May 28, 1957 - January 5, 2023

Christopher (Chris) Paul Simpson, loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and papa, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at the age of 65 in Snohomish, Washington.

Born to Virginia (Randall) and John Simpson in Pasadena, California on May 28, 1957, Chris was raised in Everett, Washington, attended Immaculate Conception through 8th grade, graduated from Cascade High School, and attended both the University of Washington and University of Oregon. His wife has forgiven him for his time as a Duck.

Chris embraced a blended family when he reconnected with his high school sweetheart and LOML Riene (Harris). They married in Roche Harbor, San Juan Island in 2011. She survives at the family home in Snohomish. Chris leaves behind his beloved sons Sean and Shane Simpson and their mother Suzanne in Arroyo Grande, California.  He will be greatly missed by his two step daughters Whitney (Chris) Rosa, Blair Niemcziek, and his two grandchildren Stosh and Ryan Rosa who were the apple of his eye.

Chris’ tightly knit family spent nearly every summer at the family cabin on McKee’s Beach where Chris was affectionately known as the Funcle (Fun Uncle) and camp counselor. Boating, waterskiing, crabbing, playing cards, sharing meals, camp outs and all manner of summertime fun made for memories that lasted a lifetime.  Chris is survived by his sister Cathy (Rich) Roark,  Karen (Steve) Moulton, and Connie (Duane) Henderson, nieces Nicole, Alissa, Lara and Katie as well as many Randall and Simpson cousins and lifelong friends.  Chris was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother Craig Simpson who passed away in 2022.

A friend to all and a stranger to none, Chris was known for his sense of humor and being the go to guy when folks needed a hand. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (Everett), San Agustin (Scotts Valley)  and Saint Patrick’s (Arroyo Grande). He was generous with his time and talents serving on committees, in music ministry and helping with annual fundraisers.

Chris was a master of the grill, an excellent cook, a talented, self-taught guitarist, and self-described “competent” golfer. His career spanned over thirty years in hospitality and private club management including Seattle’s Columbia Tower Club, San Jose Golf and Country Club, Silicon Valley Capital Club and San Luis Obispo Golf and County Club. He realized a dream of owning a small business and upon returning to Washington State capped off his professional life as a contracts manager for SupplyForce, an industrial supply company.

Chris’ first love was music, both playing and listening. A lifelong Beatles fan we’d like to think he is sitting alongside John Lennon and George Harrison jamming right now. He was a founding member of the rock cover band Cocktail Weenies where he played rhythm guitar and sang vocals alongside good friends Jonny Fanoe, Larry Beall and Josh Martin. He lived for the annual “Seco Jam” where musician friends would gather annually to play and learn from one another.  Chris shared his gift and brought comfort to others by playing and singing for Alzheimer’s patients at local care communities.

Chris loved gathering around a table to break bread with family and friends. He loved preparing meals for others and enjoyed sharing his recipes and techniques. Summers were spent attending outdoor concerts, RV’ing with his wife and loyal pets Wilson and Sherman. A passionate fan of UW Husky football, fall Saturdays were spent in the stadium tailgating and cheering on the Dawgs with Husky Nation.

FUNERAL INFORMATION

A Celebration of Life will be held:

Saturday, May 27th , 2023 1:00-4:00

Snohomish Senior Center, 506 4th Street, Snohomish, WA.

Please join us for Lunch, Libations, Music and Memories.

DONATIONS

A music scholarship at Our Lady of Hope School in Everett, WA is being established in Chris’ name as of this writing. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to this fund or Music Will. For information about the scholarship please contact lifelong friend David McCourt at dmamccourt@yahoo.com for details.