Christopher A. Ondras

Chris was born in Spokane, Washington on August 15, 1982 to Scott and Kathy Ondras. The family resided in Spokane until 1983 when they moved back to the Snohomish County area.

Chris attended Snohomish schools where his talents in sports began to develop. His natural abilities and size were great advantages.

Chris loved baseball, wrestling and football. When it was Chris’ turn to bat during a baseball game, it was not at all unusual to see the opposing coaches waving their outfielders back in an effort to thwart yet another home run from Chris and his mighty bat. The wrestling matches between him and his brother Brian and father were legendary. One match in particular involved the loss of the living room window.

Chris' true passion was football. Chris played defensive and offensive lineman most of the time and was feared on the playing field all of the time. He was always gave 110% in every play. But fate would turn this drive against him. In the fall of 1996 during practice drills Chris received a catastrophic injury. He said late that the moment he was injured was when his new life began.

Chris was unusually philosophic about being quadriplegic. His 110% drive turned toward his rehabilitation and continuing to live his young life to the fullest.

He attended to the normal landmarks of his teenage years: getting his driver’s license, graduating high school and moving on to college where he earned his AA. Chris also earned his real estate license and became a homeowner. His latest goal was to open an outreach rehabilitation center for disabled individuals called Rehab4life based around his home gym.

A special highlight of Chris’ life was when he discovered that his cousin, Aaron Olson, nominated him to carry the Olympic torch when it came to Seattle for the 2002 Winter Olympics. His supporters easily outnumbered the other spectators gathered to watch that part of the relay.

Chris never aspired to be an inspiration despite being known as a hero to many who knew him. He just wanted to be one of the guys. His selflessness became apparent when his parents were told that he was an organ donor. Four people are now benefitting from these priceless gifts from Chris.

Chris was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Barbara Huot; paternal grandparents, Richard and Barbara Ondras; paternal great-grandmother, Mabel Kindle and cousin Ryan Ondras. Chris is survived by his parents, Scott and Kathy Ondras of Snohomish; siblings Rebecca (Kevin), Brian and Kaycee; and maternal grandparents, Gordon and Janelle Personius. He is also survived by his huge extended family and many, many friends.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, June 9, 2013, 2:00 PM at the Snohomish Community Church 13622 Dubuque Rd. 98290.

In lieu of flowers a tax deductible gift can be made in memory of Chris Ondras to:

Pushing Boundaries

4162 148th Ave NE

Redmond, WA 98062

At http://www.pushing-boundaries.org/donate-now.html

OR: The Christopher & Dana Reeves Foundation

www.paralysis.org or www.christopherreeve.org/