Christopher Michael Tichgelaar (Pauley)

Christopher Michael Tichgelaar was born at the Naval Hospital in San Diego, CA on January 6, 1981. He passed away June 29, 2011 at his home in Vista, CA. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Richard Upchurch and paternal grandfather Martin Tichgelaar.

Christopher attended kindergarten at the Hebrew Academy in Las Vegas before moving to the San Diego area where he attended Cuyamaca Elementary school in El Cajon, CA. He later attended Joy Bright Hancock elementary, Farb Middle School and Serra High school in Tierrasanta. He would eventually receive his GED in Virginia, became a licensed phlebotomist in 2007 and most recently attended Palomar College in San Marcos where he had nearly completed his welding certification. He had recently been working in the welding industry and was enjoying his newfound trade very much. He had hoped to continue his education in the fall of 2011.

Christopher was a gifted athlete who played a variety of sports but especially enjoyed baseball and rollerblading as a child and young adult. He loved spending summer vacations at Lake Mohave with his family camping, skiing, wakeboarding and swimming. He also enjoyed drawing, reading and gardening; he had a green thumb that many would envy. He considered himself a bit of a computer geek and enjoyed creating and listening to techno music, wrestling and playing basketball when the family gathered for celebrations and holidays.

Chris had a gentle soul and big heart, always willing to share with those who had less than he. His kindness and compassion was known to many and will no doubt be missed by many in the future.

Chris was passionate about animals and the environment and as a child had a fascination with dinosaurs. He doted on his pet parrot and his dogs; spending many hours caring for them. His childhood dream had been to become a paleontologist and discover why the dinosaurs had become extinct. His most fervent hope had been to marry and have a family of his own to love and care for.

Christopher is survived by his parents Stacy and Bob Pauley of San Marcos, CA and Gary Tichgelaar of Las Vegas, NV, brothers Stephen Tichgelaar and Keith Pauley of San Marcos, CA, grandparents Gail Ringering of College Place, WA, Ronald Pauley of Bullhead City, AZ, George and Sharon Ritter of Las Vegas, NV and foster grandmother Mae Pitman of Michigan City, IN. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins and his yellow napped Amazon parrot Madik.

A celebration of Chris’ life will be held on Saturday, July 9th at 11:00 am at the Funeraria Del Angel McLeod Chapel. Family friend Nick Pasich will be officiating. A gathering of family and friends is to follow the service.