CHRISTOPHER (CHRIS) CHARLES WILLSDEN
Christopher (Chris) Charles Willsden peacefully passed away February 10, 2022, at home in Bandera, Texas, surrounded by his 'girls', Stephanie and furbabies Rosie and Sophie. He sadly lost his bravely fought battle to cancer.
Chris was born on May 18, 1951, in Darlington, County Durham, England to Charles Arthur Willsden and Patricia "Ivy" Eady Willsden. Chris is survived by his wife, Stephanie Lynn (Hill), sons Christopher John Willsden and Adam Parnaby, both residents of the United Kingdom, other family members and numerous friends the world over, especially his Bandera crew and Meopham gang.
He was very proud to be an Englishman but found his second home, in Bandera. Known to many as the 'local limey' or 'English Chris.' While vacationing in the 1990s, it was then he met "the prettiest girl from Bandera". Chris shared his homeland with Stephanie when he swept her away to Darlington in 1997. They moved back to Bandera in 2009.
Chris was a lifelong fan and supporter of Darlington Football Club. When he was 7 years old, his dad skipped him from school to see his first football(soccer) match and he was hooked forevermore. He created the Bandera Branch of the Darlington Supporters Club for Darlington Football Club a few years ago to help his beloved club raise much needed funds.
The larger-than-life character made friends everywhere he went. He loved sports, history, cooking and was very proud to be an Englishman, but equally proud to live in Bandera. He was passionate about "the puppies". Chris had a particular love of dogs, especially rescues. He helped create an annual golf tournament to help raise much needed funds for Saving Shelter Strays, even getting hole sponsorship for the next tournament from several individuals and businesses in England.
In true Chris fashion, he organized a proper 'living wake' in England before returning to Texas for his final days. Some of his last words were "well, at least I won't have to watch Darlington lose again."
There are many, many people to thank for supporting Chris through his end of life, special friends who are part of Chris' story. You know who you are.
If you knew Chris, please know that he loved each and every one of you, whether he met you years ago or just last week. A celebration of Chris will take place at a future date on his beloved back deck.
Memorials may be made in his name to Saving Shelter Strays, Inc., PO Box 3094, Bandera, Texas 78003, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in Bandera Texas. https://www.facebook.com/ Saving-Shelter-Strays