Tributes

It was always an amazing experience to worship alongside Chris on the worship team. When he played drums, you could visibly see how strong his faith was in his worship. It was encouraging and humbling to see how much he loved the Lord when he played. I will miss him.

Shannon Marcou, Springbrook Community Church Worship Team

Chris was one of the most faithful men I met at Springbrook Community Church. During the 15 years we were at Springbrook, Chris was a faithful servant on the worship team, and in the men’s small group ministry among many other areas. What stands out beyond that was his faithfulness to his family and courage in suffering through cancer with amazing courage. We will see you soon in heaven, Chris!

Dick Schmidt, Chris’ Spiritual Mentor and Small Group Leader

Today our team is mourning the loss but giving thanks for a man whose life bettered us all, Christopher “Chris” D. Kubacki—friend, brother, teammate. Chris departed this life yesterday after a tenacious fight against cancer—a fight which he would want us all to take a message from.

“The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena.” If you know that verse by Theodore Roosevelt, it may as well have been written about Chris. Chris was never the critic, never the man who pointed out how the strong man stumbles. Instead, he was the man who always strove valiantly, who knew great enthusiasms, who “spent himself in worthy causes” and who knew the “triumph of high achievement.” Chris was a fighter in the noblest sense.

One of Chris’s proudest achievements was his 100th jump, which is no small feat. This past October we were honored to see Chris make that jump and be pinned in recognition for it by WWII D-Day Airborne Veteran Norwood Thomas.

Chris at the time knew the battle with cancer that was ahead of him. He had already experienced cancer once before. But it was just like Chris to achieve his goals in the order that HE was determined to meet them, not in the order that circumstances might dictate. Tenacity was Chris’s middle name.

Chris displayed that tenacity quietly. He was about results, not bravado. And some of that likely came from his Indiana upbringing. Chris lived in Chicago, but he was an Indiana “Hoosier” through and through. True to stereotypes that Indianans are proud of, Chris was acutely honest in a way that never offended. He had a work ethic that was as old-school-pioneer as it gets. And, he had an amiability about him that everyone knew was genuine.

On our team we sometimes joke with each other about the different areas we all come from. Chris was quick to remind a few of us that Indiana was not a big corn field, not a flyover state, and it boasted a great university, his alma mater, Indiana U. “Go Hoosiers!”

Pioneer work ethic is a term we don’t see often these days. But if you were to have spent any time with Chris, you would have learned the meaning—and found yourself quickly exhausted in the process. Even walking with Chris across our hangar floor, it was hard to keep up with him. A typical day at our facility starts with completing our jumps and then packing our parachutes. But then it goes on to all variety of projects that go to improving and upgrading our facility. Chris would lead by example, diving into anything that needed to get done, especially if it involved Chris’s forte, woodwork.

Like his Lord and Savior, Chris was a carpenter and a craftsman. And, Chris did exceptional work. He made his living as a cabinet maker. Woodwork gave Chris an opportunity to create, to think, and, we’re sure, to connect with the God in whom Chris placed all faith and trust. Chris’s wood shop was his sanctuary. Chris had a carpenter’s eye for precision, and we saw that in everything he built at our facility.

A carpenter’s mindset is “measure twice, cut once.” Chris was our team’s Operations Officer, and “measure twice, cut once” is how he approached the job. When all his facilities work was done for the day, Chris would work often until midnight creating the jump manifests for the next day. Jump manifests are the assigned order in which jumpers will exit the aircraft during a jump. Chris had a keen eye for placing people in the right spot based on their experience level, skill set, and strengths as a jumper. He made sure every “stick” or column of jumpers going out the door was balanced and set up for success.

Occasionally, some of us would ask for a change in the stick order or ask for the coveted position standing in the door.  Chris would stare the offender in the eye, grimace, and drop his clipboard to his side, his body language saying “Really?” But then he would smile and say, “I’ll see what I can do.” And, he always tried to help.

We’re going to miss Chris’s smile. We’re going to miss everything about Chris. We’d settle for the grimace he would give us. Chris loved our team, and we loved him. Like many of us, Chris found in our team an extended family. In Chris, we all found the kind of true kin that makes family a family. 

Yesterday afternoon Chris made his final jump. Chris would have appreciated us saying it that way. He had a passion for jumping and being under canopy. Chris departed peacefully in the presence of his family and without pain.

Chris’s fight was a valiant one, a fight that extended over three years and which included surgery, treatment, and the ups and downs of remission. This past Saturday, Chris chose to end treatment in favor of knowing that he was still in control and not letting circumstances control him.

We are sharing those details because Chris was about giving to others. He never put himself first. He would be ashamed of us if we did not say to everyone reading, take precautions and get screened. Do it!

“The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena.”

Chris, we the arena should be named after you! You raised the bar. And, your life enriched us all. We will forever hold you dear in our hearts. And, when we are challenged to enter our own arenas in life, we pledge to remember your fine example and carry it out thinking of you.

Chris leaves behind his wife Karin Kubacki, his son Max, his many friends, his church congregation, and all his brothers and sisters on our team.

With love and respect, for Christopher Kubacki (March 1, 1970 – August 5, 2020)

Andrew Kristopik, WWII Airborne Demonstration Team

Yesterday, I lost my best friend, Christopher Kubacki to cancer. To say that I am profoundly saddened by his passing would be an understatement. My prayers and deepest condolences go out to his wife, Karin, and his son, Max. May they find comfort in the Lord, family, friends and the good memories they share.

I first met Chris in July, 2015, while I was going through the WWII Airborne Demonstration Team’s Parachute School. From that point on, our friendship grew quickly, developing into a special bond, one I will always cherish.

Chris was genuine. He loved life, had a deep love for his family and an unwavering faith in the Lord. I admired him for that. His dedication and devotion to the WWII ADT as a team member and as its Operations Officer was readily apparent and unquestionable. His enthusiasm was infectious. He served as an inspiration to the rest of us.

It was an honor and privilege knowing you, Chris. I loved you like a brother and will miss you more than words can say. I wish you Godspeed, blue skies and soft landings. Keep your “knees in the breeze” my good buddy and don’t forget to save me the bunk next to you.

Gene Krupa, WWII Airborne Demonstration Team

Chris was both dedicated and proficient in all he did for our team, whether it was publishing Operation Orders, assigning bunks, compiling manifests, or building a needed carpentry project with his good buddy, Gene Krupa. He was always kind and helpful, and no matter what he was going through medically, he never ever complained and always had a positive attitude. I so admired his character and fortitude that I would often reach out to him to tell him so, as I’m sure many others did. I will miss our conversations, his sense of humor, his ready smile, and collaborating with him on team business. I can see him now in the mess hall, quietly figuring out the manifests; I don’t think I’ll be able to look at a pencil again without thinking of him.

Gina Lee, WWII Airborne Demonstration Team

Chris, I have been greatly saddened to learn of your passing. You were always a smiling face with a can do attitude and a joke at the ready, even during your darkest times, you were an inspiration to us all.

Zachary Spires, WWII Reenactor

There are people you cross paths with in life that no matter how brief, you KNOW they are someone special. Chris Kubacki was one of those people.

I joined the team as a Tier 3 trooper with Matt McManus at the World War Two Airborne Demonstration Team, Summer Jump School 2018. Chris was our primary instructor. I’ve served now over 32-years in the Army and Matt is also a seasoned Trooper. I not only learned more from Chris in that week than I learned from the Army Airborne School, but beyond the technical expertise Chris shared, I learned the character, the passion, the leadership, the gentleman that he was.

I have served with some spectacular leaders and soldiers in the Army. Without question Chris is equal to and surpasses many…a one of a kind. I only wish I had more time with him, and a photo, but the photos in my mind of his smile, grace, laughter, and positive spirit are always with me. Rest in Peace Sir, and peace to you your family, and your friends.

Niels Hansen, WWII Airborne Demonstration Team

Today marks another significant loss for this year. After an arduous battle, my good friend and classmate (Jump School 2015-1) Christopher Kubacki is at peace tonight. My heart and prayers go out to his wife and son.

Chris was an incredible man. Dedicated to his faith and family, he gave his time to not only support the mission of the WWII Airborne Demonstration Team, but to serve as our Operations Officer. That is, without a doubt, one of the most demanding roles in our organization. Chris had a passion for military history. That passion was mirrored in his support of his friends. His smile and cheerful demeanor (even while fighting his illness) will be greatly missed by us all.

I know that he is at peace now, and waiting for the rest of us on the final DZ.

Well done Brother … AATW!

Ken Larsen, WWII Airborne Demonstration Team

Christopher Kubacki, you were a brother, a friend, mentor, a fellow officer in the Federal Army and so many more things.

You will be greatly missed and I will always cherish the times we had at events, whether on the battlefield, drilling, at night around the campfire with a beer in hand.

The field desk I got from you will always be my reminder of our friendship and brotherhood.

Godspeed my friend, until we meet again on the old camp ground.

Chris Mantas sent the following quote out in an email and I am going to share it as it fits this occasion perfectly:

“Tell your friend that in his death, a part of you dies and goes with him. Wherever he goes, you also go. He will not be alone.”

Jiddu Krishnamurti, Philosopher

Eric Percy, Civil War and WWII Reenactor

Cancer took another amazing person today. My friend Christopher Kubacki, who fought so hard to beat it, lost his battle today. When I joined the WWII Airborne Demonstration Team, I experienced a few issues completing the training. Chris was always very supportive and motivated me to be better. His coaching and motivational talks while we relaxed in the smoking pit will never be forgotten. When I earned my jump wings I asked Chris to ensure my wings were properly positioned! I will never forget Chris and what he meant to me and our organization. He will be greatly missed.

Jon Starling, WWII Airborne Demonstration Team

The thing I loved most about Chris was his thoughtfulness. I always felt when speaking with him that he really took the time to understand. To see all points of view and make a right judgement. Chris always salted conversation with witty commentary. I loved having conversations with him for those reasons.

Chris had a big heart and loved people well. He was always willing to lend a hand and handy he was. Chris was an amazing woodworker and his home is full of his handiwork. I loved learning from him.

Chris was passionate about his relationship with God. He was a constant fixture at church and it was a joy to lead with him. He was passionate about drumming and played more weeks than I could count over the course of our time together. I’m thankful to have had Chris in my life for the time that I did.

I will miss our conversations and look forward to picking them back up when we meet again in heaven. See you soon friend.

Gary Witthoeft, Springbrook Community Church Worship Director