Marina thanks customers for 30 years of friendship

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 September 2014 at 12:00 am

Four C’s was sold in August to Ernst’s Lake Breeze Marina

Photo by Tom Rivers – Gene Christopher and his son David Cristofaro are pictured on Wednesday evening when they treated about 130 friends and customers to dinner at The Village Inn.

CHILDS – For 30 years the Christopher family made charter boat captains and other customers feel at home along the Oak Orchard River.

Gene and Judy Christopher and their sons David and Darrick operated Four C’s Marina. They did it with class, said Sharon Narburgh, owner of Narby’s Superette and Tackle for nearly 50 years.

“They did a service and the people don’t forget that,” Narburgh said.

She attended a dinner on Wednesday at the Village Inn, when the Christophers treated 130 friends and customers to an appreciation dinner. The Christophers sold their marina last month to Ernst’s Lake Breeze Marina and Rod Farrow.

Bud and Peggy Fischer of Spencerport were long-time customers at Four C’s. The Christophers won the admiration of the Point Breeze community, the Fischers said.

“They were always concerned about our welfare,” Mr. Fischer said. “Gene and his wife are very special people. They’re very accommodating.”

Mrs. Fischer said the Christophers were always “above the table” in dealing with the public.

“He always told you like it was,” she said.

Besides the marina, the Christophers expanded the operation to lodging and a next-door café. The marina was the first job for the boys, Darrick and David.

Judy Christopher was a strong presence at the marina for its first 29 years. She died from cancer at age 70 last Aug. 3. Gene credited his wife for doing so much for Four C’s, especially when he was juggling his full-time job before he retired about 15 years ago.

Robin Boyle worked as a cook and waitress at the café, and also helped detail boats and work in the office. She said the Christophers treated people with respect and class.

“They were always honest and they were very good role models,” Boyle said. “Their customers kept coming back. They developed a very good rapport with everybody.”

Gene and David worked the room on Wednesday at the Village Inn, exchanging hand shakes and hugs with many of the attendees.

“This is just a thank you from us to them,” Gene said.