About

Christopher Smykil was born in Anchorage, Alaska, on June 1st, 1976, the firstborn son of Keith and Joyce Smykil. Within the year Chris would be living with his parents in Concord, New Hampshire. Concord is where he would play, attend school, make lifelong friends, find employment, marry his wife Paula, raise sons Keith and Aaron, become an active community member, and be diagnosed with advanced and aggressive colorectal cancer.

Chris spent his first seven years at school as a happy, involved student with an academic record that was unremarkable. On entering junior high school, Chris would begin to find the typical academic structure challenging. The difficulties Chris experienced would become more evident as he progressed through his high school years. He was fortunate that he was able to graduate with his senior high school class. Chris’ family was painfully aware that while Chris was bright, curious, and active, the traditional education was not a path Chris was capable of following. It would seem that Chris would find himself wandering into his early adulthood years without a clear future.

After graduating from high school, Chris was given the opportunity to work for B&G Sheet Metal, metal fabrication and installation shop in Concord. Chris thrived in the new setting, realizing that he was happiest when working in changing environments, physically active, and working with his hands. What would become evident to his family was that Chris was built and wired to work within the trades. He was one of the many young persons, who find that they were never meant to be at a desk, tied to a computer, buried in books, or constrained indoors within a never-changing environment.

Chris was given another opportunity and made a life-changing decision. He began working for Bow Plumbing and Heating at the end of September 1995 and found himself enrolled in the plumbing apprenticeship program administered by the state of New Hampshire. Over the next few years, Chris would become a member of the close-knit Bow Plumbing family. Chris would finish the four-year apprentice program and become a licensed journeyman plumber. One year later Chris would become a licensed master plumber, at the time the youngest in the state. He would continue his trade education completing many trade associated licensing programs and certifications. Accolades for his trade knowledge, work ethic, and outgoing personality were numerous. Chris truly enjoyed the next 25-plus years of his career.

Life at the Smykil household in Concord became the story many people strive for. A lovely wife, two beautiful sons, and a comfortable home to return to at the end of the day. Chris was blessed with more; good friends, community involvement, and a rewarding career. Let’s not forget Chris’ favorite holiday, Halloween. The family would celebrate all of October.

At the age of 39, Chris was dealing with what were thought to be minor medical issues. A year later Chris was diagnosed with advanced-stage IV colorectal cancer. For the next four years, the family endured endless chemotherapy, surgeries, radiation, and other therapies. Chris passed away on October 28, 2020, just days before his favorite holiday. Chris’ passion for his trade is still present among his co-workers, with Chris there it will always be a good day.