friends to Dr. Richard Steingart and the entire oncology team, both at D’Amour Center for Cancer Care and the oncology floor at Baystate Medical, who helped Chris fight his best battle for these past 20 years. Their compassion, care, kindness and fun helped carry Chris during some of his hardest moments and we are all incredibly grateful. You now have the high ground Chris; we all love you…May the Force be with You.
In lieu of flowers we are asking if donations can be made to D’Amour Center for Cancer Care in Chris’s name. 3350 Main Street Springfield, Ma 01107. To keep those around us safe during these times, the family will be holding a small intimate gathering to celebrate the amazing life Chris had.
