Christopher Gregory Bazel

Christopher Gregory Bazel, 62, of Alexandria, VA, died August 24th peacefully, at home, and surrounded by his family.  Born in Culver City, CA, Chris grew up in Annandale, VA, the second of six children born to Elizabeth Ann [Dittes] and Chester Bazel.

Chris had a love for life that was surpassed only by his love for his wife and family.  Predeceased by his parents, he is survived by his loving wife Lauren [Darling], his siblings Marie Gallogly Lambert (Eric), Cathy Barclay (Marc), Tom Bazel (Beth), Teresa Bazel, and Matthew Bazel and his nephews and nieces, all of whom Chris adored beyond comprehension.

It is impossible to capture the essence of Chris’s life in words.  If you were fortunate enough to spend time with him you got to see firsthand how much joy he got from the simple things, and how he treasured time with friends. No matter what he was doing, skiing the tree line on a black diamond slope, watching Virginia Tech and Michigan State sports, helping someone fix their computer, taking a sunset cruise, watching fireworks from the back of the Naut A Care, or hosting the mandatory “Captain’s Drink” when returning safely to dock, Chris put his whole self into it.  He was blessed to have friends and a large extended family, and he never missed the opportunity to bring people together and have fun.

A celebration of Chris’s life will be held at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Chris’s memory to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, Capital Caring Health, or a charitable organization of your choice.

If heaven is our final destination
The love we leave behind is our salvation

Hearts will break, we cry, we grieve
We die, we go but never leave
We linger in the lives of those we love
We’re flesh and bone and beams of light
A body breaks, a soul takes flight
And faith is left to heal what tears can’t touch
You’re not gone, just out of sight
You’re here with me, wherever you are tonight

From “Wherever You Are Tonight” by Kenny Chesney