Cathie

Chris/Cathie Senter was taken from us on February 27, 2023 at 4:18pm, at the young age of 56.

The impact sent waves of sadness through the hearts of anyone’s who has ever crossed this beautiful, precious souls path. Humans come in many forms, but this human was marvelous and extraordinary, who left a place vacant in our hearts that never can be filled.

Chris was a staunch advocate for human rights, animal rights, and unapologetically, and admirably, stuck to their values. They made the bold and exhilarating decision to transition to Chris much later than most in life, knowing he must be true to what was in his heart and start the journey of becoming his true self. And so, out of respect to their bravery, he will be referred to as Chris/he hereafter.

Born to Rosemary and James Senter, Chris loved softball and jet skis. Known as Chitter on the water, he would rat race friends on the lakes all day and spend many afternoons and evenings on the diamond stealing bases with good friends. Chris had a passion for wood working early in life, which blossomed into an extensively knowledgeable career in historical restoration and architecture.

Chris made a mark in every city he lived in, from Canton to Muncie to Wheeling to Columbus, being an architect, a former college instructor, a driving force and respectable member of the preservation community, and touching countless souls along the way. To have known Chris was to have been inspired by his zest for life and drawn in by his sweet demeanor.

A lover of bears, especially the majestic polar bear, to dogs, Chris had a devotion to each dog in his lifetime that was a faithful companion, from Polly when he was young, to little Skittles, to his soul dog Casey Marie, to the ever so sweet Murphy, to our newest member of the pack silly Ollie Jean Waffles. Chris’s heart; what a kind and loving heart, gave us a giver, a listener, a doer.

Above all, Chris loved his family. From many travel adventures with his dear Aunt Bernie, to thawing out during the summer with his Minnesota family with Bryan and Amy, to helping mentor and guide Kaitlyn, the baby of the family, and later gaining a new brother in law to share a love for the Browns with, Michael. Having 3 nieces, Larkin, Haidyn, and Jensyn, and a nephew, Hudson, Chris devoted his life to adoring and spoiling those children. These kids were truly the light of his life. CACKY was always the best and most honorable title he had and wore it most proudly. Big things like birthdays and holidays to little things like campfires and going to zoos - they did it all and everything in between together.

Chris is also survived by an uncle, Raymond (Judy) Goslin and cousin Kyle (Ashley) Bee. Love your friends, love your family. But the angels among us? Rejoice in the them that shine bright and lift you up. That build others up, instead of tear them down. That refrain from dramatics and instead fill your world with love and light. Ones that challenge you & motivate you, instead of subtle words shrouded in negativity and criticism. Give your precious time and energy to those deserving of it. While I’ve always tried to adhere steadfastly to those notions, Chris further modeled it.

I’ve found that the best way you can honor someone who has passed is to continue to live life with them still beside you. They are a part of you now, more than ever. Continue to share their spark, their lust for life, and the wonderful little things that made them special. Although gone much too soon, our worlds are much more radiant because of Chris.