There are people you meet who enter stage left and remain standing in the periphery. They add some color to the background of your life, and you can appreciate them for that. They add value to your sense of community. And then there are people like Christian “Thrash" Wenis, who, looming larger than life, takes center stage by simply appearing, and puts on a helluva show — no matter what the setting.

In his presence, you simply know and accept, he's a main character. He's unforgettable. In fact, he's the guy who all the stories revolve around, the good ones, the bad ones — the ones that leave you incredulous — even spitting beer out of your nose — laughing, with tears in your eyes — as you recall those intense moments you've shared with him.

If he was quiet, he was tending to his garden or some home project. If he was away, he was fishing, or camping with family or friends. Whether he liked you or not, you knew, and if he liked you, you had a friend for life. Being one of those commanding guys, you wanted him on your team.

Christian was a son, a husband, a father, a co-worker, and, mostly, a stalwart friend, in multiple overlapping circles. If there was something he never was, it was on the fence or undecided. Whatever he determined to pursue or to abandon, he went full throttle, and was not one to back down, when he made a decision.

Just as you couldn't bend Christian to see things your way if he disagreed with you, he would not back down from protecting those he loved, in the best way he knew how. He simply had a way of approaching things and was never anyone but himself.

~ Christian, we are grateful for your authenticity, the way you loved us, challenged and grew us, and the moments you were funny and kind. If someone needed a light, you'd bring a blow torch. If someone wanted to build a fire, you would throw in all the pallets. You were a one of a kind foreman and co-worker, husband, father, son, brother, and friend. The curtain has come down too early on your life and the silence from you now is so very loud. We will miss you, and embrace all of who you were, with all our hearts. ~

Christian Michael Wenis was born July 9, 1970, and was surrounded by his friends and family until the early moonlit light of February 19, 2025, when he succumbed to cancer. He is survived by Wende Wenis, the mother of his two children; his sons, Jakob and Evahn; his brothers, Erich and Stephan; his mother Ellen Louise Wenis, and father, Michael Edward Wenis.

His Celebration of Life will be Monday, February 24, at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street in Newtown, from 4 to 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to Regional Hospice of Danbury.