Christopher Okonek

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.

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.

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

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)

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.