Chris Owen Tonge

Chris Owen Tonge, age 52, of Poulsbo passed away at home in the early morning hours of Saturday March 14, 2015 due to an aortic aneurysm. He was born on September 11, 1962 to Tom and Margie Tonge. He grew up in Bremerton and graduated from Central Kitsap High School. In 1981, he married the love of his life and best friend, Marlys. He was an adoring husband and amazing father to their two children Scott and Stephanie. Chris and Marlys lived in Bremerton until building their dream home in Poulsbo in 2002.

Chris worked for the Central Kitsap School District for 30 years and was known for popping in and surprising his wife and grandchildren when he was working at their schools. An avid outdoorsman, he loved to go for walks with his wife to old bridges, waterfalls, on the beach or in the woods. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle with his favorite dirt-bike buddy, Danny, and his son. Seahawks and Sounders games were always a favorite pastime as well as learning about the civil war and the history of the Puget Sound. He served as the best man in his son’s wedding in 2005 and had the honor of walking his daughter down the aisle in 2013. Friday night dates with his wife were the highlight of his week. Chris was the king of the putt putt golf course, a hardcore foosball player and a master jigsaw-puzzler. He loved letting his grandkids drive his lawnmower and tractor around their property, getting into mischief as all grandpas are supposed to do and was a professional hot cocoa maker. Chris was always ready to laugh and have a good time.

Chris was preceded in death by his mother, Margie Tonge. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Marlys Tonge, his father Tom Tonge, brother Carl (Wendy) Tonge, his two children Scott (Erin) Tonge, and Stephanie (Zach) Gibbs-Churchley and his three grandchildren Sloane Tonge- age 8, Ethan Tonge- age 6 and Madalyn Gibbs-Churchley-age 2 weeks, as well as nieces, nephews and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A celebration of Chris’s life will take place on Saturday March 21, 11:30am at Brownsville Elementary School Gymnasium. Please bring great memories to share and help us celebrate an amazing man.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations please be made to Hospice of Kitsap County.