Obituary of Christopher Bliss Lane

Christopher Bliss Lane, a respected investment manager, long-time resident of Reston, Virginia, and husband of Janet Everhart Lane, died peacefully on March 31, 2014, with his family at his side. He was 67. A dedicated and beloved father, grandfather and uncle, "Chris" Lane was born November 4, 1946, in Washington, DC, to James Warren Lane and Agnes Warren Lane. He was one of seven Lane brothers and sisters raised in the family home in St. James, on Long Island, New York. After graduating from Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire and doing graduate work at New York University, Mr. Lane entered VISTA - Volunteers in Service to America - and was stationed in Palm Beach County, Florida, where he met his future wife, also a VISTA volunteer. They were married on September 11, 1971, in New Canaan, Connecticut. Chris was soon working for the Bank of Smithtown (Long Island, NY) and his career as a banker and financial services manager was launched. He later worked for Riggs Investment Management Corporation of Washington, DC, and was a principal with Columbia Partners of Chevy Chase, Maryland at the time of his death. After Long Island, the Lanes moved to Reston in 1980 and raised their family. He and Janet opened their home and devoted considerable time (counted in years) to serve as foster parents to infants and toddlers - from disadvantaged families - awaiting adoption. Chris and Janet often referred to this work as among the most rewarding endeavors they had ever undertaken. Measuring the positive impact on these young lives is simply not possible, but there is no doubt these children were surrounded by love and launched into the world with gifts they would never have had. Chris Lane was happiest when surrounded by his family and devoted his life to his wife, children and extended family. He was making arrangements for another Lane family reunion when he died. It is difficult to capture his spirit and zest for family commitment and fun. Family members reflected on his life with words like caring, thoughtful, loving, fun, funny, sweet, generous, positive, committed - just a solid, one-of-a-kind, all-around terrific father and grandfather, known affectionately as "Bull" for the way he would get down on the living room rug with his grandchildren to charge around in happy playfulness. He was something of a sports nut and fans of teams other than the New York Yankees and the New York Giants argued with him at their peril. He was also an avid tennis player and golfer and loved taking the family on trips to the beach. Chris Lane is survived by his wife, Janet, of 42 years and three children, Hillary Lane Winstanley of Reston, Ashley Lane Chubrik of Berkeley, California, and Timothy Brackett Lane of Fairfax, Virginia. Hillary and husband Judd Winstanley have three of Chris and Janet's six grandchildren - Lucas, Tristan and Lila Jane Winstanley; Ashley and Barry Chubrik have the other three - Jack, Evie and Charlie Chubrik. Chris and Janet also have and numerous nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Family and friends will gather on April 5 to celebrate his life in a private gathering. Contributions in Chris Lane's memory may be made to Rotary International's literacy and education fund via their website, rotary.org