Christian Richard Rees' Obituary
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9
Christian Richard Rees, 69, passed away Sunday morning, July 5th, 2026, at his home surrounded by family.
“Chris” was born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, on August 9th, 1956, to Donald Joseph Rees and Katharine Vandegrift Rees. He grew up in Long Island, New York, and New Jersey with his four siblings (Barb, Joe, Donny, and Andrew), and moved to Turlock, California in 1972. An oceanofile through and through, Chris spent his summers diving, lifeguarding, rowing, and surfing with friends. He lost his mother, Katharine “Kay” Rees to cancer in 1981 when he was twenty-five and would hold that loss close for the rest of his life.
Chris met the loves of his life, Carmen Courtney and her daughter Sommer, in 1989 at his brother Donny’s house in Arbuckle. Chris and Carmen were married that same year and had three more children: Courtney, Katharine “Kath,” and Vandegrift “Van.” Chris and his family moved to Carmen’s home state of Arkansas in 2005, where he resided until his passing.
Chris was known for his tenacious faith and dedication to his family, his love for the ocean and for people, and his irrepressible sense of humor. Referred to as the “peacemaker” by his mom, Christian made everyone he met feel seen, listened to, and cared for. We know that he is resting with the Lord and feels just as much peace as when he was diving off the coast of Long Island, “weightless between heaven and Earth.”
Christian is survived by his wife, Carmen, and their daughter Sommer (Roller, husband Luke); son Courtney (wife Krista); daughter Kath; son Van; and four grandchildren, Judah, Joseph, James, and Petra.
A celebration of Christian’s life will be held at 11:00 a. m. at Christian Life Cathedral on Friday, July 10th. Contributions to Chris’s memory may be made to Christian Life Cathedral in lieu of flowers.
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