by his Family

By his brother, Brian:

Christopher George Barnes was so much more than a brother growing up. Chris was a positive role model, a mentor, and my best friend throughout our childhood. Chris and I always shared the same friends (his friends were my friends). He always looked out for me. I miss the one-on-one games in Dad’s backyard. Chris always kicked my ass in those games and he would also kick anyone’s ass that I had a problem with. I always admired my brother for all of the places he had been. I would always brag about all the places he had been and I would tell everyone how I’d been to Florida. What’s not to admire Chris? He is an amazing basketball player, a world traveler and the best father. There are too many stories to tell. I will just say that there isn’t a day or better yet a minute that goes by that he’s not in my thoughts and all my family. We must not lose faith. I am honored to have him as my brother.

By his cousin, Jennifer:

I will tell you this little story that replays in my mind when I think of Chris: Chris & I, along with some family and friends, did a bike-a-thon of the 5 boroughs years ago. Of course Chris and I were ahead of everyone (ha ha), by ourselves towards the end. I was so exhausted, as I am not the athlete that he is, but we were on the Verrazano bridge, and it was windy and I just could not do it anymore, my legs were jelly. I told him "Chris, I'm going to get off and walk". He said "no way"; I said "I can't do it anymore". Well, my cousin placed his hand on my back while peddling himself over the bridge, and pushed me along. He would not let me give up and I am never going to give up on him.