Christian Anthony Shupe
December 19, 1986 - January 23, 2024
Chris was tragically killed on Tuesday by a drunk driver while riding his beloved custom hardtail Harley. An incredible man, Chris’s charm and charisma made him the star of any room he entered. His authenticity allowed him to deeply connect with people from all walks of life, and whether you knew him for a lifetime or only briefly, Chris manifested joy and happiness wherever he went.
Our skater boy was athletically gifted at everything he tried, basketball, softball, a damn fine lacrosse goalie for Brighton, snowboarding at The Bird, and shooting stick (is that a sport?). He played guitar, recently started piano again, and was fond of squawking duck calls around the house too. Music, music was his heartbeat as a series of blown speakers can attest. Duck hunting had become a recent passion, he loved the crisp, quiet mornings, the challenge, the beauty, the solitude.
Chris proudly represented the Philadelphia Eagles Bird Gang everywhere he went. He just got back from the game in Tampa. Fly, Chris, Fly!
Chris left behind a multitude of people who loved him immensely. Those grieving include his best friend and wife, Erin Evelyn Draper-Shupe, his twin sister, Jesse Shupe (Reid Pomerich), baby brother, Andrew Perry Russell, his devoted mother Linda Lee Nipper, Grandfather, Robert Ned Shupe, and many aunts and uncles. In addition to his immediate family, Shupe leaves behind countless cousins, nieces, nephews, second moms, bonus sisters, inherited little brothers and a never-ending list of friends.
He is now reunited with his Father, Charles Douglas Shupe, “Man’s best friends”, Ruby Girl and Jaders, Grandmothers, Diane E. Shupe and Lorean E. Nipper, Grandfather, Clyde Sammy Nipper, and sadly, too many friends to list.
A celebration of life will be on Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 6-8 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Millcreek. Guests are encouraged to use parking and entrance located on the north side of the building.
A funeral service will be on Friday, February 2 at 11:00 AM at This Is The Place Heritage Park, Pioneer Center, 2601 East Sunnyside Avenue, Salt Lake City. He will be laid to rest following funeral services at Mt. Olivet Cemetery,1342 East 500 South, Salt Lake City. Following interment, a reception will be held at This Is The Place Heritage Park, Pioneer Center, at 2:30 PM.
DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE
In Loving Memory
Hey, even tho we didn't see much of each other beyond family events, I'm really going to miss Chris. We were just getting to know each other better and had plans to hang out next time I was in Utah. So sad that won't happen now. I think he was on a very positive trajectory with his life and to see it cut short is such a tragic and unnecessary way if completely heartbreaking. R.I.P. buddy.
Tarly Shupe
Clinton, WA
Dear Family and loved ones of Christian, I am so sorry for your loss of a such a beautiful life. Christian and I met in Recovery many years ago. We had talked briefly about making plans to meet up out here on the East Coast and just catch up. I am deeply saddened by this loss as I know you are even more so. Christian will live on in our hearts and in the memories we were blessed to make with him. Rest in Peace.
Twila Wilson
Simpsonville, SC
Linda- I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and prayers to you and your family.
Chris Chytraus- The Sharing Place
South Jordan, UT
Michael and I are deeply sorry to hear about the loss of Christian. May you find comfort in the cherished memories you shared and strength in the support of those around you during this difficult time. Our heartfelt condolences to the entire family! "Life's brief candle may flicker out too soon, but the glow it leaves behind forever paints the canvas of our memories."
Lindsey and Michael Plattner
West Valley City, UT
Oh my Linda my deepest sympathies to you and your family. I am still in shock as I can only imagine you are. Chris was a wonderful man and he will be missed terribly. Uaea and I both are sending our prayers in this most terrible time. We love you.
Heather masina
West valley city, UT
My condolences to all of his family. It's finally starting to feel real, the last few days has seemed kind of a dream of this horrible nightmare. Chris and I went to school from Quail Hollow Elementary all the way through Brighton High School. So many great memories with him between those years. As we became teenagers we worked over at Quail Hollow where we first went to school. His twin sister Jessie and her really good friend Lucy Call worked with us as well. Once the teachers were gone we had full reign of the school. It was like the adults are gone...LETS PLAY! Of course everyone would be gettin their 1.5 hr work done in a half hour which gave us an hour to screw around and have some much needed fun. Chris and I were always coming up with new games and things to do. Really enjoyed working with you man. You had the best spirit and honesty wished we had become better friends back in the day and hung out more...hopefully one day that can change. Will part with one of your favorite songs from Mest- "If I could be, anything at all, I'd be an angle spread my wings and fly away." You are not stuck here on the ground anymore my friend. You are an angel, fly high and keep watching over us all and laughing at our stupid mistakes. Love ya Chris Shupe, gone far too soon!!!
Christopher Jakeman
Sandy, Ut
Linda, Jessie and Drew, my heart aches for all of you! I remember Christian as an incredibly gifted person in so many ways, very kind, loving and hilarious. My thoughts and prayers are with you. All my love to you all. ❤️
Marilyn Allred
Salt Lake City, UT
Linda, i am so sorry to hear of this tragic accident and chris's passing. my thoughts are with you and your family. May the good memories take hold and cosole you for all time! Bob Anderson
Bob Anderson
SANDY, UT
We are heartbroken to learn of the tragic death of Chris. Our deepest condolences to Jessie and Linda and the entire Shupe family. I was good friends with his dad Charlie and although I saw Chris and Jessie much more when they were kids, I always enjoyed catching up with him when I would see him at Shupe family gatherings as he grew into a fine young man. We would talk mostly about music and guitar playing since that was a common bond I had with his dad. It did my heart good to know that he was playing Charlie’s guitars and keeping the music going. Sadly, his tune has gone silent. I wish there were words to bring comfort to his loved ones at this time of tragedy, but they escape me. RIP Christian Anthony Shupe. Scott & Tonya Littlefield North Ogden, Utah
Scott & Tonya Littlefield
North Ogden, UT
Oh Linda, I know the pain you are feeling losing a child. I was so shocked when Tina told me about Chris. Hold on to each other tightly and cherish the memories. Love and condolences The Hurlich family Freda
Freda
West Jordan, UT
My sincere condolences to you Linda and family. Gone to soon. Rest in paradise ❤️
Jennie Baxter
West Jordan, UT
Linda I am so sorry to hear about the lost of your beautiful boy. Your in my thoughts and prayers. Love you jan
Jan Dean
American fork, Ut
To the friends and family of Chris, I am so sorry for your loss! There is no excuse for getting behind the wheel after you've drank even just one drink. I lost one of my dearest friends from not yielding to motorcycles, and it's not fair! Again, so sorry!!
Nancy Buist
Murray, UT
My sincere condolences to the entire Shupe family! I was saddened to hear the news about Chris's passing this week. He was such a sweet and happy person even as a little boy. I was teaching at Quai Hollow Elementary when Chris and Jesse first came there. They didn't attend for long, but Chris's example of humor, cheerfulness and enthusiasm remained with me over the years. I was very impressed by his thoughtfulness for one of his former teachers (Mrs. Moss) when he reached out to me a few years ago and asked for her contact information so he could express his gratitude to her for her influence in his life! He will be missed and has touched the lives of many!❤️ My prayers are for peace and comfort for your entire family Sincerely,Dawn Gonzalez
Dawn Gonzalez
Sandy, UT
Linda, We worked together at the time of Charlie's passing. My heart ached for you then and now, again, you must endure the pain of losing a loved one. I am so, so sorry for you and your family. Please know that I am thinking of you and wishing you strength and peace as you go forward. Warmly, Lyle Wilson
Lyle Wilson
St. George, Ut
Linda, Chris was an amazing man. I know that he had his struggles in life but his heart never changed. Chris had more love to give than anyone and he was always willing to help anyone. I'm so sorry that his life was cut so short, I'll always remember him for being truly genuine an gentleman. Love Always Nicholle
Nicholle Clayton
Salt Lake City, UT
Erin, I am so sorry about Chris. I'm at a loss for words. My fondest memories of him is him dressed up for Halloween as Maurice from Little Monsters. After that, I only called him Maurice. And the two of you singing Jackson. He was one of the most amazing souls and he will be missed for forever. I'm sending you and the family all my love.
Tami Farr
Murray, UT
Linda and Jessie i am so sorry to hear of such a tragedy. My heart hurts for you all. I'm not sure if you even remember me. I babysat Chris and Jessie when they were little kids. My sister is Vicki Sorensen. Later on Chris would grow up to be friends with my son Richard who played with the twins and little toddlers. I am sending prayers of peace to you and want you to know that Chris found his peace and was ready to return to his father in heaven im praying for your whole family during this time. Love to you
Tamara Williams
Dolan Springs, AZ
Dagatha Christie forever. Miss you, brother.
Nathanael Mulligan
San Francisco, CA