Chris DeVries

Cornelius "Chris" DeVries

Cornelius "Chris" DeVries, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, dairyman, and friend, passed away at his farm doing the work he loved on August 3, 2026, at the age of 67.

Chris was born on April 7, 1959, in Riverside, California, to Ben and Martha (Postma) DeVries. He spent the first six years of his life in Artesia, California, before his family settled in Turner, Oregon, where he would spend the next 61 years building a life rooted in faith, family, and farming. He graduated from Cascade High School in 1977 and dedicated his life to the dairy industry, proudly farming for more than six decades.

On March 21, 1980, Chris married the love of his life, Patricia "Patty" Zylstra. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter, hard work, and unwavering support for one another. Their 46 years of marriage were blessed with four children and thirteen cherished grandchildren, all of whom brought Chris immense pride and joy.

Chris was a lifelong member of Sunnyslope Christian Reformed Church, where his faith guided the way he lived and served others. He was actively involved in Cascade FFA, the Oregon Dairy Farmers Association, and served on the DHIA Board. He was deeply passionate about Holstein genetics and milk quality and took great pride in continually improving his herd and contributing to the dairy community.

While dairy farming was his life's work, Chris had many other passions. He loved spending time with his cows, raising corn, driving trucks, admiring old muscle cars and classic tractors, and collecting John Deere equipment. He never passed up the opportunity to attend cattle and machinery auctions, enjoyed a hearty meal, and was well known for his sweet tooth. Above all, Chris treasured time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren, whose accomplishments and activities brought him endless happiness.

Chris was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Martha DeVries.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Patty DeVries; his children, Karen (Jeremiah) Samek, Jennifer (Drew) Johnson, Erik (Jaimee) DeVries, and Jessica (David) Samek; and his thirteen grandchildren: Kathryn, Kourtney, Brody, and Sadie Samek; Brynn, Colt, Jamison, and Jade Johnson; Jordan, Khloe, and Noah DeVries; and Lizzie and Claire Samek.

He is also survived by his siblings: Douwina "Dee" (Harold) Wicker of Chino, California; Arlene (Frank) Wind of Loveland, Colorado; Egbert "Bert" (Anna) DeVries of Turner, Oregon; and Anna (Alan) Sprague of Albany, Oregon, along with many extended family members, friends, neighbors, and fellow members of the dairy community.

A memorial service celebrating Chris's life will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Sunnyslope Christian Reformed Church. A private family burial will take place at Cloverdale Cemetery in Turner, Oregon.

Chris will be remembered for his steadfast faith, tireless work ethic, generous heart, quiet wisdom, and deep love for his family. His legacy lives on in the generations he helped raise, the land and animals he faithfully cared for, and the many lives he touched through a lifetime of service and friendship.