Christopher Ian Dries

It is with the heaviest grief that we are charged with announcing the passing of our Chris Bear. In his favorite place in the whole world, his Mustang. At the time of this writing, initial findings are that he passed of natural causes but are yet undetermined.

 However, this is the only thing about him that was not determined. Chris was born to his parents, a second generation Scotsman in the Outback of Australia. In a tiny town called Narrabri. He spent several of his youngest years living on a 6000 acre crop farm which instilled in him a lifelong love of farming. Like Luke Skywalker, a hero of our favorite story, he grew up abandoned by his father and left largely unto himself. Except for the love of his Grandpa Speakman and Great Grandpa he only referred to as Lalala, he grew up dreaming of adventures beyond imagination. 

 And adventures he had. Upside down and Right side up.

 He served honorably in Her Royal Majesty's Army from age 19 until retiring upon moving to the United States in 2016 at age 43. To include a deployment to East Timor. This forever changed his perspective on humanity. This cemented in him commitment to service and protecting the vulnerable. And always honoring those who have served with genuine love and dedication, creating lifelong friendships with veterans both in Australia and in the U.S. After a battle with near fatal lung cancer in 2011 he shifted roles and played bagpipes for the military’s most elite performers…. an enterprise which he drew upon to celebrate his own Scottish heritage. He then proceeded to teach American veterans how to play this cherished instrument. He retired as a Sergeant with honors. His military experience directly translated into his personal and professional life via attention to detail, dedication, and his permanent status as a Sentinel.

 Through his life in Australia and all of his service and adventure, what he loved most and was most proud of was our son Kian. The little boy who never had a father grew into a dad who loved so much and so big. He had no idea how much that loving, father’s heart would be drawn upon for the rest of his life. Because it would be expanded by becoming Chris Bear to his step and bonus children. Especially his step children Aubren, Marysa and Cadence. For his family he created a level of safety, stability, security and hilarity that changed our family for the better, forever. 

 Chris was an exceptional rugby player both in grade school and in semi-pro leagues. He spent years in body building. He was studious with a curious mind that could absorb and understand everything (Including American English). However the family losing their farm in his childhood led him to pursue his higher education in agronomy and entomology. He used this to consult with farmers all over the world and own and operate his own pest control business. In addition he belonged to social media groups where he made friends all over the world, and which would turn his life right side up, globe wise, forever. 

 It was through these friends that a boy left unto himself, a Soldier who protected everyone around him, a devoted father and uncle, friend to people from all walks of life met a Shepherdess from the other side of the world. With the courage and conviction that always drove him, he left the friends and family that he created in Australia to start anew. What evolved was an epic love and farm story, marriage and circle of kids, bonus kids, family, friends, colleagues and community beyond his wildest imagination.

 Together “Chris Bear” and “Blossom” absorbed illness, loss, and the struggles of immigration while raising their beautiful children. Chasing around a few sheep and serving the community was and is daily practice. He became infamous in every workplace, store, and space he occupied… in person and online in Australia and in the U.S. Expansive, generous, loving, kind, wickedly funny and genuine. This loving man became immersed in the love of a wife, family, friendship circle and community. To depths that at times overwhelmed, humbled and were beyond belief to the heart of the man who loved fully and deserved every second of love that he had found. And always will.

 Chris is survived by his wife Jen Hobby-Dries. Children: Aubren (Caleb) Seda, Kian (Adam) Dries, Marysa (Brevin) Lopez and Cadence Graham. Numerous “bonus kids” but especially Davonte Lopez, Seyanna Carpenter, Joey Haskins. Siblings, born, in law and bonus siblings, especially Bek (Tony) Hayward, Melissa (Micheal) Harper, Michael Hobby, Sandra Lowe, Robin Gregerson. Brothers in honor Thomas Joseph, Greg (Michelle) LeGrange. Nieces and Nephews, Seth, Ethan and Claire Hayward, Jesse Gameiro, Jacob Barrie, Caleb and Amelia Dries, Angelo and Alanna Harper. So many wonderful friends locally and all over the world that it is beyond count. But for whom we are eternally grateful.

Preceded in Death by his Grandpas Speakman and Lalala, his father and mother in law Earle and Kathy Hobby and beloved sister Kammy Mae Edmunds.

Celebrations of life as follows:

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Stanley’s Triangle Lounge (96 W Main Street, Mt Pleasant, UT)

Live Broadcast for those who cannot attend but would like to participate or speak (Check Jen’s facebook for link details)

6:00 pm until done

Thursday, September 18, 2025

Rasmussen’s Mortuary (96 N 100 W, Mt Pleasant, UT).

Live Broadcast for those who cannot attend and/or who would like to record a message, available on the mortuary’s website. Otherwise please reach out to Jen. 

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm