Christopher "Chris" Billingslea

Christopher “Chris” Billingslea (1957–2026)

Chris Billingslea, 68, passed away peacefully following a brief but aggressive battle with prostate cancer, surrounded by family and his higher power. His life was one of service, curiosity, generosity, and fearless adventure. Chris is survived by his beloved wife Alessandra; his siblings Paul and Elizabeth; his son Wesley (wife Lauran and children Liliana and Theo); his daughter Dominique; and his son Samuel (wife Kyleigh and daughter Cora).

Chris met Alessandra “Sandy” Bertozzi at the University of Colorado, and shared 44 years building a loving family and laughter-filled home. Together they traveled widely, chased adventure, and wholeheartedly supported each other’s passions.

Born in Montgomery, Alabama, Chris was raised in Rowayton, Connecticut. He attended The Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, graduating in 1976, and later studied at Hobart College in Geneva, New York. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Colorado Boulder in 1984 before earning his medical degree from the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in Pomona, California in 1991. During that time, he achieved the rank of Captain in the United States Army.

Following his military service, Chris became one of the founding partners of Post Falls Family Medicine and Northwest Specialty Hospital, where he spent decades caring for generations of families in North Idaho. His career was guided by humility, integrity, and the belief that progress matters more than perfection.

A lifelong craftsman, Chris built wooden catamarans, later turning his creativity to furniture, metalwork, and stonemasonry.

Adventure was part of who he was: hang gliding, diving, heliskiing, snowboarding, windsurfing, flightboarding, kiteboarding, mountain and dirt biking, ice and rock climbing, bow hunting, and even homemade bungee jumping, just to mention a few. He also completed five Ironman triathlons and traveled widely, climbing Machu Picchu, fishing Christmas Island, and cycling across New Zealand and Croatia. In later years, he found joy in golf and pickleball!

Those who knew Chris will remember his steady kindness, calm wisdom, sincere care for others, and ability to trust the process.

A celebration of life will be held on February 12, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Real Life Ministries, 1701 N. 4th Street, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you spend meaningful moments outdoors in the sunshine with those you love.