Christopher Bernard Leader

     Christopher Bernard Leader drew his tag for the Ultimate Hunt early Saturday, October 12th, 2024.

     He lived his life large as the Lord intended and took nothing for granted. He was joyful, loving, and strived to serve others every day. His presence will be missed by all who knew him.

     Christopher was born to Glenda Wetzstein on November 1st, 1978. From the start, he persevered and was determined to be a good man. He grew up in the Magic Valley and lived there his entire life. He graduated as a Buhl Indian in 1997. He was a proud Future Farmer of America with a Dairy background. He was a scholar during his school years and beyond, spending many hours researching and reading about many subjects. He never stopped learning. He was an adventurous cook, butcher, baker, pit master, gamer, mixologist, bookworm, mechanic, scholar, gunsmith, fisherman, hunter and outdoorsman.

     As a young child, Chris was legally adopted by his stepfather, and in addition to the Leader name, Chris gained siblings Sandra, Melissa, and Lynette. His adopted Brother Scotty preceded him in death.

     When Chris was 5, his beloved sister Grace was born. No children could ever be as devoted to each other. Or torment and tease each other as they did. Yet their relationship was so much deeper than just sharing the same Mom.

     At 7 years old, Chris met his Uncle Jamie while visiting Dixie while Jamie and Aunt Bernice were on their honeymoon. Uncle Jamie became his mentor from then on. Jamie taught him the love of hunting, fishing, camping, and the great outdoors. He also taught Chris about life, love, and unconditional acceptance, influencing Chris to become the man he was meant to be.

     When Chris met Kristina on Match.com, his life was forever enriched. She brought Rachel, whom Chris was so proud to call his daughter, to their union. Soon they welcomed sons Joseph and Oliver and their precious family was whole. Chris’s children brought him so much joy. His little family enjoyed many adventures, most in the great outdoors, and there was always laughter. He took great pride in teaching his children not just important life skills, from how to change a tire, to improving your aim, even how to bake bread. Above all, Chris was a fierce protector of his family and was always fully invested in their lives.

     Chris's extended family was also a priority in his life. He always had a great deal of love and respect for his Aunts and Uncles (his mother had 10 siblings), and considered his cousins some of his closest friends. When he married Kristina, many of her family often commented on how “He just fits” and she often playfully lamented how her brothers seemed to like Chris more than her. He took great joy in his nieces and nephews, loved teasing and joking with them, and loved watching them grow into incredible young men and women. Gracie's long-awaited daughter Arya, was a particular joy and he always seemed to have gummy bears or M&Ms in the front pocket of his bib overalls, just for her. He always made attending important events in the lives of his nieces and nephews a priority and was disappointed if he couldn't.

     In June of 2024, Chris and Kristina had planned a Mexican Riviera Cruise to Celebrate 15 years of Marriage. However, his Mother Glenda expressed a desire to book more cabins so the whole family could join them on their “Second Honeymoon”. Chris firmly told her “Not this cruise. This is for my Wife.” But after Glenda’s passing in May of 2024, Chris decided he would relent and Glenda got her wish. The couple traveled with a small portion of her cremains in a vintage perfume bottle. It was the trip of a lifetime and the couple created many precious memories. Months later, just days before his passing, Chris decided he wanted to take another cruise to show his kids Mexico and build memories with them. While his wife was busy cooking dinner, he booked and paid for the cruise, set to sail over Valentine’s Day as a Christmas gift to his family.

     Chris had several meaningful jobs that helped shape his character, but his most treasured was with Glanbia in Gooding, Idaho. He shared great camaraderie with his coworkers, but especially enjoyed training new drivers, teaching them integrity, industry, and reliability. Above all, he was a taskmaster in regard to safety. And if anyone balked at his reminders, he asked them to think of going home to their families. These reminders occasionally included him speaking of his own Father-in-law, who passed after a workplace accident before he and Kristina met. His driving time also allowed him to make meaningful phone calls to loved ones to seek advice, plan the next adventure, or get their view on his latest research.

     Even though the “heart zipper” he received as a young child precluded some things, he was able to be a part donor and not the full organ donor he unselfishly desired. He was able to give skin and leg veins for someone to also walk in his ways. The corneas he was able to give will hopefully give someone the eagle eyes he had, not only for hunting but also the ability to look deep into the soul to bring out the best in those he treasured.

     He is predeceased by far too many. He leaves on this earthly world his beautiful wife Kristina Bobby, daughter Rachel Faye, sons Joseph Christopher and Oliver James, sister Grace (Steven) Sweatfield, step-father Robert Swertferger, In-Laws Jeff (Neeley) Ussing, Ryan (Sarah) Ussing, Scott (Cassie) Ussing, Joni Rai Ussing, Bill Ussing, and Mother-in-law Connie Ussing. Also left missing him are many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends. And his German Wirehaired Griffon retriever-in-training, Whiplash.

     Memorial Services will be held at the LDS Church in Gooding on Friday, November 1, 2024 at 11:00 am (his 46th birthday).

     A celebration of life will be Saturday, November 2nd at the McCreery home 1400 E. 4403 N. in Buhl.

You will always be in our hearts Papa Bear.

We love you, Mamma Bear and Your Cubs.

     Cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service – Gooding Chapel.

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