Been thinking about my old friend Chris Sifford. Back in the early 90’s I had the good fortune to make Chris’ acquaintance when we worked together at a local radio station. Everyone loved Chris, he was smart, funny, and I developed a mild crush on him. Later, our careers took different paths, and we lost touch. I never forgot him though.
Chris wound up taking a job with Missouri Governor Carnahan as a staffer, serving in various capacities. During Carnahan’s 2000 campaign for the U.S. Senate, Chris lost his life along with the Governor and his son in a plane crash. Chris was only 36.
Last Saturday was the annual Chris Sifford Day at the ballpark (Springfield Cardinals) with a 5K walk/run fundraiser scheduled in the morning. It rained hard here (again) Saturday and the event was likely a wash. Next up, is the Sifford Golf Scramble to raise funds for scholarships at his alma-mater.
From the Sifford Memorial site: If you had the pleasure of knowing Chris, you are lucky. He embodied the spirit of someone who actually wanted to serve or help others serve the people. His friends were many and came from a variety of backgrounds — which is why the Sifford Scramble golf tournament is so fun. There will be bootheelians, hillbillies, beer makers, teachers, preachers, athletic personnel, and worst of all lawyers, bankers and consultants (ha ha).
Friends and family established the Chris Sifford Memorial Foundation in 2001 to ensure that his memory lives on by providing scholarships for young people interested in careers in journalism or public service. Approximately $100,000 has been raised to establish endowment funds at Chris’ alma mater Missouri State University and University of Missouri-Columbia.
Establishing a foundation or memorial fund to preserve a loved one’s memory and pass on the legacy is a beautiful way to remember and treasure a special life.