Christopher Leslie Dale Slavens

CHRISTOPHER LESLIE DALE SLAVENS A celebration of life for Christopher Leslie Dale Slavens will be held on Sunday, November 6 at 2:00 p.m. at Ryman Creek, above Dolores. There will be signage. The Ryman Creek Trail takes off to the right if you are driving up Highway 145 between mile markers 42 and 43 towards Rico. There is a large parking area just up the hill as you turn off the highway. 4-wheel drive may be required to access this parking area. The family is planning to scatter his cremated remains along the hiking trail. There will be a side-by-side for close family to ride in, if they wish. There will be a reception held in Chris' memory at the Dolores Community Center from 3-5 p.m. Christopher Leslie Dale Slavens was born to Les and San Slavens on August 3, 1982. He passed from our world on September 8, 2016. He is survived by his parents, Les and San Slavens of Cortez; his sister, Karla Robson of Dolores, her children, Joshua Robson of Cortez, and Crystal Robson of Cortez and Karla's eight grandchildren; his grandmother, Viola Elaine Slavens; his uncle, Gary Slavens and aunt, Nova Slavens of Cortez; his cousin, Stacy Slavens-Wilson of Grand Junction, and her son Kenyon Wilson of Cortez; his aunt T (Tammy) Helland of Huxley, Iowa; his great-aunt, Daisy Mae Black of Cortez; cousin Debbie and Toni Hamilton of Cortez and their girls, Kylie of Cortez, and Kennan of Dove Creek, Dennis and Joy Black of Phoenix Ariz., Janet Black of Louisville, Colo., Karen Black of Colorado Springs; his foreign exchange-student brother, Mattias Gaimer of Sweden; and his best friend, Ryan Saunders. Chris graduated from Cortez High School. He loved any outdoor sport. He was skiing even as an infant riding in a backpack on Les's back. While in High school he raced downhill skis. He loved jeeping with his family, and picnics on Thanksgiving and Easter in the desert. Lake Powel trips with the boat were a favorite summer pastime. Chris played soccer, baseball, football and wrestled. He formed lifetime relationships with his teammates. As an adult Chris liked to ride dirt bikes and horseback, hiking, and rafting with his friends and family. Chris enjoyed jobs in kitchens cooking and preparing food, but his favorite job was with Sprinkler Pros, landscaping and installing sprinklers with his best friend Ryan Saunders. He touched many people's lives, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He left us WAY too soon. Chris had a wonderful heart and a caring spirit. Those who knew him expressed what a kind and generous person he was. The family will have a Celebration of Life for Chris later this month. Please continue to check Ertel's website for details. In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to the Four Corners Child Advocacy Center 140 N. Linden, Cortez, CO 81321, or Wilderness Treatment Center 200 Hubbart Dam Road, Marion, MT 59925.