Christopher John “Chris” Greer of Echo passed away suddenly on Oct. 5, 2025 at the age of 48 doing what he loved to do the most.
He was born on Dec. 25, 1976 in Pendleton in the shadow of the Blue Mountains that he loved so much. Raised by our loving parents, Bill and Judy McCuen, Chris spent much of his childhood in Echo, growing up on our grandparents’ ranch and in that small-town community, surrounded by family and friends that shaped him into the man he was.
Chris took so much pride in his work and his work ethic. He loved carpentry and construction, loved working with his hands, working hard and packing those nail bags. Away from the job site, he worked just as hard, whether it was someone’s project, helping to fix something, keeping something running (his vehicles and toys mostly), remodeling something, tearing stuff down then putting it back up, or most of all, wood cutting. He loved wood cutting, hunting, camping, fishing, riding 4-wheelers and snowmobiles, mushroom and huckleberry picking, anything outdoors and that he could outdo you at.
Loved, appreciated, and respected by those who knew him best, he was always helping someone somewhere. It did not matter when they asked, what time of day or night, they knew they could rely on him to be there; family, friends, strangers… it did not matter.
A proud uncle, Chris loved showing up at ball games, school functions, graduations, celebrating birthdays, wherever. He loved his nephew and niece and was there for them whenever they asked. At family functions, when Uncle Chris showed up, Devin and Ashlynn always knew to expect a little playful harassment, a wrestling match and/or a game of even or odd.
Chris’s life was changed forever with the additions of his daughter, Britiany and his four beautiful grandchildren. He loved the grandbabies more than anything; they filled his heart with a newfound love and sense of pride. He loved being Papa more than anything.
We saw a new side of Chris over the last year with the addition of Heidi in his life. They were adventuring together, taking trips, making plans, spending countless hours together. She got him to try new things like zip-lining and traveling to new places, whatever she wanted to try, so long as they were doing it together.
Chris was a beloved son, a great brother, a cherished companion and travel buddy, a loving father and uncle, a proud Papa, and a great friend to so many people. Those of us left behind – Mom (Judy), brother Brian, sister-in-law Tammy, nephew Devin and niece Ashlynn, adventure buddy and girlfriend Heidi, daughter Britiany, son-in-law Keith, grandchildren Charly, Agnes, Kooper and Amos, and the countless number of close friends – will miss Chris so much.
Chris was preceded in death by so many great people who I know were waiting for him with open arms when he arrived, welcoming him home with love and a few with crib boards in hand. He is with his grandma and grandpa (Frank and Margaret), uncles Ray, Marv and Joe, his dad Bill, and so many other family members and friends we all lost too soon.
Please join all of us at Burns Mortuary in Hermiston on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 11 a.m. to help us celebrate Chris; bring with you all your great memories and stories. There will be an opportunity for anyone with a story to share to speak if they wish.
We will meet at the Echo Cemetery after the service.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
