Christopher Noel Tiftickjian

November 11, 1978 – July 04, 2023

Christopher (Chris) Tiftickjian passed away peacefully at home on July 04, 2023, at home in San Antonio, Texas. He was 44 years old. He was surrounded by his wife, Natalie Camile Salazar Tiftickjian, his parents-in-law, Linda and Stanley Salazar, his brother-in-law Paul Michael Salazar, and his hospice nurse. Chris was diagnosed with bulbar-onset ALS in August of 2021.

Chris was born to Michael Tiftickjian and Angie Turner along with his twin brother Andrew Tiftickjian on Nov. 11, 1978, in San Angelo Texas. Michael and Angie already had one older son, Cody Tiftickjian.  The family remained in San Angelo throughout Chris's formative years, though his parents did separate and eventually divorce.

Chris graduated from San Angelo Lake View High School in 1997 and went on to graduate from Angelo State University in 2001. He then moved to Denton, Texas to attend graduate school as a teaching fellow at the University of North Texas, where he would receive his MSc in Mathematics. Chris was a gifted educator, winning the UNT Outstanding Teaching Fellow Award, and he was a kind and generous colleague, sharing his knowledge and time freely with everyone in the department. Later he would attend the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, where he received another MSc in Physical Chemistry. After receiving his degrees, he continued for several years to work in education at Lone Star College North Harris, and Houston Community College, where he was always well regarded by his students.

On September 22, 2005, Chris married his wife Natalie at a ceremony on the campus of UNT in Denton Texas. They were loving partners and best friends for the remainder of his life. Chris loved the outdoors, animals, hiking, reading, music, video games, bowling, and pro wrestling. He was a talented cook and loved to experiment in the kitchen and share food with his friends and loved ones. Chris loved his family and friends and most of all his wife, Natalie. It was in their relationship that he took strength and comfort as his disease progressed.

Chris is preceded in death by his father Michael, stepmother Linda, and stepbrother Erik. He is survived by his wife Natalie, his mother Angie and partner Claire, his older brother Cody and wife Heather, his twin brother Andrew and wife Sara, and his nieces and nephew, Taryn Tiftickjian, Daphne, Serena and Cassius Caine.  He leaves behind other relatives, friends, colleagues and students, whose lives he touched, too numerous to mention.

Chris had a profound positive impact on so many lives. His memory will be forever cherished by those who were fortunate enough to know him. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.