Christopher Lutz Virden ll (CJ) passed away August 19, 2023. He was a loving young man with a rugged exterior and a huge, soft heart. His loyalty to family, dry sense of humor, and willingness to go the distance for his friends were just some of his wonderful virtues. He will be forever missed, and always loved. CJ is preceded in death by the man he missed most, his father, Christopher Lutz Virden, who passed away from ALS after a long and courageous fight.
CJ is survived by his mother, Niki Jacob; his younger sister, Chaney Marie Virden; grandparents William Thornton and Betty Baker Virden; Jeri and William Henkhaus; his uncle and guardian, Scott Virden, uncles and aunts, cousins; and his faithful dog, Jax.
CJ was born in Denver, Colorado, and was raised in Elbert, Parker, and Westcliffe. CJ’s fondest childhood memories were riding 4-wheelers around his home-made racetrack, playing football, camping and boating on Pueblo Reservoir, and shooting guns and his bow and arrows. CJ faced more adversity in his life than any young
adult should face. However, he had the innate ability to toughen, lean into the hardship, and become stronger. He never gave up but dug in deeper.
CJ stayed in touch with his inner child. He enjoyed goofing off, fishing, shooting off fireworks, drinking strawberry margaritas and beer, and just hanging with his boys and playing video games. He absolutely loved the outdoors and going into the backcountry in his Jeep with his dog, Jax.
CJ placed an extraordinary value on his interpersonal relationships. He loved his family dearly and cherished every moment he spent with friends. He dearly loved his sister Chaney and looked after her always. He found refuge bonding online with his video gaming buddies Nik, Jett, Cory, and Derek in the odd hours of the night.
CJ’s greatest gift was the size of his heart. Under his stoic exterior was an incredibly huge, soft, and unselfish spirit. He generously gave himself to others under any circumstances and was always thoughtful and introspective with his friends and family in times of need. He would creatively think of new and unique ways to challenge each person to become a better person and face adversity with grit. These attributes generated the deep respect of his friends and endeared him to his family. His friends and family dearly love CJ, and they will take a part of CJ wherever they go.
It is interesting to note that his family found a journal in his belongings that he had written just weeks prior to his death; CJ was questioning and seeking out God.
CJ faithfully served our wonderful country in the 1st Battalion 38th Infantry 3rd Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia. He also served as a Junior Firefighter at Wet Mountain Fire Department.
On Friday, September 1st, a traditional Rosary will be at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Westcliffe, CO, at 5:30 p.m. At 7:30, we will meet at Tony’s Pizza to share stories of his life. Saturday, September 2nd, Funeral Mass at 10:30 at Assumption Catholic Church in Westcliffe, CO, with Interment following at Westcliffe Catholic Cemetery. Lunch for all at the Westcliffe Fire Department after both services at approximately
1 p.m. All are welcome.