Christopher Okonek

Christopher Okonek

January 10, 1961 - March 08, 2024

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Obituary

Chris Okonek, 63, of Gardiner, MT, died unexpectedly on March 8, 2024. He incurred fatal injuries from a fall while doing something he loved: taking a morning walk outside. He was surrounded by loved ones when he passed.


Chris was a cherished son, brother, spouse, father, uncle, cousin, friend, and coworker. He loved the outdoors: fishing, hiking, camping, and skiing every chance possible. He touched the lives of those around him with his humor and kindness. Chris's sudden departure leaves a void that will be profoundly felt by all who were fortunate enough to know him.


Chris was born in Roseburg, Oregon on January 10, 1961, to Donald and Gayle (Salquist) Okonek, where he enjoyed playful days and explorations in nature. He attended South Umpqua High School where he was student body president, football linebacker, and baseball catcher for state champion teams.


Chris graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and Art History from the University of Oregon, where he was president of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He had a wide variety of interests in early adulthood including hitchhiking across Europe and becoming certified as a Master Gardener and was a member of Toastmaster's International.


Chris explored several occupations while raising his family in Roseburg. Working as the Boat Manager at Crater Lake National Park in 2017, he met his wife, Jill James. With their many shared interests, world views, sense of humor, love of music and travel, Chris and Jill packed in loads of adventures and laughs in the short time they had together. Their journey led him to the "best job ever": being a fishing guide on Yellowstone Lake.


He loved being a Dad to his four sons into their adulthood and would regale others with stories which often started with, "when the kids were little…"


Chris was preceded in death by his mother, Gayle; nephew, Tim; grandparents, aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife, Jill; father, Don; brothers, Pat (Marilyn) Okonek and Tony Okonek; sons, Garrett, Marshal, Carson, and Parker; nephews, Patrick Okonek and Zane Okonek; cousins and friends.


Dates and locations for celebration(s) of life will be shared at a later date.


In memory of Chris, you are encouraged to play outside, find humor in every situation, and hug your people often.

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Christopher
AA
Annie Alzheimer
Other •
Chris was the best, and I feel lucky to have known him, even though it was only for a few years. I'm thankful for the memories we made at Yellowstone and at Otter Tail Lake. I'll always remember his sense of humor and am grateful for the happiness he brought to Jill. I'm sure he's fishing in the bluest lakes and catching the biggest fish! Love you Chris. Annie A.
GW
Greg Wickes
Other •
Chris and I took a moonlight walk along the rim of Crater Lake, we shared joys and regrets of our lives. That night I made a life long friend.
MO
Marilyn Okonek
Other •
We will always remember and love Chris as a loving, open-minded, humorous, hardworking, outdoorsy brother (and BIL) to us and as a “cool” uncle to our sons Patrick, Zane and Tim. I remember his enthusiasm as the family “host” during our visit to Crater Lake and on our exhilarating hike to see a remote waterfall as well as trips to the coast with all the boys…Chris was a devoted son to his father Don and his late mom Gayle; a wonderful father to Garrett, Carson, Marshal and Parker; the beloved husband so dear to Jill, and loving brother to Tony. We will all miss him so much… our prayers for peace and comfort to cover Jill, Garrett, Carson, Marshal, Parker, Don, Tony and all who knew and loved Chris as we grieve this sudden loss. Always loved, always remembered… Our deepest condolences Love from Marilyn and Pat
CP
C P
Other •
My condolences to the family. When losing a loved one it can be unbearable. In the Bible book of Isaiah 25:8 Jehovah God promises soon to "swallow up death forever." He also promises to bring back those who have fallen asleep in death (Acts 24:15). In a little while longer this kind of pain will be a thing of the past (Revelations 21:4). May these scriptures bring you comfort in this difficult time (jw.org)
PE
Phil Ewald
Other •
My regards to Chris’s family. I remember Chris taking me out on Crater lake with the skiff. He showed me where the original old wooden tour boats were scuttled and remained visible. He was a great colleague and friend. His sage advice on relationships with people “you get to know them” is commonsense, but forgotten and not practiced enough. Chris practiced that every day. I am grateful to have known Chris.
CD
Chelsea DeWeese
Other •
I knew Chris as a fellow snowcoach driver and, later, as a snowcoach dispatcher in Yellowstone National Park. It was always a pleasure bumping into him and Jill during their daily walking excursions in Gardiner. He always had a funny story and was quick to share his exciting winter adventures experienced while out driving- including one time being surrounded by a howling pack of wolves. I always enjoyed listening to David Crosby with Chris when he was on standby in "the hut" and hearing his suggestions of good places to stay and eat in Livingston. He is fondly remembered and missed by his friends and coworkers here in Yellowstone. Peace to his family during this heartbreaking time

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