Christopher E. Martens

MARTENS, CHRISTOPHER E., loving husband and father passed away in Richmond, Virginia, at the age of 49 after a long battle with cancer. Chris was born February 17, 1969 in Detroit, Michigan and grew up in Chesterfield Township with his two brothers, Jon and Thomas. Chris attended Michigan Technology University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. He went on to earn an Executive Masters in Business Administration from the College of William and Mary. Chris had a 26-year engineering career including 11 years with TE Connectivity as the Senior Manager of Project Management Excellence. Despite his successful career, it is his unconditional love to his wife Amber, their children Josh, Cassidy and Caitlyn, and his beloved dog, Thila, as well as his unwavering faith throughout his life, and particularly while battling cancer, that best define him. Chris will be remembered as an adventurous and incredibly positive lover of life who had a profound impact on all who knew him. His strong values and his physical, emotional and spiritual strength were an inspiration to all around him and present until the very end. Chris was a daredevil by nature and enjoyed taking on challenges that would scare most people. He completed many triathlons including a full Ironman in 2009 in Madison, Wisconsin. He loved water sports, skiing, hiking, and biking and lived a life filled with adventure, love and laughter. Chris had the unique ability to take on life's toughest challenges with calm, grace and humility but also with a sense of perseverance and keen preparation so that those he loved would be safe, protected and taken care of beyond his time on earth.Chris is survived by his wife, Amber (DeRigo), and their children, Josh, Cassidy and Caitlyn of Williamsburg, VA; by his mother Sylvia (Bubak) Martens, of Chesterfield Township, MI; his brothers Jon(Dawn)Martens and Thomas(Callie)Martens. He was the loving uncle of daughter Leah Martens Chris was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Martens.Memorial Visitation Thursday 4-9pm at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons 36900 Schoenherr Road at Metro Parkway (16 Mile). Memorial Gathering 10:00am Frriday at Trinity Lutheran Church 38900 Harper Avenue (btw. Crocker & Metro Parkway) until time of Memorial Service at 11:00am. Per Chris' wish, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lackey Clinic (www.lackeyclinic.org/giving-options) or to Phil's Friends (www.philsfriends.org/give). Share memories with the family at their "On Line Guest Book" @ Wujek-Calcaterra.com

Christopher E. Martens

February 17, 1969 - March 7, 2018