Christian "Chris" de Gail

Christian "Chris" de Gail, 59, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2024, surrounded by his family after a courageous and lengthy battle with cancer.

Born on November 15, 1965, in Hennebont, France, Chris was the son of Patrice and Ellen de Gail. In 1969, at the age of four, Chris and his family made the life-changing journey to the United States aboard the Le France Boat. Their seven-day voyage ended at Ellis Island, where they were joyously greeted by his grandparents and began their new life in America. Chris grew up in Mt. Prospect, Illinois, where he graduated from Prospect High School in 1983.

In 1985, Chris moved to Maryland with his family. He attended Towson University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. Following graduation, he dove straight into his passion for videography, beginning his professional career at Long and Foster Realty. However, it was his time at Producer's Video in Baltimore that he truly considered his proudest achievement. There, Chris honed his craft, producing commercials, live events, and movies. He often worked with iconic sports brands such as Under Armour. His work not only showcased his incredible talent but also gave him the rare opportunity to meet a variety of celebrities and athletes, creating lasting memories.

In the years that followed, Chris returned to Illinois and founded “Chris de Gail Photo/ Video”, where he continued his career with passion and dedication until his passing. His work as a videographer and photographer brought joy and creativity to many. 

Chris was more than just a gifted professional—he was a man of warmth, kindness, and compassion. He had a gentle soul, a good heart, and an ever-positive personality that touched everyone who knew him. A lifelong fan of the Baltimore Ravens, he had a love for sports, particularly football, and often found joy in his hobbies, which included photography, traveling, and spending time with his beloved animals, especially dogs. He also enjoyed music and concerts. In his quieter moments, he could be found playing air guitar with a tennis racket, a pastime that reflected his playful spirit. 

Chris will be deeply missed by his children, Brittany de Gail of Silver Spring, MD and Luc de Gail of Severn, MD; his father, Patrice de Gail of France; his brother, Philippe (Amy) de Gail of Germantown, WI; his partner and best friend, Jayne Ourth of Trout Valley and her children, Madeline Stroka and Michael Ourth; his former spouse, Sharon de Gail; and by his niece and nephews, Max, Joseph and Gabrielle de Gail; and by many loving extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ellen and by his niece, Nicole de Gail.

Visitation for Chris will be on Friday, December 13, 2024 from 4 PM until 8 PM at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 149 W. Main St., Barrington, IL 60010. Visitation will resume on Saturday at the funeral home from 1 PM until the Celebration of Chris’s life at 2 PM. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org in Chris’s honor.