In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to MS Society, Alaska Chapter, 511 W. 41st Ave., Anchorage, Alaska 99503. His ashes will be scattered at Hatcher's Pass.
Chris was born on April 19, 1957, in California. He moved to Alaska in 1970. He graduated from Palmer High School with honors in 1975.
He graduated from the University of Alaska with an Associates degree in Applied Science and Small Business Major in 1997. He was a member of the Alaska Army National Guard and was named "Soldier of the Year" in 1984, and retired with an honorable discharge due to medical complications in 1992.
Chris was a member of Anchorage First Free Methodist Church. He did youth work for local high schools for the Youth for Christ as well as worked on the UAA Campus Crusade ministries. He also was a former volunteer for Single on Sunday ministries, and he volunteered with the Alaska MS Society in Anchorage.
"Chris was well liked among his family, friends and former co-workers. He will be missed by all," his family said. "Chris had a smile that would light up the room. He was known as a playful practical joker who lived his life with vigor. He enjoyed sharing his Christian faith."
Chris is survived by his wife, Beverly Ryder and son Matthew, both of Anchorage; mother, Merilyn Ryder of Las Vegas; step-father James Ryder, of Homer; brother Gregory Ryder; brother Michael Ryder; sister Melinda Karsnok; sister Sherilyn Morris of Homer; nieces, Teralynn Morris, Ronda Ryder, Elaina Ryder, and nephew Tyler Morris, all of Homer.
He is preceded in death by his biological father, Richard Oswald; brothers, Jeffery Oswald, and Robert and Ronald Ryder.
Memorial comments may be left for family and friends at www.mem.com. Arrangements were provided by Witzleben Family Funeral Home.
We encourage you to add your comments. To prevent spam, comments with links are manually approved during the normal business day. Please be respectful of others with your comments, bear in mind anyone in the community may be reading your comments.
