Kristopher Cruz

Although the days of Kristopher Cruz numbered far less than many are given, the impact he made in the lives of those around him was no less significant than the impact made by those who are given decades in which to write their lifes song. He was so vibrant and full of life, and he had so much love to give to those around him. Kristopher was adventurous from a young age and throughout his life was willing to try most anything. No matter where he went he made friends with ease, and as his family and friends can attest life was certainly more entertaining when Kristopher was around. We will miss his smile and his fun-loving spirit, but most of all we will miss his love. Life in America during the nineties was truly exciting as technology continued to take us places we had never been. Nestled within this colorful time was the year 1992 that was filled with noteworthy events such as the construction of the Mall of America, two record breaking earthquakes that hit California, and the release of Microsoft Works. This year was a year to remember in the lives of one family from Muskegon, Michigan, as they welcomed a healthy baby boy into their hearts and home on July 24th. Baby Kristopher Aaron was born to his mother, Elenita Cruz, and was raised in her family home on Seventh Street in Muskegon Heights. He essentially had two additional mothers as his Aunt Zenaida and grandmother, Maria Alvarado, were also integral parts of his upbringing. In many ways Kristopher experienced a childhood that was fairly typical for the youth of his generation, and he was often surrounded by numerous cousins and bustling family members. His earliest school years found him at E. Grace Loftis Elementary School in Muskegon Heights. When he was eight years old Kristophers Aunt Zenaida became his guardian, and together they moved to Texas where she was stationed while serving in the United States Army. His Grandma Maria soon joined them there also. Through the years his aunts military career took them all over the United States including to Virginia and Missouri before they settled back in Texas again. When she was stationed in Korea in 2005 Kristopher moved back to Muskegon with his grandmother where they lived with his mother for one year. It was a treat for them to be back in Muskegon among family and friends for a while, and no matter where they were living they always tried to come to Muskegon for visits for a couple of weeks during the summer and also for both Christmas and Easter, too. As a student Kristopher soon discovered that school really wasnt his thing. He could be a bit sneaky and was notorious for hiding the homework he was supposed to complete. Kristopher did participate in both track and wrestling, and he was also a great player on his soccer team. For high school he attended Austin High School in El Paso, Texas, where he was an essential part of the cheerleading team, helping the girls with all the lifts. Due to his his outgoing and friendly demeanor Kristopher naturally drew others to himself and had many friends wherever they were living. It was not uncommon for him to simply walk up to people and introduce himself, always with a smile on his face. In fact, Kristophers smile was a bit of a trademark and was contagious to those around him as well. He was always happy, and he did whatever he could to make sure that the people around him were also happy. By the time he was a teenager Kristopher was into the same things that most kids his age were. He had a good group of friends whom he liked to hang out with, especially at the local club. Kristopher loved music and was a fan of both techno music and hard rock. With plans of graduating from high school this June and aspirations of joining the United States Marines, Kristopher Cruz was taken from those who loved him much too soon. He was a bit of a free spirit and someone who had the world by its tail from the time he was a young boy. With a smile always at the ready, Kristopher brought so much light and life to those around him in such a special way. A true gift in the lives of his friends and loved ones, Christopher will be deeply missed while his memory remains a lasting treasure in lives of those who were truly blessed to know him. Kristopher A. Cruz died Friday, February 17, 2012, in Texas. Kristophers family includes his mother, Elenita of Muskegon; brother, Terrence Grisham; sisters, Mia & Jordan Cruz; aunt, Zenaida Landeros-Cruz of TX; grandmother, Maria Alvardo of TX; uncles, Emilio Cruz, Angel Cruz; aunts, Maria Garcia, Monica Cruz; and many cousins. Services will be held on Monday, March 5, 2012, 10:00 a.m. at St. Jean Baptiste Catholic Church with Fr. Matthew Barnum officiating. Interment at St. Mary's Cemetery. Visit with Kristophers family and friends on Sunday, 3-8 p.m. and a Rosary Service at 7:30 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.