Chris Cline

All who knew Christopher Cline couldn’t help but admire his unwavering strength and unconditional love for his family. A devoted member of his community, he was always willing to go above and beyond to serve those around him. His booming laugh was contagious, as was his insatiable zest for life, and he was a shining light in the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know him. Chris will be forever loved and remembered.

Michael and Mary (McFarland) Cline announced the arrival of their second-born son on September 29, 1971. Born in Lansing, Michigan, Christopher Robert spent his young childhood in the family’s Beaverton home alongside his older brother, Mike. Chris was always an easy-going, fun-loving kid, spending most of his childhood in Big Rapids. Chris and Mike were very close and enjoyed hanging out together from the children’s formative years through late adolescence. The Cline family took numerous lake trips throughout the summers in the States and even made their way to Canada for fishing at Rice Lake. Chris took a job at a stable when he was 13 years old to save up for his very first horse, Merewin.

Chris attended nearby schools and graduated from Big Rapids High School. He then went on to pursue further education at Ferris State University, studying surveying engineering. During his studies, he worked for a veterinarian, at the Big Rapids library, and the local Giantway. Following graduation, Chris took an internship in Alaska before gaining experience through various Grand Rapids companies that would prepare him to start Grand Valley Surveying in 2009.

It was while working at the grocery store in high school that he met a young woman named Machelle. The two were married years later and soon welcomed their two beloved daughters, Katelyn and Carrie. While Chris was known for his active work life, he would always carve out the time to be with his children and devoted evenings to reading them stories before they fell asleep. As the girls grew older, Chris encouraged them to be independent and build their lives on their own terms.

Cycling was one of Chris’ greatest passions for many years. His buddy, Frank, opened a bicycle shop called Spoke and Gear while they were in college and Chris quickly discovered his love for the sport. He started racing on a team for the shop that led to entering in many races and rides to come, including several Zoo to Mac rides. Chris went on to influence his brother to begin cycling, with one of their most memorable times together taking a trip to Moab. He also loved hockey and skiing, making an effort to visit his brother in Colorado every year.

Later in life, Chris was lucky to fall in love with Venus Costie when the two were introduced by Frank and his wife, Rachel. They shared an instant connection and took the time to know eachother before enjoying hiking, biking, and traveling together. The two had recently took a trip to Sedona where they took a million beautiful photographs and hiked the Chapel Trail. Chris loved classic rock music, the Red Wings, and all types of different cuisines (anything with spice!). If he wasn’t out on an evening ride, he could be found enjoying a glass of bourbon while watching the news. He valued his independence and autonomy while still being able to get along with anyone in the room.

Life without Chris will never be the same, however he has left us with his loving memory and example in how to gracefully navigate the rest of our time on earth.

Christopher Robert Cline, age 54 of Allendale, passed away on November 14, 2025. Chris was born in Lansing, but spent most of his childhood in Big Rapids, graduating from Big Rapids High School and then Ferris State University. He moved to the Grand Rapids area, eventually settling in Allendale where he would start and operate Grand Valley Surveying.

Chris is survived by his daughters, Katelyn and Carrie Cline; parents, Mike and Mary Cline; brother: Mike (Shannon) Cline, nephews Pete and Brian Cline; his aunts and uncles: Sam & Sue MacFarland, Bill & Laurie Kipp; cousins: Nikaya Kipp, Elizabeth Bernhard, Tiffany McFadden, Tyler Rosen, Shane (Autumn) McFarland, Amanda (Waseem) Cossor, Kyle (Hannah Davenport) McFarland, and Anna McFarland; his life partner, Venus Costie; and her children Phelicia, Zavior, Theodore (Kaylee), Ariana and Kiarra.

The service to remember and celebrate Chris’ life will be held on Saturday, November 22 at 2 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Friends and family are invited to visit beginning at 1 PM, and please plan on a time for sharing food, drinks and memories following the service until 4 PM.

To share a memory or photo, or to sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com.