I just want to thank Matt for everything he has done in Chris' memory...it means more than words can express.

Peace and Love, Kim Page-Bloodworth

haha i used to talk to you when i was on Krunznet   floydpink,..remember that guy!!!???

@an1ok1joe

Yep, Mike Bell's little girl. Although I'm almost 29 now. Ha ha.

I knew Chris Page from Enlgish Lit classes at CSUB.  I remember him going from student to student after class, asking "what did you get on your paper?  What did you get on your test?" and comparing grades in a good-natured competitive kind of way. 

Later on,  when we were out of school, Chris reviewed a play I wrote.  I've still got the article, cut out and framed with a program, on my office wall.  That was the first time I'd been recognized by the press, for my work in the Arts, in Bakersfield.  It was really encouraging; it made me want to keep working, to work harder and do better.  I'm wishing now that I'd thanked him for that encouragement, at some point.  It made all the difference, to me.

I'm so very sorry that this has happened.  My heart goes out to his family and friends. 

Stepahanie,... MIke's daughter? :O AGENT ORANGE? Kruznet?  Missing Links? wow freak small world

I just wanted to pop in and leave my contact information for any one I spoke to at the memorial on Saturday, in case you had asked me for a copy of the CD I made or wanted to send me something. I ran out of my current business cards during the day so some of you didn't get all the contact information you wanted.

Any one can send me an email any time to: stephanie@newrock1073.com it goes directly to my phone and I will get it immediately.

-Stephanie Bell

Thank you to everyone who attended the memorial yesturday. I apoligize that I'm in such a hard place right now that I wasn't able to speak more. It meant so much to see all the people who cared about Chris, (thoes who were there in spirit as well).

Thank you to all!     Kim                                                                                                                                                                      

To all of Chris' family & friends - I am very sorry for your loss.  My thoughts and prayer are with you all.  Chris' life was way too short!

To Kim - I cannot imagine dealing with the loss of one of my brothers and I greatly respect what you have commented here to everyone.

I watched Chris grow up and knew him mostly as a friend of my brother's.  He was the kid who was always smiling!  I remember the Castle carnivals, cheering for him as he graduated from Actis and then West, and watching his writing develop in the Californian.  I don't think that anyone who knew him in the least was surprised at his success.  I would always read his column when I was visiting my family in Bakersfield and was sad when that little link to the past was no longer there.  But I knew he was out there somewhere and would always be successful at whatever he tried.  He was bright and talented - and will be missed by many.      ~HNC

I went to high school with Chris.  He was a couple of years younger than I was, but he was fun to hang with.  I still have a stick that he gave me advertising "Chewbacca's Sister".  Little did I know the flood of memories that would come back when I look at it.  I loved his sense of humor and his spontaneity.  We dated a few times and I remember the first time we went out  we went to a basque restaurant (for the first time). He had reservations for us as Captain Stuebbe and "guest".  I just laughed.  After our meal, my car refused to shift into reverse and Chris pushed my car backwards out of our parking spot.  What an evening of laughs.

I lost touch after I moved to Texas to go to school. I tried to reconnect with Chris through "The Californian" by sending an e-mail last year.  I was a little hurt when I received no response.  I now know why there was no response, he had moved to Arizona.  I wish I had tried to reconnect a few years earlier.  My dad called me tonight to inform me about Chris.  I immediately began hoping it was not the vibrant, humorous Chris I had once known.  I will always cherish the memories I had of Chris in high school.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family and freinds who are struggling with such a dificult road ahead.

Kristina Peckham

The Memorial Service for Chris Page will be held on Saturday, June 14th from 3pm till everyone is done. 

The memorial will be very informal. Everyone is invited to come and stay as long as you would like. We are looking forward to honoring his memory.

13111 Providence Place, Bakersfield, 93314: Please call if you need anymore information.

Kim 750-1323

I will have a finalized date, time and location in Bakersfield tomorrow for everyone. Thank you so much for your patience...it seems like I'm living moment to moment. For now I'm planning on Saturday the 14th for the memorial. I know it will be very informal and everyone (children included) are welcome.

Thank you again for being patient with me while I try to plan this.

Kim Page-Bloodworth

661-750-1323

angelonesgirl@yahoo.com

I agree with Molassa. Does anyone have any info on a service?

I just now held Chris' mom in my arms as she cried, hearing her say she is comforted by what she has read here. She told me how all the comments about how our son's life brought joy to many, knowing that he left good memories and had a positive effect on some has helped us through this nightmare we can't wake from.

We will forever hold your kind words close to our hearts and be soothed by your memories of a most special man. We miss him so, remembering the weirdness and the intellect, the boy who was old for his years, watching him grow, as proud parents. Sometimes agast at the things he did, like revealing all about our family in the 'Under 21' on a near weekly basis. I remember dreading Mondays at work when I knew a multitude of my co workers would ask me things like;  "did you really shoot Chris in the butt with a paintball gun?". I did, but he took me there for fathers day and, well, I couldn't help myself! I remember waiting outside sleazy clubs while he played with various bands, loading his equipment when his gig was done and driving him home, because he was only 14.

I cherish all those memories and more, as I cherish yours. Thank you for sharing. We were proud to share our Chris with all of you!

his dad

I can say  being one that has been unemployed for almost two years at one time it crosses your mind. Especially  if the business your in you love but it's turned it's back on you. But me, I'm too damn stubborn to just play down and die. Or let those that hurt me  happy.  I'm to full of piss and vinegar! But honestly  when you are unemployed  by what you might think is unfair means. It hits deep and to the core. I can see how maybe someone can think of it and do it very quickly. I don't think most suicides are this "cry for help" I think it's almost  a vengeful,..I'll show them attitude. But as I've said in the past  on this subject  on this blog. Live, Live for the next day try one day at a time. it does get better. And when you think you can't go on? Go help someone worse off than yourself. Then you begin to feel better, useful and that you do matter to someone.

I fear his suicide  was caused by something deeper than unemployment although I don't really know.  I do wish he would have opened up to someone about how he was feeling. Of almost everyone I know he would be the last person I would expect to do this. It makes me so sad and a little angry that he could not realize the impact his death has had on so many.

Chris and I were childhood friends in Bakersfield.  We both escaped-to a point.  He was 29 years old.  He did not have a full and fulfilling life.  Suicide has been a solution I have pondered since I was recently unemployed as well.  I can only presume to have shared the sense of desperation Chris felt to have had no other way out of his suffering.  My heart aches for him and his family.  God help us all.     Lori 

We who knew him, even if just for a little while or a long time ago,will defenitley miss him and his free spirit.He had a keen sense of humor and was one of the most talented people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. He was one of those people that you look back on and say  "I'm so glad I got to meet him and spend time with him."  

P.S. Thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Page for your hospitality when we play music at your house

       -Jake Blair

I knew Chris in Junior high and High school. We were in a band together in 8th grade. It was awesome. He had written about the band in one of his columns. I was the one with no talent or musical ability. But they let me in the band because they "  thought I was cool." My prayers are with his parents and his sister. As well as the rest of his family and friends. Swamp Moose and Chewbaccas Sister will forever live in my  memory.

I have been at a loss for words to express the loss of Chris in my life. We had not seen each other since he moved to Arizona ... but I knew that we would reconnect, we always did. He was a magical force in my life, and I was addicted to his intelligence, wit and gooberness while in his presence.

Like everyone else I am being consumed with guilt for not reaching out more. For not making sure that he knew how much he was loved. I just wish that he knew how important he was for all of us ...

Unfortunately I will be leaving Bakersfield for a week and will not be able to participate in his memorial service. This evening I found a passage in the Reform Judaism prayerbook that articulates perfectly how I am feeling about the loss of Chrs:

It is a fearful thing to love
what death can touch.
A fearful thing to love,
hope, dream: to be-
to be, and oh! to lose.

A thing for fools this, and
a holy thing
a holy thing to love.

For your life has lived in me
Your laugh once lifted me
Your word was gift to me

To remember this brings a painful joy.
'Tis a human thing, love,
a holy thing, to love what death has touched

Chris and I were student journalists at the same time (mid to late '90s) and had at least one class together at CSUB. I really respected his writing, especially because it was often criticized and I appreciated his moxie. For some reason, almost every time we talked, our conversations turned to "Saved By the Bell." Random, I know, but true. He will be missed...My condolences to his friends and family.

I met Chris when I was in high school and he was writing for the Under 21 column. He worked with my mom (Janet Van Vleet, see comment above). He was so much fun and always had a great idea to keep you entertained. There was never a dull moment with Chris. I loved hanging out with him because my mom knew and trusted him so I was allowed to stay out past curfew to go to a show. Little did she know that he took me to my first bar (The Padre) when I was only 16! I think we only had one drink (a buttery nipple), but it was a cool first experience that I shared with him.

He made me laugh and smile. He was an incredible person with such a unique style to life. I will miss him and his wit. I learned a lot from him and will never forget him. 

My heart goes out to his family and friends. 

Jenny Vick

I first met Chris when he was writing the Under 21 column at the Californian. As a new features writer at the paper, I had read many of Chris' columns before I ever met him. That writing, coming from someone so young, just floored me. It was clever, funny, and oh so confident. Much like Chis himself.

Chris and I became fast friends, despite the fact that he was closer in age to my daughter. She also became his friend. She and I just spent the last hour on the phone talking about Chris, his wacky humor, his unerring sense of whimsy and his incredible warmth. I loved that boy.

Just a few of the Chris memories that made us laugh through our tears: he and I making handprint sculptures for our mothers on Mothers Day - our hands were nearly too big for the mold, his 21st (?) birthday party at Chucky Cheese, his visit to my parents' home at Shaver Lake to play in the snow - it was spring and we had a devil of a time finding somewhere for him to sled! I remember going to the Japanese restaurant for lunch and ordering green tea ice cream BEFORE the sushi. He played DJ at my wedding and he brought incredible joy to my life.

My deepest condolences go to his family and fellow friends. It's hard to imagine the world without Chris Page in it.

Janet Van Vleet, Californian reporter 1997-2001

I loved Chris. I still love Chris. I appreciate every moment I was able to spend with him, and I cherish all of the goofy and fabulous times we had together.

He was such a wonderful and genuine person. He was an even better friend. I will miss him dearly.

My thoughts and my heart are with his family and everyone else who knew and enjoyed him.

- Laura O'Neal

I just made this mix of songs that are ALWAYS going to remind me of Chris and I thought I'd share with you.

1-Simmer Down -  Bob Marley & the Wailers

2-Don't Call Me White - NoFX

3-Punk Rock Girl - Dead Milkmen

4-St Mary - Rancid

5-Feed the Tree - Belly

6-Seven - Sunny Day Real Estate

7-Disconnected - Face to Face

8-Heaven is Falling - Bad Religion

9-Brown Eyed Girl - Lagwagon

10-Totally - Screeching Weasel

11-Night of the Livid Queers - the Queers

12-99 Red Balloons - 7 Seconds

13-One of My Lies - Green Day

14-Toss My Cookies - F.Y.P

15- Bro Hymn - Pennywise

Chris, I owe a large ammount of my musical education to you. As I am putting together my station's punk show for this week, you had better believe that some of these songs are going to be played my dear.

I've loved Chris furriously, loyally since I was 14 and he was 15. (You know barring any of the post high school break up b.s. ha ha, god we were lame kids sometimes) My world is completely changed knowing I won't be walking into the Mint or wherever this Christmas and seeing his face.

-Stephanie Bell

I knew Chris. He gave a beautiful speech at my wedding, where he was a groomsman. He will be missed by my husband and I. Those people that have the nerve to say terrible things about him on this site and at this time are cold and ignorant. You have the right to your opinion, you do not have the right to add to the pain everyone is already feeling. Have some respect for Chris and for yourself and keep you ill thoughts to yourself.

I met Chris my freshman year in high school and he quickly became one of my very best friends. Some of my greatest memories of growing up involve that guy. Chris got me through some of the hardest times in my life. I will never forget that baby blue VW van and I am sure those of you who knew Chrispy back in those days won't either. He was smart, funny, kind and one of the best musicians I have ever known. I had lost contact with Chris after high school but we reconnected a couple of years ago and we had planned for him to come out to Orange County to visit so we could go to Disneyland. I just can not believe that this happened. My condolences to his family and friends. I LOVE YOU CHRISPY!!!

Courtney Porter

I am an active member of the theatre community here in Phoenix.  Chris and I were not close but we had some laughs over the last couple of years and some interesting conversations that were candid and memorable.  I am not sure why someone earlier said he was not like in the East Valley.  He was in fact liked quite a bit for his honest critiques of theatre.  He was also admired for his photography and music. 

His loss was a huge blow to the community here.  He will be missed by those who knew him personally and those who knew him professionally.  He left an impression on all of us.  I am sad to think we will never have one more run in at a show and giggly about strange costuming or that I will never see the glint of his glasses from the audience as I peek from th backstage.  His work will be missed.

I wish I could be at the memorial in Bakersfield but know that we as a theatre community in Phoenix are in the process of planning a service for him here as well. 

Kim, my condolences go out to you and your family. 

Johanna Carlisle

I liked him, he was cool peeps and really good at "You don't know Jack!".  I miss him. 

Thanks for the info Kim. 

Just to let everyone know, I'm leaving tonight to pick up Chris' remains and bring him home (to Bakersfield). I now live in Tehachapi, but Bakersfield was his home and I know this is what he would have wanted.

I will be back in town Monday at the latest. I hope to have a memorial planned by Tuesday or Wednesday for next weekend. It will be very informal (just like he would have wanted)....tie with your shorts optional. I would love for everyone to attend, the words I find here comfort me...thank you.

Kim Page-Bloodworth

angelonesgirl@yahoo.com

(661)750-1323

A reminder that if you have nothing nice to say, of all times say nothing, it will be appreciated more.  This is not about his writing but about his life from beginning to end and for those who loved him, his family and his friends who will miss him.  I am one of those people who's hearts he touched professionally and personally and his words were kind and appraising in his article. I am sorry to know that he's gone.  My prayers go out to his family and friends.

Kim McAbee

This really kinda sucks... while I didn't get along with Chris that well around the time he left town, we'd been decent friends while we were both at CSUB.  We had several classes together thanks to Flachmann's Honors at Entrance program, and been in a few small study groups together, particularly in Flachmann's lower division Shakespeare class.

Something happened around the time he started writing for the paper - I don't know if it happened with all his friends or not, but suddenly it was like he didn't know me anymore.  I worked with at least half the theaters in town he was reviewing, but if I said hi to him when he came through to talk to people he'd keep his head down and ignore me.

This ain't personal at all - I'm concerned that he was fighting depression or something similar, and none of us caught it any earlier.  According to the most recent story in the Mesa Tribune, the last paper he worked for, his death was suicide.  At least one of the commenters on the Trib's story suggested that it had something to do with recent layoffs at the paper, of which he was a victim.

I guess the moral of the story is, most of us are friends with some great people who happen to be artistic, and chalk their mood swings up to the creative spirit.  Please, keep an eye on your friends and don't let this happen to someone else we know!

What ever  he went through in his final moments on earth must have been very hard. To take your own life obviously all hope was lost. But for those of you that feel this way there is hope, keep looking searching, never give up.   Chris would now agree  the song you would want to sing would be another Bob Marley song. Don't worry,...about a think,..everything gonna be alright! Believe it. It's true. The thing that worries you today might past tomorrow. No matter what anyone has said here  tonight  keep your friend's fresh and alive in your mind and he will always be there!

I want to thank those closest to Chris for sharing your memories of him here.  You have helped me catch a glimpse of the Chris I never had the pleasure of knowing.   I have found your thoughts, memories and reflections to be very touching and they have warmed my heart and spirit to him.  After reading your comments, I found myself crying over a man I never knew, because I felt that my loss was not knowing him.  I robbed myself of that opportunity as a result of a couple of first impressions. 

The impressions of Chris that I trust the most are the ones that have been expressed by those who knew him best---family members and close friends who have posted comments here.  I trust these over and above my initial impressions, based on my very limited experience with him---a couple of brief convsersations, and a few articles that I read. 

By reading these comments by friends and family members, I have grown to appreciate what a great person he was and what a great person I missed out on getting to know better. 

Here are some additional, more personal articles and remembrances,
and Chris in his own words, for those who are interested... 

http://www.azcentral.com/ent/arts/articles/2008/05/28/20080528chrispage0528.html  

http://channelsurfing.freedomblogging.com/2008/05/28/chris-page-on-cash-cab/

http://kjzz.org/news/arizona/archives/200402/chrispage

I deleted some of the comments that were left.

Although Chris' spirit is probably enjoying everyone's comments either arguing or praising his work on this blog as a member of the media - I'd rather his family read about the good memories. I posted this comment on Bakersfield.com, but I'll re-post it here.

Here it is...I wrote it after reading too much off topic debate that became tiresome and rude.

Did everyone happen to forget that Chris is someone's son, brother, friend....?

We've all hurt and done some stupid things along the course of our lives, and we've all looked for comfort - whether it be through friends, family, a couple of stiff drinks, our favorite songs, but sometimes we never find it...

I hadn't talked to Chris in years, other than an e-mail every once in awhile.

Mento Buru played his going away party at Martini's over at Regency Lanes right before he left, and he danced to his favorite song, "Simmer Down," by Bob Marley and The Waliers, which he always requested at every show.

Another good memory I have with Chris was when we played at The Marketplace one hot summer, and he invited everyone to jump in the fountain to cool off. He wrote about it the next day as if it was the greatest day in the history of Bako. It was crazy!

Some people are stronger than others - pain affects us all differently.

CentralVal - Chris attended West High, class of 96.

How about all the anon's log in and get a name it's easier, unless you are hiding under the veil of secrecy, which is,  well,..I'll say not cool. It makes me think there is one person writing all these anon's. And that would be just bizarre

I knew Chris Page since the third grade, he was one of my closest friends (if not THE closest) for many years, and I really, really regret having lost touch.  Chris was an intelligent and gregarious guy who seemed like he could master anything.  He was effortlessly funny and enormously talented.  Chris had an amazing creative drive that either encouraged you immensely or put you to absolute and total shame (even in elementary school Chris was creating unique and off-the-wall products back-to-back-to-back).   

None of the successes Chris had surprised me.  Not when he had a cool band in high school, or became an actual professional writer while still “Under 21,” or when he journeyed out-of-state to further pursue his career.  This, however, does surprise me.

Chris was not perfect, but nobody is.  This is a horribly tragic loss--period.

He was an incredible individual, a complete character, and an instigator of the highest caliber.  He will be sorely missed by those that knew him.

- eric n.

I didn't know Chris, but I remember seeing his name in the paper and seeing Near Miss Mallet a couple times.  Does anybody know what high school he went to? I was also in high school journalism.  It was amazing that he was able to stand CAMP Keep a second time. Every person in my cabin cried at least once, and the food was awful.  Anyways, my condolescences to his family and friends.

I only knew him from afar and mostly through his words and music, but he was a talented guy and did more for the bakersfield community than we will probably ever know.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.  Thanks for what you added to the lives of those you never knew, Chris.  You will be missed.

I last talked to Chris in 2003 (must have been right before he moved to Arizona) when he and some Californian writers attended a reporting workshop. Chris had a damn good memory, I recall from the workshop. He remembered, at a high school journalism workshop he'd attended at Bakersfield College years before, that I'd critiqued some of his work, and it had helped him along in some way. At the time, I was at The Californian, doing the entertainment wrangling job that he'd do later.

Who knows why the quiet inside a person finally decides to reach up and beckon you down.

Joe Wirt, Californian staffer, 1987-'96

I have not seen Chris in more than 10 years.  While I did not know him as an adult, I can picture him from that time, vividly.  I see his handwriting in my mind, as I saw it every day on notes we'd pass in class, or on handmade zines, or on the cover of a SwampMoose mixed tape...with the S's all curly.   I see him on stage, performing at Mars. I know these memories are from a long time ago. But it must say something about Chris that he was so memorable, such a personage, that I would remember him so clearly today. His writing, his intellect, and most of all, his witty humor. Man, he could make us laugh.  I hope each person who misses him is able to recall similar fond memories.   My prayers and thoughts are with those who love him.

I think the focus should be on him instead of  other things that have became the focus. I'm sure he will be missed by those that knew him.

Though I didn't know Chris personally, I got to know him through his entertainment reporting. He was particularly kind to KLLY 95.3 and his coverage of the KLLY Lounges in Bakersfield.. He was a friend to the radio station. We were sorry to see him leave Bakersfield, and we are saddened by his final exit. Rest in peace, Chris.

We miss you Chris!

He was the writer that I loved to hate. Mostly when his tastes disagreed with mine. But I couldn't ever skip his column. He was excellent at his job.

I worked with his mom and dad for many years and I am very saddened that his family is having to deal with this. It is true that a parent should never have to bury their child.

I hope that all of you may find peace.

Chris once said that I made him want to be a better song writer.  What he didn't know was that I was better just for knowing him.

He truly inspired me musically and will continue to do so.  I feel proud to be able to call him a friend.