Christopher Robert Sands

Chris was born on May 26, 1979 in Portland , Oregon and was the son of Douglas and Sharon (Bell) Sands. He lived in the Mt. Tabor area until he reached the 4th grade. He moved to Troutdale with his family, where he graduated from Sam Barlow High School in 1997.

Chris worked alongside his step-father at Twin Lakes Jag, the family business. He worked as a mechanic and also doing body work.

He enjoyed basketball, working on hot rods and landscaping. He loved going to the movies and was a devout Oregon State Beavers Fan.

Family was very important to Chris. He was always concerned about the wellbeing of those who surrounded him. He was gentle, kind and thoughtful. In May of 2005, Chris went into a burning building to save his grandfather. He spent 6 months in the hospital and 4 ½ months of that he was in a coma. After this traumatic event, Chris really was our Hero. He provided a helping hand when needed and a listening ear to those he loved. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Chris is survived by his dad, Douglas Sands of Portland, mom and step-dad, Sharon and Marsh Burns of Troutdale, brother, Joshua Burns of Salem, sister, Sara Burns of Texas and grandparents, Carole and Bud Searle of Sandy, Robert J. Bell Sr. of Troutdale, Ed Geoghean of Olympia and Dee Sands of Portland along with his special aunt, Kim Foster and special uncle, Mike Bell. He is also survived by numerous uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces and friends. He was also devoted to his dog, Gingersu.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home. Interment will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Contributions may be made in memory of Chris to the Oregon Burn Center at Emanuel Hospital. Bateman Carroll Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.