Christopher Hattingh
Cocoa, FL
Christopher Hattingh, local musician, surfer and outdoorsman passed away the morning of December 24, in his native South Africa, while walking with friends in Kirstenbosch Gardens hiking up to Table Mountain (in Capetown). Chris sat down to rest and peacefully passed away.
Chris graduated from Berklee School of Music in Boston, and was a virtuoso guitarist and drummer. He played with his own bands and with many well-known rock and country musicians. Chris was accomplished in computer aided design, working for Sea Ray Boats, Space-X, and others. He published a novel "The Sword of Magna."
Chris left us far too early. He was traveling to see his 16-year old daughter Kristen when he passed. Like a cat, however, Chris had already been through several lives. As a boy, he "died" from a severe asthma attack, but was miraculously resuscitated. Five years ago, he broke his neck surfing, and was again without vital signs. After a long period of effort, he was resuscitated, and went on to live a full and active life (but incurred heart damage). Chris also survived a number of shark "bumps" and encounters in both South Africa and Florida.
Chris is survived by Kristen, his brother Patrick, and his former wife, Louise. He was predeceased by his parents, Iris and Chris Hattingh.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Murdock's Restaurant, 600 Brevard Avenue, Cocoa Village, on Saturday, January 11, starting at 6:30 p.m. Also see his Facebook memorial and ChrisHattingh.com.
R.I.P. (Riff in Peace)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I can't believe it's been nine years already since Chris' passing. Just seems like it was yesterday. Having just lost two other friends (Dec 17th, and Dec 24th) a couple weeks ago, this is all too fresh again. I've now lost four good friends right during the holidays; three of them on Christmas Eve. It's getting to be more difficult each year that goes by. Chris, I can still hear your voice when I think of all our conversations about life, the universe and God. Wherever you are, may you find eternal peace. God bless. -TJW
TJ Weger
January 4, 2023
Chris was a wonderful man, father, husband, friend and a giver of so much music to everyone who knew him. My heart goes out to his daughter Kristen and her mom Louise. Rest in Peace Chris. Love Mike and Michele
Michele Paccione
July 20, 2014
A Candle Lighting Ceremony in Celebration of Chris’ Life will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2014 at 8 pm in Florida. I am unable to make it Florida to join in the ceremony. I am Lighting the Candle in this Guest Book to Honor Chris and his Family. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all at 8 pm on Saturday!
Christina Lyons
July 17, 2014
Chris: you took me on as a student when I was no youngster. I had failed at guitar with 2 other teachers but you taught me with your flip flop slapping your foot like a metronome. Your amazing talent and big heart will be with me always. Now I know there will be music in heaven. Love Janie
Janie Burke
July 4, 2014
I am shocked and saddened to hear the news of Chris's passing. I met Chris in 1997 at his home studio in Cocoa, as we got together to produce a CD. We quickly became good friends, and spent allot of time together clubbing and generally hanging out and having a great time. Despite the great accomplishments in his life, he was always very selfless and humble, which was certainly the greatest part of his character. Rest in Peace my friend, you will be very missed.
Chris DiSalvatore
March 24, 2014
I still have the song your wrote for me when we were engaged so very long ago... Your music was brilliant as were you. Such a talented, beautiful person. See you in heaven my friend.
Christine Culliton
March 5, 2014
A life so very well lived, Chris continues with us still.
Christina Lyons (The other Chris2)
February 14, 2014
Thanks for all you taught me,miss you Chris.
margie cathey
February 10, 2014
Like Mr. Reindel, I never got the opportunity to meet Chris in person, but interacting online as a fellow musician were unforgettable moments in my life that were very inspirational.
He was one of the best (and funniest) musicians I've had the pleasure to associate with.
Rest in Peace, Chris.
Adam Puchalski
January 21, 2014
I never had the pleasure of meeting Chris face to face but I was highly honored to have co-written two albums with him. He was the complete musician. He had more talent in his pinky than many in the music business could ever dream of having. Yet, he was humble, patient and above all honest...especially in a business where honesty is rare.
Having just learned of his passing today, I am in complete and utter shock.
I am missing you already Chris. I wish I could have met you in this life. I look forward to doing so in the next.
Keep it tuned up for me my friend. We've got some jamming to do when I see you again.
Jim Reindel
(the lesser half of Too Old to Rock)
Jim Reindel
January 16, 2014
With deepest sympathy to the Hattingh Family.
May the Hearer of Prayer (Psalm 83:18, Psalm 65:2) grant you strength, courage and the sweetest peace during your time of sorrow. And may you always cherish the many wonderful and precious memories of times spent with Christopher.
Juanita, Jacksonville, Fla.
January 14, 2014
Chris gave me Guitar lessons several years ago. He was a special person, a gifted musician, and an excellent teacher. I will miss him.
Kim Adams
January 12, 2014
I met Chris in the early 80's in Bloomington, Indiana, and was fortunate to be able to play in a band with him for a few years from 1983-'85. Mostly however, I am more fortunate to have known him just as a friend. We shared many times just talking and discussing world issues, politics, music, religion and life. He was extraordinarily gifted as a musician and extremely bright. I I believe his spirit live on, not only in his music left behind and his daughter, but also in eternity. He's jamming with Jimi, Django and Andres now! Rest in peace, brother. -TJ
TJ Weger
January 12, 2014
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