It is with great sadness that California Organics is announcing the passing of founder and CEO Chris Kysar. He peacefully passed away at Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital due to complications of COVID-19 on Monday, August 23rd.
We know he meant a great deal to many of you. He was our world and we ask for time to grieve as we process this devastating loss. Please know that his final moments were in the company of his family, with his wife, Lisa, and son Zachary holding his hand and listening to his favorite songs from Pink Floyd and Mike Oldfield.
The future of California Organics is as strong as his memory and we will continue with the support of experienced managers and family. He cherished his staff and customers and we will continue in that spirit. We ask that friends, customers, and staff refrain from speculation or politicizing this loss. We want Chris to be remembered for the way he lived; with humor, honesty and boundless generosity.
We know there will be an outpouring of support and wonderful memories of Chris. When we are ready, we will share more details on how to celebrate his life. For now, the best way you can help us get through this is to please focus on being supportive of each other. This is a trying time for everyone and we know we are not the only ones facing hardship.
Please do your part to maintain a respectful and safe community for all in his memory. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Gold Country Senior Services – Meals on Wheels.
Editor’s note: Our sincere condolences to Chris’ family, friends and all the staff at Cal Organics.
I’m so sad to hear this news! Our deepest condolences to his wife and family. Long live Cali-O!
What a truly sad day. A loss for our community. Condolences to his family and to the staff of Califirnia Organics
I am deeply sorry to hear this news and my heart goes out to Chris’s family, his staff/family at Calio and to all those who knew and loved him for so many years.
I will always remember Chris for his kindness, laughter and sincerity. My deepest heart felt condolences.
This is very sad news. Such a nice man and lovely family. Our deepest condolences.
Oh no! I am so very sorry to hear of Chris’s passing. My condolences to his many friends and family.
This is heartfelt sad news. My heart goes out to Chris’s family and loved ones.
Chris built a wonderful business that benefitted all of us, and he had an engaging personality. All our love to his family. -Jeff, Shannon and Mitchell
I am so sorry to hear this news. Deep condolences to Chris’s family.
So so sorry to be reading this. Hugs to Lisa & the family.
My deepest felt condolences go out to Lisa and Zach, Chris made a positive impact on my life. Like many others, I didn’t just consider him to be a boss, he was a fellow fighter for peace and compassion and a friend. Chris never turned someone in need away and his death, leaves from it, a big void that will be hard to fill.
R.I.P. Chris Kysar
Eric Hayes
What a loss. My wife and I go there every day. Chris was always more than happy to strike up a conversation and take suggestions regarding the store. My condolences go out to the all the staff at CO. RIP Chris.
Sincere condolences to Chris’ family and staff at Cal Org. I always loved talking with him because he was always so kind and creative with a great spirit.
Chris’s spirit will live in our hearts forever, and I will miss him dearly. He’s one of those people we meet along the road of life who stand out. He was generous to me in times when I needed it the most. Sending love and support to Lisa and Zach and all the staff at California Organics. Rest in peace dear friend.
a sad day for our community and his family…RIP Chris
I will truly miss him. Chris has always been a fun friendly free spirit. My support and love goes out to Lisa, Zach and the CallyO team
We are sending so much love to Chris on his spirit journey, and to Lisa and Zach in this deeply sorrowful time for the loss of a wonderful, bright soul. Chris will be missed so very much by so many of us.
What a loss to this Community, he was a wonderful Man. My Condolences and Blessings to his Family and Friends.
Yes! Another warm and friendly well I tensioned light in our community,. We are all grateful for he and Lisa brought into our community, bless him on his journey.
Sending condolences for the grief of friends, family, and all who love him. What a wonderful person, accepting of everyone, and a generous spirit. Blessings on his journey and his legacy. He will be greatly missed.
My heart truly goes out to all his friends and family. I’m so very sorry to hear this news. Heart breaking he was one of the best of the best. Much respect and deepest condolences. You will be missed my friend!
So sorry. Our deepest condolences to aII who knew and Loved him.
We are so very sad to hear of Chris’s passing. He will be missed. Our hearts go out to Lisa and family and to the staff at CaliO.
All of here at Herb Lore send our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Chris. We are thinking of you all and sending our love.
I will miss Chris . My love to Lisa and their son. Cal O is my store. I am grateful to Chris and Lisa for it. My prayers are with Chris and his passing. We are blessed to have known him.
Chris gave so much to our community. He was always open and available to us his customers. He will be greatly missed. Devastating that such a good man passed on. Sending love to his wife, son, family, friends all who loved him.
This is such sad news and so close to home as Cali O’s is my go to so everyone there becomes family. Chris’s kindness will be remembered always. I’m so sorry for this loss to his family, employees, and all of us. Thank you for your time here Chris!
Dear Lisa and Zach,
I’m so very sorry. Chris was such a wonderful light, always smiling and would take the time to talk. I’ll miss him. Thanks for the creation of such a cherished business in our community.
Dear California Organics Family,
So sad to read this news of Chris’ passing. Upon opening many years ago we met and Chris continued to be a happy hearted smart small business owner sharing his passion and providing organic foods at the best prices for his community. I once heard an unknown quote, “if you want enlightenment, feed people”,and that he did wholeheartedly!
God Bless Chris Always, and comfort the hearts grieving his passing as his presence was one filled with generosity and Love.
His “Earthsong” will be forever heard in the cosmos. One of the brightest of lights of love and compassion in this sacred community , may his passing be a call to us all to hold that light for one another.
I’m sad to hear of Chris’s passing. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. I’ll miss his welcoming spirit and courteous smile.