was welcomed home into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father. Chris was born in September 1959 to Ignatius and Mary Jo Wilkinson of Phoenix, AZ.
He is survived by his wife Laura Lee, daughters Alyssa (Johnathan) Meade, Megan and Kylee and grandson Henry Meade. He is also survived by his siblings Angela (John) Pacheco, Bill (Cindy) Wilkinson, Mickell Allison-Colley, Margaret (Greg) Brandon, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ignatius and Mary Jo Wilkinson, nephew Christopher Tweeton, niece Amanda Nazer, Clarence “Butch” Nowland and many other beloved relatives.
Christopher was a graduate of St. Thomas the Apostle School and Camelback High School. He furthered his education at Arizona State University, while receiving a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Marketing and Finance and was a proud Phi Gamma Delta brother. He then completed his MBA in Finance at Northern Arizona University, graduating both degrees with honors.
Chris went on to obtain his Certified Financial Planner and Accredited Investment Fiduciary Studies professional accreditations. In addition, as an Arizona native, Chris was a well-known member of the community, having served as the past President of the Arizona Treasury Management Association, Member of the Western Pension & Benefit Council, Board Member of the American Red Cross, Fiesta Bowl Committee Member and Sun Angel Foundation member. Chris also served as a guest lecturer at the W.P Cary School of Business MBA Program, Thunderbird International School of Management and the W.A. Franke School of Business.
Fun-loving, kind and smiling, Chris loved sports and demonstrated unwavering passion for ASU athletics (Go Devils!). However, faith, family and friends played the most important rolls in the life of Chris. His devotion to the Lord, his dedication to Scottsdale Bible Church and his small group Bible Study, his love for his family and his loyalty to his friends were the admirable characteristics that made up the foundation of his character. For these reasons and so much more, he may be gone from our sight but will never be forgotten.