Christopher Prinn

Christopher Prinn

We are deeply saddened by the loss of our highly esteemed friend and colleague.

chris prinn | 1970-2021
co-founder, Creative Director

We’ve all benefited from Chris’ quick-witted sense of humor and generous smile that he frequently shared with those around him. We miss him terribly.

On January 26, 2021, we lost our true friend and colleague, Chris. His sudden departure shocked our tight-knit family to its core and has left a hole that’s hard to fill. He is sorely missed by all of us who worked with him over the years.

Chris was one of the founding members of the company, taking up the mantle of Creative Director from the start, and guiding our creative services team for more than two decades. Never the loudest voice in the room, Chris nevertheless left an indelible mark in our company’s history. From leading the way in our award-winning design efforts, to picking out the decor for our latest remodel, wherever you look, there are Chris’ trademark fingerprints, and we are forever grateful for that.

We often joked about the fact that Chris was notoriously difficult to pin down when asked to estimate a project, and sometimes grumbled about the time he was given. Yet time and time again Chris delivered champagne on a beer budget to the surprise of his colleagues, and delight of our clients. As much as he might complain, he relished a challenge and would never settle for just “good enough.” To have him on the team was always a comfort and hallmark of success.

As a naturally creative person, Chris showed a genuine interest in other people’s creative endeavors. From practical home improvements to art projects, he would lend a willing ear and offer advice in a non-judgmental way. There are many of us who welcomed the chance to bounce ideas off Chris before embarking on a new project. He was interested in the progress of his peers, and keen to share the ups and downs of his own efforts. While he always sold himself short, the results of his own projects never failed to impress!

Chris brought so much positivity and humor to the office. Not only did he do excellent work, but he truly seemed to enjoy what he did and greeted me with a smile whenever I popped in. I especially liked our brainstorming sessions for my laser cutter machine. Chris had many questions on what it could cut or engrave and lots of ideas for fun projects. Talking with Chris was always creative and life-giving!

—Ezra
Chris had such a charming and comfortable way about him. He didn’t have to say much, his genuine smile and the twinkle in his eye said it all. And when he did speak, it was from the heart. He’d remember a conversation you’d had years ago. It was the small details with Chris, in work and in life, that he used to show how much he cared about things.

—Kevin
I miss Chris tremendously. He was an extremely hard-working and talented designer, but more than that he was an incredibly fun coworker and supporter. I especially miss the lively chats we would have about everything from our kids’ activities to movies. He had an ever-present air of calmness, humor and unflappability and we feel his absence deeply.

—Sarah
I have so many great memories of Chris. He was one of the few people I could talk with about anything and feel comfortable. He came off quiet at first, but once he knew you he’d talk your ear off about Jenny and his kids and how talented they all were and making fun of his crazy dog Harvey. I really miss his great smile, infectious laugh, humble presence, and quick wit.

—Peter
When I first started at PWW as a contractor I was feeling a bit uncertain about fitting in at the holiday party. My husband and I sat next to Chris and Jenny and he shared so many funny and interesting stories it made me feel welcomed to the PWW family. I always treasured that, and the many conversations that followed.

—Diane
My heart feels warm when I think about Chris. He stood in the corner in the big group meeting, but he was happy to help and enjoyable to work with on any project. I could see the smile came from his heart. He is missed in the workplace.

—Tony
Chris had a positive impact on us all. Everyone loved to stop in at his office door to share a laugh, and he always delivered. Like the best artists and storytellers, he began with a rough image that he filled in as the story progressed so you felt you were right there with him sharing in the moment. After a good laugh with Chris, I felt renewed and inspired to get my work done.

—Melissa
When asked for an estimate, Chris would always say, “It takes what it takes.” Whenever I say it, I think of him and smile.

—Alison
His eyes would light up as soon as the conversation turned to hockey. It was obvious Chris loved the game, but he had a love-hate relationship with his backyard rink. Every fall, he’d say this was going to be the last year for the rink, but I don’t ever remember him sticking to it. All negative thoughts would melt away as soon as his boys laced up their skates and took to the rink and began to out skate him.

—Todd
Chris will always be remembered for his sense of humor. His timing was perfect. Whenever a meeting was tense or the energy in the room was low, he had a quick comment that would get people laughing and back on track.

—Jim
I loved conversations with Chris; he was so genuine and always made me laugh. My dog Zydeco loved him more than she loved anyone, including me, I think! She was overcome with joy when he arrived in the morning, and was often found in his office, hoping for a treat, which he gladly gave. He said he was teaching her to tell time by instructing her to come back in 15 minutes for another treat. Chris is greatly missed by both of us.

—Rachel
Chris was kind, humorous, and very thoughtful. You could see in his work and the way he interacted with everyone that he genuinely cared. He made personal connections with each of us and made you feel welcomed at Portland Webworks. He is truly missed.

—Amy
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Most of us have not experienced a time at Portland Webworks without Chris. We relied on the fact that his warm and comforting presence was ever ready with a wry joke to defuse a tense situation, or provide the assurance that we could and would meet a deadline. Those of us left behind can only hope to wrap his memory into all that we do: to under promise and over deliver, to let our actions speak for us, and to never take ourselves too seriously!