Christopher Wilkins, of Flat Rock, NC passed away on February 9, 2022 after an eight and a half year battle with brain cancer. He was a genius in architecture, a lover of LEGO, and a skilled cornhole player.
Christopher was born in Manhattan, NY, and spent much of his childhood in Hendersonville, NC. His late father, George Wilkins, Jr. worked at the Flat Rock Playhouse with many friends, including Christopher’s future wife, Malisia. Later, George would be the one to introduce the two. In May of 2005, Christopher and Malisia married, surrounded by their Flat Rock Playhouse family.
Christopher attended Clemson University, where he received his Master’s degree in Architecture in May 2012. He and Malisia continued to live in South Carolina before moving to Redlands, CA where Christopher was hired as a Geospatial Architect with Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI). His official title was Senior Product Engineer, but unofficially he was known as the Computer Generated Architecture (CGA) Ninja.
Christopher and Malisia returned to Flat Rock, NC in December of 2017. Here, they settled next door to their family from the Flat Rock Playhouse. Christopher continued to work for ESRI. He absolutely loved his job and continued to work up until he was unable- a mere seven days prior to his death. His boss said that his loss left a “gaping hole” in the company, but “his legacy will remain strong.”
Christopher is preceded in death by his father, George Wilkins Jr. (Hendersonville, NC). He leaves behind his wonderful wife, Malisia of seventeen years (Flat Rock, NC). He also leaves behind his mother Rebecca Alexander Blake (Hendersonville, NC); a sister, Sarah Carswell (Oregon); a brother, Michael Carswell (Hendersonville, NC); and a best friend-brother, Cris “No-H” Mabry (Hendersonville, NC). In addition, Christopher also leaves behind his loving Flat Rock Playhouse family, his ESRI co-workers, Smoof, Mr. Mouse, Malisia’s cat Squeezy that allowed his presence, and $40,000 in student loans.
There will be a small, private gathering to celebrate the life of Christopher. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Flat Rock Playhouse.
March 1, 2017
Jennifer Burgoz posted on 5/8/22
Malisia, I am heartbroken to hear of Chris's passing. You may not remember me, but I used to work at the lab in Redlands. You and Chris would always bring me brownies and spend a little time talking about your plans for the house. I am still in amazement at how Chris would tell me jokes and encourage me to finish college while he was going through so much. I wish I was able to tell him that I did finish, and became an Oncology RN. I know we have not spoken in years, but I think about you guys often and wanted to let you know what an impact you had on my life. May Chris Rest In Peace and you be surrounded by love.