Christopher W. LaBelle

Not gone. Not forgotten. Always.

Chris had a heart of gold. We were both at very low points in our lives when we met. We met at a homeless shelter, at the very beginning of our personal journeys of rebuilding our lives. There was a bond in that. He’s an honorary uncle to my daughter and one of my very best, longest lasting friendships. I’m so sorry for the loss to the family, and everyone else affected by his passing. It breaks my heart to hear the news.

Christopher William aka “LaBallin” “my little big bro” I feel like a piece of me went with you. I miss you so much already! To think I won’t get those daily What’s good sis? Texts anymore just doesn’t seem real. I know you are finally at peace and not fighting anymore. That’s what’s gonna keep me going everyday from here on out. You were not only the best brother any girl could ask for but you were and always will be my best friend. Fly high my angel. You’re with Mom now 💕

I’m going to miss all the times we use to chill . We had so many awesome memories. You were a great friend and u helped me out so many times I can’t even count I love u bro r.I.p

My Dear Friend Chris ❤️

I want to start up by recognizing how good you were trying to do and the good things and what you had accomplished recently to make your life more manageable and your struggles less obvious. No matter, they were not in vain.
You left us all so suddenly and full of questions as to what happened. There are a lot of people hurting and grieving, more than even you would have thought. I just wish we had spent more time together appreciating and enjoying one another’s trustworthy company.
Thank you for ALWAYS holding me and our friendship in high regard, appreciating it at all costs even if we didn’t speak for a week or so. You gave me another unique individual to get to know and call my friend and no matter how long I write this for, I’ll never be able to express it completely but I do find solace knowing how much you appreciated me which tells me you too felt and knew that I as well appreciated you, not for any materialistic or monetary but strictly to the camaraderie and friendship. You were always genuine to our friendship
You could be assured that when not with him, your best interest was never far from his heart.
He was loyal to a fault. He was appreciative of what ANYONE ever did for him when he had to rely on his real friends. For example: if he was at a party or wherever or with whoever and someone said something about you or did something to you without you knowing, and you’re not even there, Chris is stepping up regardless if he was out numbered or whatever.
This is a quality I seek in people who I may want to be friends with. It’s called Bastion and it means a person strongly defending or upholding particular principles, attitudes, or activities. Chris oozed this trait and it’s invaluable, so it had been used and taken advantage of by many. But never unnoticed, without conflict because he knew the value of the trait.
My mother let him stay with her for like 3 weeks or a month and he thanked me for 3 years and never forgot it, always brought it up so I knew he didn’t forget, he wanted you to know you meant something to him. He never threw in your face what he did or had done for you or never tried to make you jealous.
He grew up with having to do everything for himself, that made him strong and determined. He was proud of himself lately for the first time since I can remember.
It’s funny because when you were younger you idolized me for all the wrong things I became known for. Then, more and more I could see (even at a young age) he had rare traits to make a friend and not just some kid.Then I found out more of Chris’s story and how he lost his mother when he was like 11or 12 years old.
Since he was 11, this young man had been living and facing MY personal nightmare, an overabundance of feelings I had towards him and what life was like for him and all kinds of thoughts. So, he grew on me instantly because anyone who can travel the road he had been on had what it takes.
He wasn’t without his demons but let’s face it, we all have one or two that rear their heads and strike us down. Chris never hid his devil, but from time to time he would put him away and get right. Both Chris & I have had some similar experiences. Chris was one of maybe three people that I could speak to in total honesty about the struggle that I deal with on a minute by minute basis regarding Mental Health. He had been to a lot of the same places that I have been, as well as some of the same medical procedures involving brain scans and other situations and events, we were able to confide in one another about our deepest struggles and darkest demons. Sometimes we would call one another because the demons we’re starting to win so in those instances you tend to seek a friend or help of any kind and I’m honored to know that he thought of me in this manner.

Christopher was my cousin, his mother and I grew up together , so I had the pleasure of watching Chris grow from a baby to a young man who was very protective of his family.

One of the best people out there. I remember when I found out chris was my actual blood cousin. It was the coolest moment ever to know this. It was very young but we both found out when we were in class together . Can’t believe this happened . When mom called me to let me know I was floored. Love you bro

His mother’s ashes

Everything he was my brother

Life is too short to hold grudges

His love for family. Especially his niece

Just by being Christopher

A protector

I’ll never forgive myself for not being able to say goodbye. I love you Christopher.