Christopher Lopez

A Native of Santa Barbara, Christopher grew up on the Eastside with his mother, Ms Loretta Lopez, big brother Marine Sgt. David R. Lopez, ‘little-big’ sister, Alicia M Lopez and surrounding extended family.

When Chris wasn’t in class at Roosevelt Elementary, he was spending time on the corner of Cacique and Voluntario streets, waving at passing cars, inviting them to shop in his grandpa’s (Art’s) market or offering peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to the less fortunate, which earned him the family nickname, “The Unofficial Mayor of Santa Barbara”.

Living and giving from the Heart came naturally to Chris, so throughout his life, he could never understand the desire of others to be unkind, intolerant or cruel. A restless spirit in search of his niche in the world, Chris chafed against expectations and routine. He was never sure which amongst his many talents (massage and physical therapy, nutrition, construction, theater craft) would give him the most satisfaction in Life. Then, he stumbled upon the culinary arts. Without formal training and for five years, preparing and serving meals was Christopher’s language of Love.

For Chris, the chaotic energy of the kitchen was heaven and the ability to experiment with flavor, texture and presentation was his creative outlet. His most satisfying accomplishment was cooking for the German consulate in San Francisco for over three consecutive years in which they would ask for Chris by name.

Christopher joins his ‘grampa,’ Mr. Arthur Thomas Lopez (2014), ‘gramma’, Mrs. Norma May (Mora) Lopez (2020) and Auntie, Mrs. Lisa Marie (Lopez) Cunningham (2024) in the eternal ethereal plane.

Those whose lives you touched will miss your presence, Christopher, but your Love will be in their Hearts with every demonstrated act Kindness and Compassion, my son.