'The most caring person ever': Partner's tribute to Chesterfield tattoo artist after unexpected death

Chris Cross, who was well-known as an artist and co-owner at Tattoo HQ in Chesterfield passed away aged 50 at his home in Dronfield.

Louise Ambrose was Chris’ partner for 15 years and says he was ‘brilliant’ with her two grown up children, India, 26, and Kia, 25, and her two-year-old granddaughter Daisy.

“Chris was an amazing partner who I had the honour of spending the last 15 happiest years of my life with,” Louise said.

"He was the kindest, funniest most caring person ever and he’s sadly and deeply missed by myself and my children and granddaughter.

"I would like to thank everyone for their love and support during this heartbreaking time. A special thank you goes to Brendan Jones for his life long friendship and the amazing artwork he painted on Chris’ coffin.”

Chris’ funeral took place last month, with the coffin painted with graffiti in tribute to Chris’ art, which had brought joy to so many.

Louise says Chris’ death was a ‘huge shock’ and the family is still waiting to hear the results of a post-mortem.

"It is now about trying to get used to life without him, which won’t be easy,” Louise said.

"But everyone has been so kind and caring. I can’t thank people enough fr their help getting through it.”

Close friend and fellow tattoo artist Liv Frost, of Gilded Rook Tattoo, has organised a raffle in memory of Chris.

The winner received a tattoo worth £300 and the raffle raised £850 which has Liv has already donated to Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield.

Chris’ sister, Gill Harris, said he will be missed by friends, family and the many people who enjoyed seeing his artistic creations.

When he was unable to work in the first coronavirus lockdown last spring, Chris spread a little happiness and raised money for the NHS with a series of sketched portraits, including one of Captain Sir Tom Moore.

Chris said that if he ‘could make just one person smile’ on each day it would have all been worth it – but at one stage he checked his Facebook messages and saw 43 people were requesting a portrait.

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