Christopher Scott Horning - Jr

Christopher Scott Horning Jr. tragically left this world and our lives on January 7, 2024.  He was born on September 10, 2004 at Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, CO to parents Ellen Ingraham and Chris Horning. Christopher immediately became a force for good in this world.  His arrival initiated positive life changes in his young parents and their family.  Christopher gave all who loved him a new purpose in life and a reason to live for the good each and every day.  

 From his early childhood, Christopher’s energy was endless and his laughter contagious.  He knew just how to make a positive connection to all he met through his endearing smile and warm presence.  Christopher cherished his time with his family.  He enjoyed one-on-one time with his grandparents and parents.  Christopher thrived in deep conversations about life, love, and the challenges this world presents. He highly valued the relationships fostered with his step-parents and stepsister, Cicily.  Despite the official title, Christopher loved them as true parents and sister. To his many cousins, Christopher was more of a big brother, friend, and leader they all looked up to. But the role of big brother he most cherished was to Walton, his brother of 12 years younger.  Despite their age difference, they always interacted just as any two brothers would.  Christopher and Walton’s brotherly connection was palpable to all who watched them play, argue, tussle, and just cuddle on the couch together. Christopher was and always will be Walton’s hero.

At an early age, Christopher’s athleticism and love for sports quickly became apparent. He found sports to be a great outlet and often an escape from the complexities of growing up and the challenges of adolescence. His parents let him explore his talents in soccer, lacrosse, basketball, and finally in his 7th grade year, football.  And it was football where Christopher found his true passion.

 From the time he first donned the football pads, Christopher fell in love with the sport.  At just 12 years old he would wake up early before school and lift weights, dampening the weight racks with his socks in order to not wake others in the house. Christopher was also drawn in to the brotherhood that football can bring to a young man. He cherished the camaraderie that quickly developed between he and his teammates through the sacrifices made on the field and in the weight room. In high school, Christopher fulfilled his dream of playing football as a linebacker for the same team his father played for - Columbine.  Christopher was the epitome of a Columbine Rebel.  He tuned his body and mind to be the best football player he could be for his teammates, his coaches, and his school.  His grit and determination to fight through injuries and out work others around him provided a shining example to his fellow teammates. 

 This past fall, Christopher had excelled as a freshman linebacker for Colorado Mesa University.  He quickly earned the trust and respect of his fellow Mavericks and coaches.  Due to his constant drive to perform at the highest level possible, the CMU coaches pulled his red-shirt status and he finished out his season as a true freshman.

 Christopher loved the Lord.  He enjoyed attending church with his family and his friends.  When faced with challenges and difficult circumstances, Christopher knew where to turn.  When writing his goals, Christopher would begin with “None of this is possible without GOD”. He had recently shared with his parents a Bible verse that had become his favorite. Christopher would want all of us who now grieve his loss to find solace in these sacred words:

            For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, they are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. -Jeremiah 29:11