Less than two years ago, Christian was diagnosed with cancer. He battled quickly and fiercely, but he battled quietly, often without anyone knowing what he was going through. He would travel to infusions with his laptop so he could continue working, and still make his afternoon practice plans. Christian was, by nature, a reserved person who chose to keep this battle to himself and his family. Because of that, the sad news of his passing may come as a shock to so many who knew and loved him.

Let it be known that Christian did not want to give up. Ever.

Just weeks before his passing, Christian was still standing on the sidelines with the Forks Flyers summer basketball team, putting whatever strength he had left into coaching, encouraging his players, and being there for his team.

Coaching was one of the most cherished parts of Christian’s life, especially when it came to the things his daughters loved. He was also deeply involved in the Forks community as the Forks Softball Commissioner and beloved coach for softball and basketball.

Christian was someone you could count on. He was kind, patient, trustworthy, caring, and always willing to help. He rarely said no when someone needed him. He gave his time, his energy, and his whole heart to his family, his friends, and his community.

But above all else, Christian was a dad.

His girls, Carson, Margot, and Esme, meant everything to him. His gentle and patient nature was so evident in the way he loved and cared for them. He showed up for them, coached them, cheered them on, and was there for all of the little moments that make up a childhood. He took so much pride in his girls and loved being part of the things that made them happy.

It broke Christian’s heart to officially step away from coaching when he could no longer muster the strength needed to leave the house. Even then, his heart was still with his family and his teams. He never stopped wanting to be there. His body simply could no longer do what his heart was asking of it.

This is a heartbreaking loss. A family of five has suddenly become a family of four, leaving Heather, Carson, Margot, and Esme to navigate the years ahead without their husband, their dad, and their favorite person.

We will all miss Christian. The happiness he brought with him, his thoughtful conversations about sports, TV shows, and life, his willingness to help whenever someone needed him, and simply having him there.

Christian chose to face his cancer privately, with the same quiet strength and humility with which he lived his life. His passing has left an unimaginable void, but it has also left behind a lifetime of memories and a community of people who loved him.

We are asking our community to come together now for Heather and the girls.

The financial burden that comes with such a tremendous loss will fall heavily on Heather as she navigates the constant grief of losing her husband while raising their three daughters. Donations will go directly toward helping the Carita family with the bills and expenses ahead, as well as supporting Carson, Margot, and Esme as they grow.

If you are able to contribute, any amount will mean so much to this family. And if you aren’t in a position to give financially, please continue to keep Heather, Carson, Margot, and Esme in your thoughts, share their story, and surround them with the same love and support that Christian so freely gave to others.