Chris Anthony Hiltunen

WATERFORD – Surrounded by family and friends, Chris Anthony Hiltunen, 53, died on Monday, December 26, 2016, following a massive heart attack.

Chris was born in Hancock to Barbara (Romano) and Halo (Clyde) Hiltunen on December 23, 1963.

The family moved to Southfield in 1965.  Chris attended Southfield schools, he graduated from Southfield-Lathrup in 1982.

Chris, like his dad, was a member of the Carpenters Union. Chris joined the union right out of high school.

As a kid, Chris spent his summers in the U.P., either at the family cottage in Twin Lakes or at the Parolini farm on Onkalo’s corners.

Saying that Chris enjoyed hunting and fishing would be an understatement. He loved spending time in the woods and on the water, especially with his son, Josh. Teaching Josh how to be a great sportsman was one of Chris’s many joys.

Chris excelled in all sports. He won the Horseshoe tournement  held in South Range on the 4th of July every year since its start. He played shuffleboard at a local gathering place near his home in Waterford, where he won countless games.

Chris made friends wherever he went. People enjoyed being around Chris, he had a great smile and good heart, he would help everyone and anyone.

He left behind the love of his life, his wife, Cindy (McCallum); his son, Josh, who Chris was so very proud of;   Josh’s best friend, James Gidcumbs;  two stepdaughters, Jamie Watson and Rachelle (Terry) Ortwine; along with four wonderful grandchildren. Chris is also survived by his mother, Barbara (Bobbie Ann); sisters, Terry (Eddie) Parolini, Heidi Hiltunen, Toni (Dana) Lester; his brother, Lee (Jennifer) Hiltunen who he talked to everyday; nephews, Dylan, Anthony, Cody, Tyler, Nat and Jake; nieces, Meredith, Heather, Samantha, Hannah and Baileigh; aunts, uncles, numerous cousins, and two very special cousins, Susie and JoJo.

Chris’s memorial service was held on December 31, 2016, in Waterford. It was standing room only, due to the many friends and family that loved Chris.

Chris lived a 100 years worth of life in his 53 years he was with us. He lived every day to the fullest, with a smile and a good word for everyone he met. He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

There will be a celebration of Chris’s life at the family cottage in Twin Lakes in July.