Gazette Premium Content Rugged, outdoor experiences brought peace to soldier who died in avalanche, friends say
The Gazette
By Maria St. Louis-Sanchez
Published: January 3, 2015
A Colorado Springs man who died in an avalanche Wednesday was a soldier and experienced outdoorsman who knew the risks and dangers of life and chose to take them anyway, friends said.
Whether serving three combat tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan or climbing mountains, friends of Christopher Thomas said the 39-year-old embraced challenges.
"He was extremely experienced and prepared," said Joy Burton, a family friend who knew Thomas through Living Earth Church in Denver, a church centered around neo-paganism.
"He purposely sought out challenges and experiences in the wilderness. I think it helped him with his last tour overseas."
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