Remembering Chris Uehlinger

This special guest posting is provided by Eddie Habibi, Founder and CEO of PAS and best friends with Chris Uehlinger, the man whose shoes I am honored to fill. 

Many of you will know Chris, and on this the second anniversary of his sudden and tragic death it is appropriate that we join Eddie in remembering him.

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Friday, July 20, 2007 marks the second anniversary of the tragic and unexpected death of Chris Uehlinger, one of PAS’ best. Chris was a visionary leader, a highly talented engineer, a generous humanitarian, and a genuine friend with a great sense of humor.  Chris was 49 at the time of his death. 

Memories of Chris are alive and well here at PAS.  A day hardly goes by without someone remembering his legacy.  Chris left an enormous impression with everyone he touched. 

Chris joined PAS in 2000 as a managing partner and vice president.  During his five years with us, Chris assumed just about every leadership responsibility in the company including sales, marketing, projects, development, customer care, and quality assurance.  In 2005, Chris took the role of President and Chief Operating Officer.  During his tenure at PAS, Chris was instrumental in our significant growth. He always focused on exceeding customers’ expectations and motivated others to do the same.

Chris was also a fantastic communicator. He had a unique ability to understand complex concepts, and then articulate them concisely and clearly to others.  Chris believed in people’s ability to grow and achieve great feats. Throughout his career, Chris led by example and provided guidance and mentorship to many individuals who later became successful business leaders.

Chris had a great sense of humor, which was contagious.  His humor helped make many business challenges actually enjoyable and fun. 

Chris devoted his life to his family.  He was a catalyst that glued the family together despite the physical separations that today’s life dictates.  In fact, Chris had traveled to Corpus Christi, TX to visit his mother on the day he died.  He had gone out for a run when his heart failed and he collapsed.  That was Chris’s last mile.

We are thankful that Chris brought his talent and unbridled passion for excellence to PAS and to our personal lives.  There is much to learn in the way Chris lived.  The more enduring lesson for me is to live life to its fullest; laugh and make others laugh, give more than anyone expects, and settle for nothing but excellence. 

He will not be forgotten.

To view comments about Chris or to add your own comments, please visit In Memory of Chris Uehlinger.

- Eddie Habibi