Real Kato Blog: In Memoriam

For Christopher Plummer.

You may have heard on the news about the Apache helicopter that crashed in North Carolina. Two men in the North Carolina National Guard were killed: 1st Lt. Christopher Plummer, and CW3 Richard James.

It wasn't until today that somebody pointed out to me that Chris Plummer was someone I knew.

He worked in my department at Nortel Networks, many years ago. I remember him as a bright and hardworking guy. He got along with everyone. I mean, I can't recall a single unlikable thing about him.

After I left Nortel, I later saw him at Alive After Five downtown, and he was just the same: jovial, friendly, and thoughtful. All of us guys liked hanging around him because he was popular with the women, and sometimes we would catch a few of his cast-offs. I remember when he told us he was going on active duty. He was pretty excited and optimistic about it; but then, he tended to be excited and optimistic about just about everything.

I feel for his family, and I don't envy the sense of loss they must be experiencing; but hopefully, they can cherish all the good memories that they have of him. I have no doubt that Chris was doing what he loved, and that he lived his life without regret. If he were around, I'm sure he would be the first to tell us not to grieve too deeply.

Chris was 31. We'll miss you, sir.

Permalink 6 Comment

Posted by Ken in: life

Comments

Comment #1 from Cheri (Guest)
2005 May 14 - 2:58 am : #

I found your blog through your friend, Javi, and when I read this, I felt compelled to write. I am very sorry for the loss of your friend. I am glad that he was doing what he loved. So many people don't get the opportunity to do that. It sounds like he was a great guy!

Comment #2 from MonoCerdo (Guest)
2005 May 14 - 12:05 pm : #

I'm so sorry to hear this, Ken. What a nice tribute, though.

Comment #3 from Ken (realkato)
2005 May 16 - 1:05 am : #

The local news stations covered his memorial service today, and there were lots of people who said very similar things about Chris. It's nice to see that I wasn't alone in my opinion of him.

Comment #4 from Katey Plummer (Guest)
2006 Sep 19 - 9:30 pm : #

I know it's been over a year now but I stumbled upon this while looking for a picture of Christopher online. I wanted to let you know that it's heart warming to see this post. It's nice to see that Christopher made such an impact on the people he met. He was my cousin and my Godfather and to this day I miss him, but it's really comforting to see things like this. So I suppose I'm thanking you.

Katey Plummer

Comment #5 from Debbie Consuegra (Guest)
2008 Apr 17 - 11:10 am : #

I am touched by this entire blog. Chris was my brother. Not a day goes by that I don't think about him. My family and I have always thought that he was one of the nicest people we were lucky enough to know, let alone be so closely related to. Chris used to tease all of his sisters but he never did anything to hurt us and we knew that all his teasings were out of his infinite love for us. Being only 2 years older than him, he and I played together all the time. When we were kids, we would play and sometimes (quite often) have little squabbles. He never ever hurt me... even though we both knew he could have if he wanted to. He was a dignified human being, even as a little 8 year old kid. He is missed every day and even though it's been almost 3 years since the accident, I found myself wanting to call him yesterday morning when I woke up to wish him a happy birthday. Instead, I wished him a happy 34th birthday in my heart and I know he heard it. Chris, I will forever love you and I know we'll see each other again... until then.... keep a wing on our faimly so we can feel your presence with us always...

Comment #6 from Terri (Guest)
2008 Jun 7 - 6:15 am : #

Wow. This is beautiful. As wonderful things happen in my family, I smile with a bitter-sweet heart at Chris's commentary that plays in my mind. He was so witty and funny and could always elicit a smile from me with his unique way of seeing life. I can hear that goofy laugh alongside all of the giggles and chuckles coming from the people he loved most. If one could snap a photo of integrity, it would be Chris's face. It's that simple. What a gift he was to all those who were fortunate enough to cross his path. He is missed beyond words. Thanks to Jesus's sacrifice, we have an eternal bond with Chris and will reunite with him when we journey into eternity. Thank God for that comforting knowledge and promise.

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