Christopher Mazeika

Christopher Imnadze Mazeika , 66, died March 27. Christopher was born December 19, 1948, in Chicago, IL. and was the first born son to Marie (nee Emnadze) and Albert Mazeika. He grew up in an extremely loving family with many wonderful aunts, uncles, cousins and his extraordinary grandparents, Barbara and Christofor, whom Christopher was named for. They originated from Batumi, Georgia, in 1912 and were the original Trick Riders of the Buffalo Bill Cody Wild West Show.
As a child, he spent summers with his Great Uncle Steve Seline, who was a Kuban Cossack passing on his superior knowledge of horses to Christopher.
He grew up learning to cherish his family heritage and took tremendous pride in his Georgian culture throughout his life.
He adored his grandmother, Barbara and in 1969, after a 57 year lapse during the Communist control, they traveled together to Georgia. The train stopped in her childhood village of Lanchuti, in the wee hours of the morning, where a vast crowd had gathered to get a glimpse and applaud the famous Cossack Rider.
When Christopher married Lana in 1976, and had children, they had the privilege of meeting and becoming the instant family of many professional dancers, singers and musicians from Georgia, including performers from the Moscow Circus, providing them with many unforgettable moments and precious memories.
More than life, itself, Christopher loved his family and friends. He is survived by his wife Lana, son Tariel (Kerrie), mother Marie, brothers Albert/Steven, auntie Sasha, cousins Maria, Arlene, Barbara, Nancy, Melinda, his extended brothers Don Duffy, David Reid, Tom Calvin, Ken Brown and extended son Moon Yoo.
He was preceded in death by his son Nikolai, his father Albert, and extended brother Charlie Ricker.
He was a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and was an active member of several local organizations, including A.B.A.T.E. and Eagles.
Christopher never met a stranger having a kind, loving and generous heart. He was always there to listen and lend his helping hands. He had these and many other wonderful qualities and will truly be missed. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 3, 2015 from 3 to 9 p.m. at Norris-Walen-Segert Funeral Home, 132 Fremont St., West Chicago (One block north of Washington St. & Main St). Funeral services will take place on Saturday, April 4, 2015 at the funeral home at 11 a.m. Interment Private. For information 630-231-0060 or www.norriswalensegertfh.com.