My Friend Kris
I was four when I met Kris Cello, whose family lived half a block from us in east Davis. My earliest memory of this red headed befreckled kid was a kind or brotherly love at first sight, a connection of the heart that was immediate and deep. Here come the tears. Kris and I, his brother Phil and my brother Phil became like the four musketeers. We gave each other nicknames, formed innumerable clubs - the Ginkers, the daredevils club with its rites of passage like having to hula hoop naked in the street while a car was coming, even a smokers club which really pushed the envelope of daring-do for 9 year olds, until Bob Cello busted us. Our two families became like one and no Christmas was complete without a feast with the Cellos.
Kids always had a habit of asking who your best friend was. For me, the reply required no contemplation, it was Kris. We were as close as brothers. Even in high school when I was a shy kid and he was in the popular crowd, we were tight. In the late 60's we had some grand adventures altering our brain chemistry together, singing the Beatles white album, comiserating over Nixon and the war. We saw a lot less of each other in later years but the love and friendship never faded. I always sought out he and Kathy on my trips to visit my folks in Davis and I got to see his beautiful family grow. We were there to support each other when each of our parents passed on.
I went to see Kris in the hospital several weeks ago, touched his hand, told him I loved him and bid my quiet goodbye. I was able to savor the memories of him all the way back to L.A. His heart of gold spread its light to many more souls than me. I was blessed to be his friend, and I will carry that blessing with me all my days.
Brian Hughes
posted by Cello Family at 8:03 AM
3 Comments:
In July of 1964 we moved to Davis, this would be my 11th school since kindergarten. I was not what you would call likeable, very immature. I had no friends in Davis, just there so my mother could finish her PhD. Within a few weeks I would settle in with a group of friends who would rather be drinking, smoking pot or doing just about anything else than be in school. Yet even though I was not very sociable, Kris from the start was always friendly, likeable, and never made me feel unwelcome. He would talk to me and made me feel welcome, I admired him. I would look at him and think there goes a nice guy, a fellow who I can respect and wish I could know better. I then discovered his relationship with Kathy and that impressed me, difficult at that age to have such devotion. So the years passed and at least two or three times a year I would find myself over the 40 some years talking about Kris and Kathy. How here was a wonderful fellow and a lovely lady who were childhood sweethearts and who were still together. I would mention how Kris wound up in construction and that they were raising a family in Davis. You see I kept tabs on those two. I would hear from Alex or others from time to time and always ask about Kris and Kathy. For me they became a touchstone to renew faith in relationship. The comments here confirm that, thank you Kris for being open to me in 1964 and letting me get to know you a bit. Bless you Kris Cello for being a good man, and a man who set a good example for others.
Jim Young
A memory of Kris that defined the depth of his humanity and love of his family for me a decade ago - Kris came into my office and looked like he had really bad allergies. I asked how it went the day before. Then the tears started. Kris stated, "I cried the entire 5 hour drive home. Then I locked myself in the construction trailer and wrote letters to him, crying for hours." Here was this man's man, hard core construction guy sitting in my office crying. He was so human and genuine, so compassionate. The reason for the tears - a parent's love of his child and the pain of separation. Kris had returned home from taking Michael down to Cal Poly for his freshman year. Kris was hard core with a very soft underbelly. He was a joy to work with. Years later, I cried similar tears and thought of Kris. My prayers are with you and your family Kris. AKS
To the Cello family ,
I just wanted to share an experience with you that I had with Kris. I had the the good fourtune of starting with Cello & Maudru when I was 19 in 1987. Kris actually met with me on my first day on the job at the Hess collection winery. I worked side by side with Kris many times at Hess. It was always a learning process with Kris since he was such a perfectionist and had such an eye for detail. One of the most memorable times was at the close of the Hess collection winery project . We had been working really long hours for many weeks when Kris had called me into the office. I kept thinking o boy what had I done this time. Kris was constantly giving pep talks about life wether it be personal or business related it didn't matter to Kris as long as he was able philosify his many views on life. I had never met anyone who had had such an ever expanding knowledge and understanding of tying down a loaded truck or trailor for the dump or a trip to the store could be a spiritual experience. . I would venture to guess that he has probably reminded me of this paticular issue no less than a 1,000 times. Anyhoot back to the original story. It was at the close of Hess and I was in the construction office waiting to get chewd out once again. Kris asked me if I wanted to have a contest. I was like sure it depends on what were talking about. He asked me if I wanted to have a contest with him to see who could work more hours in the next week. As the Hess project was coming to an end that week. Finally I thought something that I could actually outshine Kris on. Well to say the least that was one of the longets and shortest weeks of all time . At the end of the week I went to Kris and proceeded to let him know that there was no chance that he had beaten my monumental effort of 126 hours in 7 days. And he just looked at me and smiled . Then I knew that he had once again proven that he was the quintesential craftsman. I couldn't believe that he had actually worked 131 hours. I'll always remember working with Kris after Hess collection. I was able to work with him on a one by one basis without the hectic responsiblities of a larger project to encumber Kris's persona he tought me a lot during those few weeks post Hess collection. Most of all he always led by example and would always give his employee's opportunities even if those opportunities were above the skill level or comfort zone of the taks at hand. I will remember Kris more as a Friend and a mentor then as an employer. Thank you Kris
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