“You dig in till it happens”

A Visit with Chris Forslund

By Dale Dauten

Chris grew up in the small town of Weaverville, in Northern California, and right out of high school took a job with the Sheriff’s Department, getting stuck in the least desirable role the department had to offer, working at the jail. Chris described that job in one word: “horrible.”

Even so, he eventually worked his way into other, more engaging roles, including narcotics investigations, highlighted by undercover work and by time spent in military helicopters, looking for marijuana growers (still illegal back then). However, while he ended up putting in 17 years with the Sheriff, Chris was also nurturing a love of tech; he became a self-taught computer guy, good enough to land a job with a software company. That meant moving to Denver and working on case management software for courts. He started in 2000 and is still with the same company, almost 25 years later, and now heads a team handling all the customers in California.

So, two employers in over 40 years – no one is calling him a “job-hopper.” Meanwhile, over those same years, Chris had two marriages — both were to the same woman, Chris’s wife, Tangee.

Tangee also grew up in Weaverville and the two knew each in school. We always hope for a charming romcom story of a couple getting together, and in this case, hoped for a double story, but the connections were uncomplicated. Chris summarized the first connection: “Growing up in a small town, we knew of each other, and one night we were both at a bar and…” He paused and grinned before adding, “she gave me a look.” He added, “A few weeks later I was over at her house and never left.” They married, divorced, then, after many years, “She called me and left a voicemail with a question and we got remarried in 2017.”

(Photos: Chris and Tangee, then and now)

As for travel, Chris said, “As part of my job, I was getting on an airplane every week. That included 12 trips to Australia.” He was gone so much that Chris began wondering why they even needed a house – why not just live fulltime in an RV? He went to Tangee with the suggestion that they simply live in a 25-foot travel trailer. Her response was clear: “Hell no.” But they eventually found a fifth-wheel that she approved and they went fulltime for the next five years.

It was during that time that they discovered Mesa: “We’re big baseball fans,” Chris said, “so we came for Spring training.” As for finding Silveridge, he added, “I did a search and found ‘the friendliest park in the West’ and we tried it out.” It went so well that they bought a park model. Even so, they held onto the RV, storing it in the winters and heading out in the summers.

As for the artistic pursuits, Chris reflected on one dream fulfillment: “Myself and my brother always were into music and we both played guitar growing up. It was a dream of mine to be in a band, so in 2007, I took a year sabbatical and played for an artist by the name of John Waller, whose song “While I’m Waiting” was featured in the movie “Fireproof.” We were part of the Casting Crowns ‘Altar and the Door Tour,’ an 87-city arena tour.”

And here’s Chris describing the origins of another of his passions, photography: “It started with my dad. He was into photography and when I was in high school, he built a darkroom in my bedroom closet.” That love of taking pictures never left Chris, and when Covid hit, he was able to work fully remote and thus increase his flexibility to take photos. These days, he’s out at the Gilbert Riparian Preserve most mornings. And he heads the Silveridge Photography Club.

[During the season, the club meets weekly in the computer room, and does photo trips – last year’s outings included the Preserve, the Lost Dutchman State Park and the wild horses of the Salt River.]

How did Chris learn photography at such a high level? The same way he learned guitar and computers: he’s self-taught. He summed up his philosophy saying, “You have a vision and you work hard. Every day. It’s the effort. You dig in till it happens.”

(Photos: Our thanks to Chris for all the photos in this article. And Chris chose a few to share in the album you can find by clicking below…

Hi everyone!

For those of new residents who may not know, Silveridge has an on-site massage office located behind the post office. I’m super excited about the therapists we have brought in this season. We have two very talented, experienced and knowledgeable therapists available for you.

For the first time, I also have an “on call” therapist who will step in if our regular schedule fills up. We had to turn away too many people last year. So if you go to book online and don’t see any openings please call me because there is a good chance I can get you in with a few days’ notice.

To read more about our therapists, book a massage or purchase a gift certificate please visit www.resorttherapy.com or call (602) 309–2482.

Our regular schedule:

Monday: 9am – 3pm with Jessica

Wednesday & Friday: 9am – 2pm with Jessica

Saturday: 9am – 1pm with Kelly

Rates:

30 minutes for $45

60 minutes for $80

90 minutes for $110

Also, back by popular demand, Kelly is offering chair massage in the lobby on Wednesdays 12:30-3pm. Please book directly with Kelly. Call or text (541) 279-8095.

FROM THE ACTIVITY OFFICE

Here it is December already! Now, that we’ve given thanks for ALL that we are BLESSED with, December is the month we CELEBRATE! I hope you try and take advantage of the Activities offered here at Silveridge. We have FUN and CELEBRATE each day! We have a lot of new residents in the resort. I challenge everyone to invite someone new to our resort to one of our activities this month. Whether it’s a poker game or Bunco, a happy hour at your home, karaoke or a dinner dance, bring your neighbor along and help them see why Silveridge is “The Friendliest Park in the West.” Help make them feel as welcome and at home in the resort as you do.

You still have time to be Santa for a Senior. More details are in this newsletter. May this Christmas end the present year on a cheerful note and make way for a fresh and bright New Year.

Silvia and I would like to thank everyone for their assistance, support and a great start to our new season.

We wish every one a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year too!

-LU & Sylvia

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