CHRISTOPHER VOELKER

Age 53, of Northridge, Calif. passed away on Sept. 11, 2014. Christopher was a world renowned, award-winning photographer, whose art was exhibited in Los Angeles and New York. His commercial work was published in the Hollywood Reporter, Billboard, TV Guide and syndicated internationally. Ringo Starr, David Lynch and Beyoncé were among the many notables Chris photographed during his 25-year-plus career.

At age 16, Chris suffered a spinal cord injury after a high-speed motocross accident. But his paralysis never stopped him. He taught himself photography and eventually built his own photography studio. Chris inspired other individuals with spinal cord injuries, serving as a mentor and loving friend to many. In 2012, he became an Ambassador for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. The Reeve Foundation honored him in 2013, bestowing him with their Hope Award for his ongoing support to the disability community.

Chris was loved, cared for and supported by his parents Jerome and Linda, sister Donna and brothers Bobby and Dale. Jerome and Bobby both predeceased Chris.

In addition to his wife Melanie, Chris' loving survivors include: uncles Charlie and Darrell; aunt Bonnie (husband Bill); nieces Michelle (husband Kevin) and Ella; great-niece Molly; nephews Michael (wife Megan) and Henry; great-nephews Anthony and Nicholas; cousins Lori, Kim, Donovan and Matthew; brother-in-law Ken, sister-in-law Anne.

Services pending. Family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in his honor to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation: http://www.christopherreeve.org