Mr. Christopher Chris Michael Ellis

Christopher Michael Ellis was a natural leader whose presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Chris always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Chris was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

Chris was born on May 28, 1991 at Saint Peters Hospital in Olympia Washington. His parents were Michael and Connie Ellis. Chris was raised in Tumwater Washington most of his life. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Chris was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

Blessed with a balanced attitude, Chris was able to relate well with others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Chris was raised with 2 sisters. His oldest sister was Brittany L Ellis Lemelle, married to Keena Lemelle. They have 2 children, 1 boy and 1 girl. His younger sister Alissa J Ellis looked up to her older brother and had much respect for him. Chris had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

As a young child, Chris showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. Chris enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. Many people called him a "Hobbyist". He collected corvettes, RC Cars, Volkswagens. He could play any instrument and loved riding his motorcycle. As Chris's Grandfather stated, "give him anything with an engine and he will work on it and make it run", "give him any instrument and he will make music".

Chris was known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and somewhat driven individual. His curious nature was spurred by his ability to maximize his personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. Chris really only focused on anything that has to do with cars, or anything that had a motor in it. Chris loved to collect as many different kinds of guns he could. He was an amazing barterer. He started out with a small pistol, which later he traded it for something bigger and better, which turned into a Porsche 214.

Friends and acquaintances found Chris an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Chris was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. His friends said that he has a "good kind soul ". Someone said that " its not very often that someone so much younger than you makes you pause and feel like you could learn something from them, Chris was that guy...always calm and collected....always had a genuine smile...and all around likable person that seemed to always conduct himself in a manner that would make you proud to know him". Chris had to many friends to personally name off. He loved every one and everyone loved him. He touched each one of them individually in his own unique way. Later in life, he became friends with anybody and everybody that lived in the Olympia area.

Chris was a motivational worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Chris’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Chris could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was Lead mechanic for Olympia Autohaus, LLC, an import car shop in downtown Olympia. Chris only really had one employer and that was Nate Potebyna at Olympia Autohaus, LLC, Chris called him family.

Chris enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. Chris did anything and everything you could think of his LAST hobby was riding his motorcycle. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Chris was a gifted problem solver who worked hard to help accomplish group goals. This skill made him a wonderful asset to the various groups and organizations to which he belonged. Always matter-of-fact about what needed to be done, Chris worked steadily to meet any organization’s goals. Throughout his later years, Chris was an active member of Olydubs, Capital City Riders, BTO and many more.

Chris’s natural leadership qualities placed him in consideration for public recognition, earning him accolades for his many and varied efforts throughout his life. His most prestigious award is being an organ donor. He donated his corneas to sight life, so that 2 woman may see again.

Travel and vacations were experiences that Chris truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included trips to Honduras and many camping trips with family and friends.

Chris was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Chris had to many to name his favorite. They included Precious, George, Daisy and Shelia just to name a few. He would tell everyone that he didn't want them or they were not his dogs, but they all were best friends for Years. Chris's first pet was a craw fish named "Cruiser".

Chris passed away on March 17, 2017 on East bay Drive in Olympia Washington. Chris was riding his motorcycle, we all know that he was doing what he loved. He is survived by mother and father, Connie and Michael and 2 his 2 sisters, Brittany and Alissa. Grandparents, Bill and Mary Randolph. Uncle Will and Aunt Shelley (Chad, Nick and Katie) Uncle Dan and Aunt Sandra (Klara and Ella) and Uncle Rick. Services were held at Evergreen Christian Church in Olympia Washington. Someday when we are ready will be take Chris to all the places that he loved and leave a little bit of him there.

Chris was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Chris had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Christopher Michael Ellis.

Arrangements under the direction of Mills & Mills Funeral Home and Memorial Park, Tumwater, WA.