Christopher Wren Lehman joined his Lord in Heaven in the afternoon of Friday, February 2nd, 2024. Christopher redefined what we might consider to be a successful life. Although his achievements are many, we remember him for the spontaneous joy and love he brought with him wherever he went, despite debilitating illness.

Christopher was born in Los Angelos, California, on October 28, 1975. He moved soon after with his parents to Tarpon Springs, Florida, where he attended Tarpon Springs public schools and graduated from Tarpon Springs High School in 1992. The Tampa Bay Times highlighted Christopher’s academic achievements in a front-page description by Michael Krause entitled “He’s Undeterred.” Christopher had developed rheumatoid arthritis during his childhood and youth. Despite his blindness and confinement to a wheelchair, he graduated Magna Cum Laude from University of South Florida in 2011. The university president, Judy Genshaft, gave Christopher’s courage special attribution in her words to the graduates and their families in the audience.

Chris used his expertise in writing and technology to become a lead writer for the nonprofit, Wheelchairs4Kids, creating descriptions of the challenges faced by those nationwide who are in need of expensive equipment related to their physical disabilities. To honor Chris’s success not only in raising funds for Wheelchairs4Kids, but also for his undeterred spirit of joy and optimism, the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team awarded the Tampa Bay Hero Award to Christopher in 2022. Along with the award of $50,000 for the charity of his choice, he also received a fully stocked private suite in the stadium during the game. Hero awards make us wonder, what is a hero? Christopher fits that description, because day in and day out, he labored simply to live a life of dignity, despite blindness and immobility. Yet he never complained or showed the pain he must have felt. Instead, he focused his boundless energy on bringing people together through table top and digital gaming and through fun trips with family and friends into our unique Florida land and seascapes. Being a “man about town,” Christopher would show up at restaurants and regale his companions with stories and silliness. He especially loved being with his fellow congregants at St. Ignatius Church. Christopher almost reached age 50 with a debilitating disease. Yet, he turned the tables on the disease that plagued him, to create a triumphant life. All who knew him loved him. Those who are able-bodied and in Christopher’s circle would come to realize, through his example, that what is most important is loving life, treating our fellow humans with loving kindness, and spreading joy to bring together a hurting world.

Christopher is survived by his devoted parents, Rick and Carol Lehman; his brother Sean Beck and wife Terry; many aunts and cousins, especially Conrad and his niece Tanya and nephew Troy. The family would like to thank the several caregivers who have become part of the Lehman family, especially Liz, Tim, Erin, Kaitlyn, Terry, Talia, Linda, Kaila, Mary and Kaitlyn. Those who wish to continue Christopher’s legacy of generosity may send donations to Wheelchairs4Kids at https://wheelchairs4kids.org/. Services for Christopher will begin on Saturday, February 10th, with visitation at Dobies Funeral Home at 11 a.m -1 p.m., followed by the memorial service at 1:30 at St. Ignatius Church, which lies just across the parking lot from Dobies.