Jackson Hole Underground

Last night I attended a gathering of grieving friends of Chris and Mandy Horne, where with a late rally and no small effort the laughs outnumbered the tears.

The consensus was that any sort of public memorial service for Chris in Jackson Hole will have to wait weeks, possibly months, until Mandy is able to travel and their families deem the time is right.

Among the many recollections shared about Chris:

“He was fiercely intelligent, yet humble.”

“He spent his time here changing kids’ lives.”

And, from a friend’s father: “When the shit hits the fan, I want Chris Horne with me.”

(more…)

Chris and Mandy at their new home in N.C., August 2007. Suzanne Knighton photo.

It is with great sadness that I report Chris Horne, a friend and former Jackson resident, died Wednesday in a car crash in Mexico.

Horne was a teacher at the Journeys School, an avid kayaker and skier, a thoughtful and incredibly positive person. He was 34 years old.

His wife, Mandy, was seriously injured in the crash but is recovering at home with family in Chattanooga, Tenn. The Chattanoogan has a story about the accident.

The two left Jackson in August after marrying in June. They planned to start a family in western North Carolina, where Chris had landed a job as principal of a school.

At work or at play, tending to his plants or caring for his cat, Earl, or Mandy’s rottweiler, Sedona, Chris was known for his smile and gentle manner.

(more…)