Christopher Paul Straus, 54, died Monday, January 5, 2009 at the St. Joseph Campus of Mission Hospitals after a long and courageous battle with Huntington’s Disease.  A native of Buncombe County he was son of the late Harry H. Straus, Jr. and Betty Brydges Straus.   He was also preceded in death by brothers, Harry H. Straus, III and Peter Brydges Straus. 

     Christopher loved nature and was an avid skier, hiker, scuba diver and world traveler.  He felt at home in the mountains of Colorado but his heart and soul belonged to his beloved “Ponderosa” nestled high in the Great Smokey’s.

     He is survived by his brother, David L. Straus and his wife, Courtney; nieces, Hillary and Lauren Straus; aunt, Louise King; cousin, William Brydges and his wife, Barbara and numerous  other cousins.

     A private memorial service will be held 2:30PM, Friday, January 9, 2009 at The Lodge.  A reception will follow immediately following the service.