Christopher Ray Zacharias, 56, passed into the presence of his Lord Jesus Christ on Sept.10, 2018 surrounded by family at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bellingham. Chris was born on Sept. 21, 1961 in San Diego. He attended Coupeville and Oak Harbor schools, graduating from Oak Harbor High School in 1979. After high school, Chris worked in the skilled construction trades, primarily as a roofer, in Washington, California and Nevada. The last 23 years Chris lived a rich and full life as a quadriplegic who inspired many with his tenacity and humor. A recent civil engineering graduate from Bellingham Technical College, Chris was a keen home improver and loyal Seahawks and Mariners fan who enjoyed dominating at cribbage and road-tripping with his wife and their dog to national parks across the country. To view some of Chris’ success stories see: “In Our Shoes” by the BTC Disability Support Services Student Leadership Team. June 10, 2013: https://youtu.be/xPy9SdLXHD8 and “Near-death crash, life in wheelchair can’t stop Bellingham Technical grad.” Bellingham Herald. June 21, 2016. https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/local/article84934282.html

Chris is survived by his beloved wife, Chloe Farmer, mother, June Zacharias, sister, Stephanie Dodge, brother, Dion Zacharias (Amy), nephews, Rusten Dodge and Kyle and Austin Zacharias, along with aunts, an uncle, and cousins. Chris was preceded in death by his father, Steve Zacharias. A family gathering was held to celebrate Chris’ life. Donations may be made to the nonprofit charities Chris supported: Spin Cafe (spincafeoh.org) and New Hope Uganda (newhopeuganda.org) “But now it’s time for me to go, The autumn moon lights my way” — Led Zeppelin