Christopher John Kanthack
Chris, 50, passed away unexpectedly on March 4, 2015. Son of John and Jerrilee Kanthack, he was born October 23, 1964 in Anaconda, Montana and moved to Helena in his early childhood. He attended Smith Elementary, Helena Middle School, Helena High School, and received his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology at Carroll College. While attending Carroll College, Chris met his future wife, Renee Burnham. They wed in Lewistown, Montana on August 13, 1988. Chris and Renee have three children: two daughters, Taylor and Callie, and son, AJ.
Chris was an extraordinary and incomparable father and family man who dedicated most of his time to his children and wife. He valued the experience he had coaching his three children in basketball and football. He gained this passion for coaching while beginning his career with the Capital High football team. Chris coached under Jim Tuss, Walt Chancy, and Mark Samson for a total of 16 years. With the birth of his son, he decided to take a few years off and when eldest daughter, Taylor, showed interest, he began coaching girls’ basketball. Throughout his years of coaching he has touched numerous lives.
Chris was the owner of Fire Guys Leasing, Inc. a small business in Helena. His business served the state in which he made many acquaintances. In addition, Chris was a former board member of the YMCA and Helena Community Credit Union. He also volunteered his time organizing the Chamber of Commerce Swish Tournament. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, cooking, golfing and spending time with family.
Chris is survived by his wife and three children. He is also survived by his sisters: Kay Hubert and families, Ginger Partin and son, Chris, and Theresa (Larry) Field and families. Other survivors include in-laws Ken and Shirley Burnham, sisters-in-law Rhonda (John) Umsted and families, and Rachel (Mike) Johnson and family, and extended Burnham family.
Chris is preceded in death by father John Kanthack, mother Jerrilee (Collette) Kanthack, and brother-in-law Mark Hubert.
A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 16th at the Gateway Center, 1710 National Ave, Helena, MT 59601 with a reception immediately following at the Gateway Center. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 or The University of Montana-Western Foundation, 710 S. Atlantic Street, Dillon, MT 59725.
Steve Armstrong says
I couldn’t believe I was reading the on-line newspaper correctly when I saw this notice for Chris. What a shock! I have great memories of Chris from the Helena High days in the early 1980s. He was in one of my classes and I recall his humor and wit as well as his kindness. It was so great to read about Chris’s pride in his daughters’s athletic accomplishments over these past few years. We are deeply saddened about Chris’s death, and extend our deepest sympathies to the Kanthack family.
Bryan and Cari Harris says
Renee, Taylor, Callie, & AJ, We cannot even begin to express how deeply sorry we are to see the announcement of Chris’ passing in the paper today. Please know that you are all in our thoughts.
Bill Bentley says
I really cannot express how sad I feel for the Kanthack family. I’ve known Chris dating back to our days at Helena Junior High, and later, “back in the day” we lifted together down at the Gulch Club. I was shocked and very saddened when I received the news of his passing from a mutual friend. Far too early for such a young man to pass away. Chris was fun to be around with and always in a joyful mood, he loved to laugh. To the Kanthack family, please take care in these hardest of times.
Rusty Harper says
Our Harper family has been a fan of the Kanthack family and their excellent athletes for a long time. AJ, we can’t believe how well you played in your last game. Your dad would have been so proud.
Julie (Stinchfield) DeMars says
I have no words…I’m beyond shocked and saddened to learn of Chris’s passing. He was one of the greatest guys ever and much, much too young to go… I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers during this terribly difficult time.
Christine Mavis says
While I did not know Chris personally, I did have the pleasure of working with his
wife, Renee. I did hear many good things about Chris and the Kanthack family
and would like to extend my sincere sympathy regarding this situation. Many
thoughts and prayers have been made for the family and their comfort at this
difficult time. We will miss him as he is Called to Glory-
Sincerely,
Christine Mavis
+Soli Deo Gloria+
Pat Carroll says
Extremely saddened by the passing of Chris. Childhood friend with whom I walked to and from school from 2nd grade to freshman year. Lot of great memories from cards to hunting to just messing around. Sincere condolences to his family for this terrible loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cynthia Thornqui says
Renee, Taylor, Callie and A.J. Please know that the Thornquist/Stief gang have kept you in our hearts and prayers during this very sad time. Sudden loss like this of your dear husband and father takes your breath away. Knowing the Helena Community, you will have a great deal of support in the coming days and months – we all want to help in anyway we can. Let us do this for you all as you move through your days ahead.
Blessings & Prayers…. Cynthia Thornquist
Becky Ames says
My heart and prayers go out to my friend, Renee and her children and family in their time of grief and sorrow. If there is anything I can do to lighten your load, please be sure to call on me.
Kevin Damuth says
We were shocked to learn of Chris’ passing. We will be praying for each you during this very difficult time.
Calvert Wofford says
Our heart is saddened to hear of Chris” passing way to soon. He was a wonderful Boss at Fire Guys. We send our Prayers for his wife and family. May the Lord be with your family in this time of sorrow. God Bless, Calvert and Vicki Wofford
Mark and Kellie Samson says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you during this tragic time! I first got to know Chris when he played FB at Helena High—I remember a passionate, intense person who was also a great young man! At CHS, Chris was a great coach who showed a great deal of knowledge and love for the game, but more importantly loved being around young men and had a great ability to communicate to them and help them become better every day! He always had a smile and a handshake for me—I will miss him but now Heaven has a great defensive line coach!
Frank Mayo says
Thoughts and prayers to the Kanthack family, Chris will forever be ‘Captain Kanthack’ to me and every other player on the 1982 HHS Bengal football team. After not seeing Chris in years, I really enjoyed talking with him while watching our kids compete at Helena High in recent years. I too was a member of the Gulch Club weight lifters crew, the dungeon like health club was a place we all loved, and a place Chris dedicated many hours to training for football and power-lifting. I specifically remember one day when I was walking out of the parking garage across the street from the club and Chis was standing near the front door coming out after his workout, and he looked across the street and yelled at me, “Mayo, you’re getting big and ripped!!” (body builder speak) and as an underclassmen to Chris, that offered incredible motivation for me to keep working out to better myself throughout my athletic career. I have several other stories of Chris that I will have my daughter share with her former classmate A.J. via social network.
Love and Light Kanthacks…
Frank, Cynthia, and Autumn Mayo
Lisa Bush says
My thoughts and prayers for Renee and the kids.
May Chris rest in peace.
Tim Ryan says
So sorry for your loss I knew Chris as a young child in Anaconda my thoughts and prayers to the Kanthack family.
Susan Bresnahan LeFevre says
So very sorry to hear about Chris. He is one of my long lost cousins. Sounds like he has a great family and sorry I never got to know them. You will be missed. Thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Peace be with you cousin,
Susan Bresnahan LeFevre
Paul and Jean Jagoda says
Renee, Taylor, Callie and A.J. ~ We are so sorry to hear about Chris. Our thoughts are prayers are with you at this very difficult time. ~The Jagoda Family
Marilyn and Duane Sparks says
Renee and family
Sending lots of love, hugs and prayers. So very sorry to hear about Chris.
Love and God Bless,
Marilyn, Duane, Scott, Bridget and kids
Mary Lindgren (Austin) says
Although I have never met Chris’s wife and children I wish to express my deepest sympathy’s. I am a cousin of Chris’s and saddened that we did not stay connected. Kay, Ginger, and Theresa I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. My mom also has your family in her thoughts and prayers and is deeply saddened by your loss.
Jim Salmonsen says
Renee, Taylor, Callie and AJ, Words cannot express the sorrow I feel at the passing of Chris. I met Chris several years ago when his company began taking care of our fire extinguishers. We developed a bond that would last many years. We became even better friends when he would be coaching basketball and I was officiating his games! It was always nice to see Chris during his daughters games. He always had a huge smile and a wave for me! You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marilyn and Leo Barrick says
Renee and family. Prayers to you and all your family. So sorry to hear about Chris. May God bless and comfort each of you . Love, Marilyn and Leo
Mike and Bobbi Austin says
Shocked and very saddened by Chris’ passing. Love to the entire Kanthack family. Rest in peace Chris. If there is a heaven, you are there.
Greg Van Horssen and Family says
Our deepest sympathies and our prayers are with you, all. May God give you peace and comfort in this difficult time. We will all see you, again, Chris. Thank you for everything that you did with and for the young athletes of Helena. We will miss you. . . .
Lynn 'Fred' Williamson says
Renee~~My sincere condolences to you, your kids, and all of your family at this most difficult time. It’s been many years since your internship days at Columbus Hospital, but I have “kept tabs on you”! May all of you hear words of hope and feel hugs of comfort as you recall all the memories of his life so well-lived. And, may Chris rest in eternal peace among the angels of heaven….
Heather Harrington says
Renee and family, I’m so sorry for your loss and have been praying for comfort and healing for you during this difficult time. May Chris rest in peace.
kelly says
I am so sorry to hear of this. I am shocked. I have so many memories of coach. Always helping us get better, making us laugh, encouraging us to be our best. I will miss that. Im praying for you guys.
-kelly
John, Maria, Ali and Nick Solheim says
Renee, Taylor, Callie and AJ,
We are so sorry for the loss of your wonderful husband and dad . Please know that we are thinking of you and praying for you.
fawntane and schescke family says
Our family is so shocked!! So sad. Our prayers are with your family. When ginger told us the news, we just could not fatham that it was chris. What a sweet man.
Sara and Justin Murgel says
Renee, Taylor, Callie and AJ,
Your husband/father was an amazing man and will be missed by so many. He was so proud of you, Taylor, Callie and AJ. Please know that Justin and I are thinking of you every day and will be here for you in the hard days ahead.
Glenda (Ridgway) Dupuis says
Ginger and Kay and all family and friends…I am sorry to hear of your loss. I have not seen you (Ginger or Kay) for so many years since HHS together but I just wanted to share that I am thinking of you at this time. God Bless you all. Glenda
Jim Rutledge says
I met Chris through business but he quickly became one of those customers that I couldn’t wait to get back out to see. What a fun and wonderful person to be around. He was very proud of his family and talked about his wife and kids all the time. I am very sorry for your loss.
Jim
Ed Austin and family says
This is turning out to be one of the worst weeks I’ve had in a long time. We’ve had our own family “event” involving our son and then I hear about Chris. So devastating. I don’t know how many years ago when I last talked with Chris on the phone and now more than ever, I really wish I had stopped by to see him while I was visiting in Anaconda the last couple of years. I had committed to myself that I would go to see him this summer when we come up and now I can’t. I really don’t like that being the case. I wanted so bad to reconnect. Theresa, Ginger, Kay – I am so sorry. You all spent so much time raising me when I was in grade school. I still remember Chris’ and my backpacking trip to Mt. Haggin that ended before we wanted it to, the many drive-in movies and especially the one when we killed the car battery – not good. The many times on Canyon Ferry and the time I canceled our camping trip because I wrecked on a motorcycle on the way to the campsite. I have the scar that never lets me forget and always keeps me remembering our time together. How ironic that I was in the hospital because of my son’s motorcycle accident when I heard about Chris’ passing. You are in our prayers. May God bless your family in this time of need for comfort and understanding. Love to you all. –Ed
SHANDA TOMPKINS says
My prayers are with Chris’s family. I had the pleaser in cutting Chris’s hair for many years until the follicles went on strike. I enjoyed many talks with Chris I have an enormous amount of respect for him. He was an old soul and never lacked for a good story about life. His pride in his family was breath taking. Chris lived the life so many of us strive for. Very blessed. He lived life well and he was rich with fulfillment. He will be deeply missed. I am thankful for having the time and friendship Chris gave. But honestly it was effortless on his part, it was a work of art in the the gift to gab!
Joe Kanthack - cousin says
I am sorry to hear of your loss. I never met Chris’s wife or kids, but knew him more in the younger years. Kay, Ginger, Theresa, I feel for you in this time. It’s not easy to lose a brother. Sometimes life catches us with these unfortuate suprizes. Sounds like he had many good and close friends. My thoughts will be with you next week.
Mary Sark says
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Chris. My thoughts are prays are with his wife and kids.
Mary-
Kris, Mac and Erin Minard says
Chris was an enthusiastic giver. He was not one to sit on the sidelines and let someone else do the work. He got it done. We have all benefited from his seemingly endless volunteerism and ability to turn ideas into action.
Thank you Renee, Taylor, Callie and AJ – for sharing Chris with our entire “community. He is gone way too soon, but his tireless giving lives on. May knowing that your grief is shared by many provide you strength and comfort. Chris will be sorely missed and you are loved and cared for by many.
Eric R says
Chris my brotha you will be missed. I remember trying to tackle your ass and it hurt! Couch Cramer told me to hit you straight up but you still ran over me!!! RIP my friend!!!!
Laura Tiddy Hill says
What tragic news. I remember Chris from Smith school and on through graduation at HHS. My thoughts and prayers to his family and especially his wife and children.
Bill Taylor JR says
I met Chris as his sales representative . Even though we met through our common field. I always enjoyed our lengthy conversations about our families, hobbies and life in general. Chris was truly a great person. I will miss you! My deepest condolences to his family.
Kimberly Ricks says
It is so sad to read of Chris’s passing. As a fellow classmate at HHS, I remember Chris’s smile, sparkling eyes, good humor and bouncing on his tip toes. He was always so kind, full of laughter and light. My prayers to the Kanthack family during your time of loss.
Dennis & Darlene Abeyta says
I am so sad to hear about Chris. He was just a baby when Dennis was in guards under his dad, John. We spent time at John and Jerri’s home in Anaconda. We visited with Jerri here in Helena and I am sure Chris is having a good visit with his parents now in heaven. We will keep Chris’s family in our prayers during this difficult time of grief.
Jim Mulcahy says
We are very sorry to here about the passing of Chris. As well, a childhood friend with many memories of family and friends. Our condolences to you and your family.
Lisa (Gross) Nehl says
I was so shocked and saddened to hear about Chris. I, too, was a childhood friend and classmate of Chris’s. I have many great memories of him from Smith School, Helena Jr. High, Helena High, and Carroll College. I always enjoyed touching base with Chris about our kids, as we both have girls that played ball at the same time. He was respected and liked by so many. May your memories of Chris help you get through this difficult time.
My sincere condolences and prayers to all of you. Take care and God Bless!
Wayne O'Brien says
My wife and I just returned from a long vacation and noticed from the Sunday paper that Chris had passed. My heart is broken. I have done business with Chris for years and can think of no one I respected more. Chris was the “real deal” filled with all the stuff that only God can make. My deepest condolences to his lovely family and friends. We lost one of the best men I’ve ever known and count it as a rich blessing to have crossed his path, and to have encountered his grace and dignity as a giving and caring human being. I will miss you friend. May God embrace your family and may we all learn from your marvelous example.