Remembering Chris Patros

by Madison Orow

On October 26, 1978, my uncle, Christopher Patros, was brought into this world. Little did anyone know at that time how gifted he truly was. It didn’t take too long to find out; to the surprise of our family, Chris was baking and cooking at an early age. By ten years of age, he could easily coordinate a dinner table for 20!

Chris possessed a sense of humor that could make anyone’s stomach hurt from laughter. For example, his famous one liner was: “Damn, if you looked any better, you’d look like me!”

Naturally, Chris arrived at every function fashionably correct and fashionably late. Chris had a “larger than life” persona; he lit the room the minute he walked in.

In 2006, my uncle created “Delux Floral,” and that’s where the magic began. Chris’s work varied. He created décor for extravagant weddings, baby and bridal showers, graduation parties, bar/bat mitzvahs, and more. He was known as “Daddy D.”

Chris had the amazing and unique ability to connect with his clients regardless of their race, culture, or religion. Inevitably, clients became friends and friends became like family.

He put blood, sweat, and tears into his work and it showed — his work was exquisite. Chris’s hashtags said it all:

“#aintnopartylikeadeluxparty

#canyoukeepup

#aintnobodygotitlikedaddyd

#freshandflywithnocreases

#deluxbridesaretherightbrides.”

Chris gained some of his inspiration by travelling the world. Not surprisingly, one of his favorite spots to visit was Paris, France. He had a love for the Palace of Versailles, and even named his dog “Versailles.” His creativity came extremely natural to him – he had a vision like no other.

If you knew Chris, you knew he had a lot of friends. However, if you really knew Chris, you knew family was everything to him. My uncle valued family and tradition more than anyone I know. He would say, “blood is thicker than water,” and truly mean it. He was our family’s keeper.

On July 20, 2021, the entire community was shocked by his death from a massive heart attack. The pain we as a family have endured is almost unbearable. His parents, Samir and Suad, and sister Rita preceded him in death. He was a great brother to Patricia Orow and Rudy Patros, and the most amazing uncle to myself, Alex, and Adriana Orow, and RJ and Jake Patros.

Many people took to social media to mourn Chris’ death. Quotes from Chris’ online guest book at Southfield Funeral Home showed the outpouring of love and grief that swept through the community at his passing:

“He was a gifted and talented artist with a unique vison.”

“Chris had the biggest heart; my heart is broken.”

“I worked with Chris and admired his genius.”

“You made everyone around you feel special. You were put here to brighten everyone’s day.”

“Your talent, humor and wit will be missed.”

“You made my day the most beautiful day of my life.”

“You were amazing and over-the-top at everything you did.”

“My instant best friend. You always made me feel so loved.”

Our family will never be the same, but like they say, legends never die.

Madison Orow is Christopher’s niece and also his “nearest and dearest.”