[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 2, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H334]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF CHRIS WALSH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
California (Mrs. Kim) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chris 
Walsh, who tragically lost his long fight against cancer on January 24, 
2022. Chris was a dear friend to all, a devoted husband, a father to 
two beautiful young girls, a Cal State Fullerton graduate, and 
hardworking public servant who served the 74th Assembly District of 
California in Assemblyman Matt Harper's office, the city of Irvine in 
Councilman Mike Carroll's office, and most recently California's 39th 
District in my Placentia district office.
  While we remain heartbroken that he was taken from us way too soon, 
all of us who had the pleasure of knowing him remain inspired by his 
courage, persistence, and integrity in the face of the worst adversity.
  I first met Chris when he was a young, impressive, and ambitious 
young man interning at the office of Congressman Ed Royce, who I was 
working for at the time. At the age of 25, he found out that he was 
diagnosed with a terminal cancer and was told by doctors that perhaps 
he would maybe have only 2 months to live.
  This is daunting news for anyone to hear. However, instead of letting 
this change the course of his life, he took charge and defied the odds 
over the next several years, having a productive career, meeting his 
beautiful wife, Amanda, and having two girls.
  Chris was gracious to everyone and lit up every room with his 
kindness, sense of humor, and charisma. He was always willing to pitch 
in and help out our team, his friends, and loved ones. He made all of 
us work harder and brought out the best versions of each of us every 
day. Without Chris, I would not be here in Congress nor would I be the 
person that I am today.
  Chris would often spend his evenings after work cheering on our 
Anaheim Angels, and I am comforted in knowing that his loved ones, 
including his wife, Amanda, and daughters, Amelia and Madeline, will 
have their guardian angel watching over and protecting them.
  Amanda, you know that Chris loved you with all his heart, mind, and 
soul until he took his last breath. You were the light of his life, and 
he enjoyed talking about you and your beautiful two girls that you 
created together. You were his everything, and I want to thank you for 
loving him the way you did, giving him unconditional love.
  Crystal and Mike, as a parent and mom, I feel your pain and the 
sadness of losing a son. And to Katherine, I am sorry that you lost the 
only sibling that you had. I want you to know that Chris was not just 
someone who worked for me. I, too, loved him like my own son.
  Crystal, I remember you telling me that minutes after Chris passed 
how you were holding his hand and praying to God to show you some signs 
that he would be fine, and you thought you saw Chris smile. Yes, I 
believe that was a true sign that Chris was smiling because he has 
arrived at the gate of Heaven, and he is now resting comfortably in the 
arms of Jesus.
  My heart remains with the Walsh family, friends, and relatives as we 
continue to mourn a life that was taken from us too soon. We are 
grateful for the positive influence that Chris had on so many of us 
while he lived a full and productive life.

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