Of Waltham, formerly of Kingston, NJ passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, Wednesday July 13, 2016 at his home after a lengthy illness. He was 52 Born in Dayton, OH, January 27, 1964 to his loving parents David and Barbara (Minkler) Hirst. Christopher grew up in Needham and later The Netherlands. He lived in Kingston, NJ for most of his adult life until moving to Waltham 4 years ago. A 1988 graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Christopher was employed as the Vice President of Safety for National Starch and Chemical in Bridgewater, NJ for many years. Most recently he was employed at C.B. Richard Ellis, Co. in Walpole as a Regional Facilities Manager. He also was a volunteer firefighter for Kingston, NJ. Chris was full of life and had many hobbies, some of them include model rockets, flying kites, rock climbing, playing the guitar, geocaching, sailing, cooking, biking, and traveling. He was a licensed pilot and enjoyed flying planes. Chris will be remembered by his family and many friends as a kind, generous, adventurous, spirited person. In addition to his parents Christopher is survived by his loving wife Jeanine (Pace) Hirst of Waltham, his cherished daughter Maike Hirst of Hightstown, NJ, his beloved step-sons Michael and Benjamin Hamilton of Waltham, his brother Andreas Hirst of St. Louis, MO, his sisters Bettina Klos and her husband Sven of The Netherlands, Tanya Buettner and her husband Jeff of St. Louis, MO, and Sasha Justice and her husband Dave of St. Louis, MO. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and friends. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours at the Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco & Sons, 773 Moody St., WALTHAM, Sunday from 12 to 3 p.m. with a Remembrance Service at 2:30 p.m. Parking attendants will be on duty. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Christopher Hirst.