The tribute in LA Times: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/latimes/obituary.aspx?n=chris-wayne-korpi&pid=173225748&

Chris - I never dreamed that I would spend hundreds of hours collecting signatures in front of supermarkets, but you inspired my wife and me to do the right thing. You, my friend, helped our teachers, students and community to reach for the stars. Without your leadership, charm, wit and determination we would not have succeeded. Thank you for what you taught us all. We will miss you, but you are forever in our hearts and minds.

Chris....I just wish I could hear you laugh one more time! Your energy was boundless, your enthusiasm contagious, your spirit incredible. You were an inspiration to us all. You did things we though could not be done and you made it look easy. I still see your smile. You will be missed by all......love, Erin

Chris - it is rare to meet a person who offers the energy and enthusiasm you gave so freely. You inspired all of us who worked with you during a difficult time in our school. Your passion, enthusiasm, and optimism kept us going. We will miss your light in our world.

The news of Chris' passing came as a shock... for the past two years, he's done nothing but improve himself, while giving back to those around him. I've known Chris for 20+ years... met him through politics, then again though programs... and he's been a friend, a client and a mentor.

In particular, Chris reignited my interest in geology and gave me a deeper understanding of Native American culture and issues -- in particular, those of the Lakota Sioux. Chris' many contributions are memorialized on this wall, so I won't replicate... but I know that I've followed many of his footsteps on my journey, and I will miss having him as a mentor and a friend. Rest in Peace...

You are so missed! It was such a God thing when we met on our Africa mission trip!  To then find out we lived so close and could continue our friendship in the states. You made an amazing impact on this world. From our whole family, we luv u. !!!!!

Going to miss him-- He had sensitivity to native people in general.-- jest for life-- not everyday is promised my friends. Make everyday count. GO Native. Mr. P. Faaola-- ClearRock Ventures SF, CA

Manuia lou malaga Chris-- talofae i si ou u'o--*cries* my friend

I'm still in shock about the passing of Chris. He was a great guy with a huge heart. RIP My Friend

Chris..

You are killing me! Now they will never let me in Caesars! I enjoyed our lunches and the times we spent over the years. In life we have few true friends and I have now lost both Cheri and now you... Well, I'm certain we will meet again. Remember, It's not 'goodbye', its see you soon'

Take care, give my best to the Angels and put in a good word for me with the Big Man..

I only wish that we told people how we felt about them prior to them leaving us. Thank you for doing that for Andrea and me.

I will miss you until we meet again!

Kev

I have fond memories of Chris from his involvement with Evangelicals Concerned.  He was always frank, honesty and kind to me.  I owned a resume business for 20 years and he was one of my first clients.  I respect the fact that Chris and Patrick stood up for issues so all people could one day enjoy equal presence and respect towards church and worshiping God. 

May God comfort all his friends and family.  May he rest in peace.

I will remember you for your unconditional friendship for the over 15 years we shared. And if will never forget the 1st, and only time, we played golf, especially when I need a good laugh.

The memorial service is officially on Sunday, December 7th at 1:00pm. It will be held at the United Methodist Church in Laguna Beach on Wesley Drive (across from the Montage). All are invited.

A dear friend, a wonderful human being who brought so much to so many. You will be missed and never forgotten.

I also remember Chris from the early days of Indian gaming in California. Chris was kind enough to take us on a tour of the black hills of South Dakota and I have always treasured that experience. I will remember his infectious humor and good nature. You are truly missed my friend.

"Chris, I can only describe the love and friendship you gave with one word, PRICELESS" Thank you for everything. I will miss you buddy. Keep an eye on us from above my friend and tug a belt loop from time to time. I will know its you buddy. Take your place among the warriors in the heavens, who in their great company, will welcome you with open arms. That I am certain. You've earned it. Until we meet again, much love. Hágoónee' Shinaai 

Chris Gallardo

Chris all to sudden is your passing. Thank you for guidance you have provided me. Your ashes will bless the Badlands Black Hills my friend in Indian Country. Til we meet again.

Our most heartfelt sympathies to Chris' family, friends and colleagues.

I will truly miss your warm smile! Always a smile, always a hug!  So glad I got the chance to know you. I was looking forward to "africa" one day and I will think of you when I do make it!!! xoxo

Chris Wayne Korpi
I think I speak for all of us that we are just as shaken and a loss for words about his sudden passing that we are still trying to figure out internally on how to cope while at the same time ensure that respect is paid to the person he was.

One of his passions that he would speak about was geology. Its one of the main sciences that practically helps us understand the world in which we live in; Where to dig to find water, how structures are built on land for safety and security, even how valuable minerals such as gold and oil are formed. However, when talking with him, he always pointed out what was hidden as well as the history in what we saw everyday. He could look at hillsides, flatlands, mountain ranges, or even chunks of rock and marble and begin to weave a story, pointing out clues to the complex past of the planet in which we lived in. Geologists are much like their subject matter; plainspoken, no nonsense, and filled with a tinge of romanticism. I think we could agree that was Chris. He would be straight forward but you always felt the passion about what he was talking about in his voice. You could even see it in his eyes and how they sparkled.

Chris was an advocate of the First Nations People, a population that consists over 564 tribes with close to 1.9 million people. There are several various traditions that these tribes used to celebrate the birth/death of one of their people. However, a common theme among the traditions is how they make use of the cycles of nature and seasons. I strongly believe that Chris’ love of geology and how tribes used the earth/nature in their traditions coincided with one another and made his love for both items even stronger. 

Many believe that the dead pass on to a spirit world where they become forces to influences aspects of our lives. I see this carrying over into our business as well. His lessons to us whether it is walking through the Hard Rock Tulsa, operated by the Cherokee Nation, and explaining Class II and Class III or driving through the plains of Oklahoma and giving you back ground of how the earth’s plates are creating future mountains are just a few lessons I will remember. I do also believe his spirit will live on.  Chris was a rare gem among the pebbles and rocks we encounter and I will use that time with him these past six months to guide and influence my life, both personally and professionally. He was always good for a joke-even with him as the brunt of it, knew his limitations, but focused on his strengths. Chris and I spoke almost every day with his new transition to his role of development, not sales. He enjoyed what he did best, plant and harvest relationships within the First Nation’s People. We spoke on Friday and I will remember him saying “Looking forward to seeing you on Monday, buddy. Take Care”. We were to see each other and game plan for Tribal Net. 

I am sure that Chris is in the spirit world with a cell phone that never needs to be recharged, a computer that responds to his voice and so easy a five year old knows how to use it and shaking hands with those he hasn’t seen in a while with that smile we all know and recognize.  His spirit will forever be remembered, just as the fall slumbers us into winter and then springs eternal into summer.  Chris had a way to connect with each and every one of us. It is through those small moments that I found out a lot about him. Give him enough time, he would reel you in.  

And to Chris, I look forward to seeing you soon Buddy. You are missed my friend. 

Oh, Great Spirit,
whose voice I hear in the winds
and whose breath gives life
to all the world, hear me.
I am small and weak.
I need your strength and wisdom.
Let me walk in beauty and make my eyes
ever behold the red and purple sunset.
Make my hands respect the things you have made
and my ears sharp to hear your voice.
Make me wise so that I may understand
the things you have taught my people.
Let me learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock.
I seek strength, not to be superior to my brother,
but to fight my greatest enemy – myself.
Make me always ready to come to you
with clean hands and straight eyes,
so when life fades, as the fading sunset,
my spirit will come to you without shame.

- Chief Yellow Lark, Lakota, 1887 -


Your buddy

Jeffrey Hoss

Sorry to hear about Chris, for the short time I knew him, he brought optimism and caring to this world.

The Creator needed another angel! A kind and caring man who truly touched many with his kindness. Will miss you and will always remember you with great stories of the person you were. RIP my friend!

I first met Chris about 15 years ago... back in the early years of "Indian Gaming." His lasting legacy will certainly include his gracious, friendly, and ever compassionate personality to all whom he met. "Indian Country" will not be the same without his ever-smiling face. He will be dearly missed by all. I join all of his friends in mourning his sudden and untimely passing... you were loved by many, Chris.

Chris my Friend I will Miss you. thank you for ALL you did to help Indian Gaming and Indian Country.

Chris was a consummate professional and a wonderful person. He touched a lot of lives. I enjoyed recently working with him again and was blessed to see him work his magic on a whole new group of people. We will miss him.

Chris was unlike any person I've ever met. When we hired him at Sodak, we knew we were getting someone special. Little did we know that he would become such a champion of Tribal Sovereignty and Indian issues. He developed deep and lasting relationships throughout all of Indian Country. He was an ever flowing fountain of ideas of how to improve conditions with tribal folks and he was forever putting his money where his mouth was. I've known Chris since he showed up as a college intern in the South Dakota legislature in 1982. In all those years he demonstrated a great heart for fairness and justice. He was a wonderful man. I will miss him deeply.

Chris was a stud. I hired him was blessed to have him at VizExplorer. I am amazed at what he's been able to accomplish.

He was a great friend. We spent a lot of time driving all over California.
Lots of memorable discussions about tribes, politics, relationships, people, education...and yes...rocks and gems.

Chris was a true original.

Here's an article we just wrote...

http://www.pechanga.net/content/longtime-tribal-gaming-industry-veteran-chris-korpi-dies-53

Chris was a man that always held Indian country at heart. From helping tribes and individuals deal with suicide to alcoholism, he was always an individual to think about the tribes needs first. Chris Korpi worked hard to make Indian country business take care of its stakeholders, its tribal members first. He was loved all over this country as a great man with a smile that lit up a room. I will forever be in debt to his memory for he pushed me as an entrepreneur to be better. Thank you Chris for being a great friend to Indian country. You were family, we miss you and love you.

If Chris were with us now he would be making us all smile. May we honor him by cherishing those memories.

Where do I even begin? The mere fact that I'm not going to see your smiling, glowing, beautiful face until we meet again in heaven makes me really sad and breaks my heart. You always lifted me up when I was down, you turned every hopeless thought and fear that I had into hope, love and faith, you showed me how to be a better human being overall, you dropped everything to be there for me every single time I needed you and you did it graciously, effortlessly and selflessly and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you did! I have never met a human being that was so pure, enlightening, grateful, happy and positive. I was in awe of how much you did for others when you were here and now that you're gone I'm learning moment by moment of all the hundreds of lives that you have changed and touched, you Chris are the most incredible, extraordinary and beautiful human being that I have ever known. I feel beyond blessed and honored to have been loved so much by you and to have had you as a dear friend. You are a true angel, God sure did bless me when he placed you in my life!!! I can't imagine this life without you, it's just not going to be the same yet I must say that I already see and feel you in all of God's beauty that surrounds me throughout my days!! The thought of you never fails to make me smile, you lit up my life and made me a better person....thank God for you Chris Korpi!! Fly with the angels my beautiful friend, I love you!!!!

Chris was a kind and gentle man who was generous with his time, wisdom and experience. He was a great source of advice but most of all, he had the unique ability to connect like-minded people who could work together for a common cause. I gained so many new friends and colleagues from knowing Chris, and I will be forever grateful for all that he taught me.

Dear Chris, I will miss your smile, hugs and
your invites to all the fun things. I'm grateful
to every special time we had together. Just to
let you know, a lot people really miss you already.
I love that you were always authentic. In just
the short time I've known you I'm a better person
by knowing you and I thank you for that.
Sending love up to you in heaven...

Chris, you will be missed by many, including me! Your knowledge and experience and more importantly, your willingness to share it was unsurpassed. The consummate professional and a trusted advisor to many. Thanks for all you gave to us in your time here. All too short my brother. Rest in Peace.

I knew Chris from Cadillac Jack and placed him at VizExplorer. He was a great sales executive, always forwarding me information on his latest deal or telling me if there was a job opening I could fill. He was passionate about charity and giving back. Rest in peace my Brother.

Chris was a genuinely caring person who dedicated his life to the service of others. Even when he was struggling within himself, he continued to work and advocate for Native American and children's causes. It was my privilege to know Chris and to be a small part of his more recent journey. There is some comfort in knowing he was finding happiness and spiritual health over the last year or so of his life. RIP

Chris was a great friend and will be missed by myself and all at Cadillac Jack. We had many great trips together and lots of fun as always. We will miss you.

"Chris - just last week we were talking about your last vacation and I told you I was so jealous because you were in a beautiful place and you had had so much fun. How do you get to do that I asked. You told me it is all about balance in your life and I should take more time to enjoy. Good advise and I will try. Glad you found your balance. I will miss you."

I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Chris's passing. I met him during emotionally trying times at our school district, during which he was a daily inspiration, as well as an energetic, passionate, and highly articulate advocate for education. Above and beyond that, Chris was UNFAILINGLY kind, patient, and quick with a smile and uplifting comment. I consider him a blessing to our community, and I know that opinion is held by many. He will be deeply missed.

Chris--
Your smile was contagious, your passion to give back was immense and you had unbounded energy to always give a lending hand. You were such a great role model for those working in Indian Country...you are already missed and will be forever in our hearts.

Chis had so much passion and zest for life, discovering new things, Native American culture and gaming. He brought a positive energy every time we got together. He will be missed...

My life’s journey was blessed by getting to know Chris. Chris will be missed but not forgotten; many memories that bring a smile to my face and warm my heart.

You will be missed my very good friend! Our many conversations over the years of life, politics and especially on Indian Country were so passionate, educational and inspiring - I will always remember them from years to come! Thank you so much for the great memories in South Dakota that will stay in my heart forever. May you find that one of a kind "GEMSTONE" with your journey to a better place...

P.S.. Give my sister Cherie a hug for me!

Chris, you were so fun, and full of life! Who else would take me under their wing and help me so much. Wish you would have moved to Montana with Mike and I! God Bless you on the rest of your journey...

Chris was a great guy who truly cared about helping people. I was shocked to read of his untimely passing. I consider Chris a true friend and will certainly miss him.

God bless your soul, my friend.

Chris - I can't believe how much I miss you already. I just found out about your passing last night and already the memories of our friendship are flooding my mind. You truly were "one of a kind". A lot of people "talk the talk", but you actually "walked the walk"!!! No B.S., just action behind your words. You truly cared about people and showed it every time you met someone. You wore your heart on your sleeve and for that I thank you. I met you as one of my vendors 14 years ago and we instantly became close friends. I have many fond memories of dinners, shows, conversations and golf. You were not a very good golfer, but you tried your hardest, like you did with everything in your life. My favorite memory was our trip to South Dakota a couple of years ago when you took my son Scott under your wing and taught him about the geology of the area. He still has all of the "rocks" he gathered on that trip and tells me the history of them on a regular basis. We are going to place a few of them in our backyard as a memorial to you,so we have a visual reminder everyday of how special you were in our life.

God has a special place in heaven for people like you and it is not very crowded.

I will see you on the other side my friend. Much love and sadness from Bobby, Sandy and Scott.

Chris was my mentor and my inspiration when it came to putting your heart and soul into causes you hold dearly. He taught me so much about how to "work an election." In our last conversation a few weeks ago, he was encouraging me to go back to Africa with him. That smile, that glow - that passion for making a difference in the world will stay with me forever. I just can't imagine no more hugs, no more smiles from this human being. Rest in peace Chris, - your life mattered - and you made the most of it, despite the challenges.

I remeber back in 1990 myself and a few friends drove to the desert, Chris led the way, for we were new to the area, and Chris took us on an adventure that i still tell stories about. When i recenty came together with you again, you looked awsome, happier than ever, and showed me that one can overcome obstacles of any size. You are, and will always be one of my heros. I love you brother!

Does anyone know where and when services will be?

Life is so precious and sometimes all too short. The difference is how you live it. You lived each day to its fullest, gave all that you could give, and made a difference to many. Just a short two days before we talked of your hike on the hillside, it showed in your eyes that you knew the value of what the Creator has given us, you taught many that lesson. You will be terribly missed my friend. Wonderous journey

Chris was a living example of how to be a class act. He was always quick to offer his support or the endless gifts of his frequent kind words.

Such a special man, rare in this world and not many people leave an impact like Chris has, he was a trail blazer of love.

The stars dimmed their shine the night he left us.

You were taken too soon my friend, but I know you left with no regrets, you lived everyday to the fullest.

Perhaps that is the lesson we are all to take from you leaving us now.

Walk strong and good on your journey till we meet again.

Love you Chris

My heart is heavy with this loss. I am so sorry and surprised by this. I always thought Chris had a gentile soul and great vest for life. He will be missed.