Chris was a good guy.  When I was a teen he helped me understand light and shadow in art.   Its an old memory, but it meant a lot because he took the time hang out and just teach me something.

Chris was my brother-in-law, husband to my oldest sister.  I was in elementary school when they were married and I first got to know Chris.  His warmth, smile, engaging and playful nature immediately set him apart as one of the good kind of adults.  He was patient, wanted to play board games, and tell jokes.  He blew my mind when he drew a pencil drawing of me and my favorite stuffed animal morphed into a single entity.  His exceptional personal qualities continued to set him apart as I entered adulthood. Whether it was discussing how many kinds of saws a man ought to have in his garage, building someone a custom-made gift, discussing fishing holes or assaulting me with bad puns, he always knew just how to connect in a positive way. The long line of people who came to visit him when he was in the ICU is evidence that he lived a life full of connecting to people just as he had with me.  Chris was irresistible; he would connect to anyone who was willing to smile and converse, but he was especially effective on those having hard days and during bad times.  In every hurting or marginalized person he saw an opportunity to provide comfort, company, prayer and support.  In those moments he represented the best of what people can be to each other.  What a gift he was.  He will be sorely missed by all whom he touched.  I will never forget him.

The majority of my memories are probably similar to most of yours, focused on his sense of humor and his willingness to make people feel welcomed and loved; things I always cherished. I remember when  my wife, Becca, spent her first Christmas eve with my family. He found areas that he could connect with her, such as singing and sign language. He somehow managed to get my socially anxious wife to sing with Ellie and our close friend Madeline. It was amazing how their three voices harmonized so well. I wish I could have spent another Christmas eve with him.  He was always out going and never seemed shy, if it meant he could make someone smile. I always looked up to his variety of artistic talents, because I have the artistic talent of a potato. He will be missed by me and my family dearly, I am so thankful that I was able to see him before he passed. Rest in peace Uncle Chris.

Love Jordan 


Chris was a good friend and buddy.
 He was also very talented!! Joke telling, card shark, fishing, puppeteering.  an artist extraordinaire and so much more!!

He loved the Lord & his family and friends. I am thankful for the several times he took Garrett & I fishing down at the pier. Garrett started to love finishing because of his old Uncle Don, but thankfully because of Chris’ experience he helped keep that desire and enjoyment going for Garrett and me these last few years. 

I hope I can help keep fishing at least a small part of my life long enjoyment for the years ahead—as a way to remember Chris. 

Plus, my most favorite Pirate joke of all time came from Chris when we were up at Men’s camp together a few years back. Every time I’m dressed as a Pirate, I can’t help but to share Chris’ joke to others in me most salty of Pirate voices. Aaarrgghhh matey!

We love & miss you Chris!
Our prayers (and tears) for Laura and all of the Allec family. 

With Love,
Jerold & Fran Johnson
Lizzy, Garrett, Mitchell & Nicholas
Upland, California

This has been an incredibly difficult message to write. I've been thinking about it for weeks and it never really got easier. I knew Chris from church but only in passing. We didn't become good friends until our two families merged, when our kids got married. Since then we have had a lot of fun with Chris and Laura. We had game nights together where any one of us could say something funny and we would all bust up laughing, but Chris could always say the funniest things. I've been trying to remember some of his dad jokes, they were mostly funny because he was the one telling them even when they made no sense. He would call me out of the blue and tell me a joke he thought up to see if I thought it was funny. Sometimes it was funny and sometimes I told him keep working on it! Which made it funny in itself. We went kayaking with Chris and Laura and that was a lot of fun, pushing against the current while trying to avoid boats, the normal kind of adventures young middle agers do. I have a puppet he made me out of a stuffed animal because he wanted me to do puppetry with him and I was planning on taking him to the Magic Castle. We all went to Flagstaff for our kids graduation. The last time we talked he had called me the day before to take care of his cats that night since he wouldn't  be getting out of the hospital right away. He called me back later that evening to tell me they found out he had leukemia. I told him not to worry because God is in control. The next morning he sounded much more upbeat and positive than Sunday night and we figured the doctors were doing all they could to treat him.  How much I was shocked when he kept getting worse instead of better I can't even say. Chris was always this big guy and seemed very healthy, it didn't seem possible that he could get so sick so fast. He was such a gentle person and so nice to everyone that it hurts everyone who knew him. I'm going to miss him terribly.

Kenichiro Okumura and I are blessed  to have known Chris and family.
Chris made a significant impact in our decision to tie our knots.   On a Thanksgiving night at his parents’ house,  he advised us in his gentle way to have courage to move forward in our relationship.   As a result, we bought engagement and wedding rings in December then got married in April with Laura as the matron of honor.  
We are grateful for his wisdom and kindness.  He cared for people.   
We will never forget his smiling face and the dinners we had with him, Laura, and  the girls.  We enjoyed the art creations he showed us and were happy to receive his drawing.  

Chris was not only kind, funny, generous, and talented, but he was also incredibly passionate. We often had discussions around things he wanted to do within the Wellness Center, and I couldn't always OK his extraordinary ideas b/c of administrative complications. I hated to say no. But it never hindered his spirit and persistence in bringing other ideas to the table. This inspired me--And even when our talks were not easy, the next day, he would quietly come by my office, make one of his "dad jokes", and say "I get what you were saying and it's OK (ie "we're OK")." Post-Covid, I was in my office, months after we went remote, and months since I'd seen Chris. He walked in the front office and poked his head in my door.  I asked how he was doing. He said ,"this thing's been tough, I can only imagine how much you're handling, trying to keep all of this running. Thank you." Typical Chris--in a world that had become so scary and uncertain, leaving many to think about their own wellbeing, Chris was worried about others, me and the people we serve.  I could never match his level of compassion or the breadth of his talents. But I can aspire to, in the memory of someone who always shared both with the world without hesitation. 

Chris gave me two priceless gifts.  When I was in the darkest depths I have ever known, Chris showed me that you can survive horrific mental illness, pick up the pieces, and have a life worth living.  He did this via the example of his own life, which was so very helpful at a time when words meant very little to me.  In a way, I might say that Chris saved my life.  

Chris also showed me that you don't have to be a rock star to write and perform songs that are good enough for yourself and the people you care about.  I take great comfort and enjoyment from the songs I have written, and I fondly remember Chris' performance of his own songs.

I will always be grateful to you for those amazing gifts, Chris.  May your fish be plentiful, the jokes painful, and the company worthy where you are now.

•	A Chris joke moment on the West Seattle ferry

In 2001, my family went to SoCal and visited Chris & Laura and their family. We both had young daughters at the time, and took them to Knott’s one day. I just remember having so much fun hanging out with Chris & Laura on that trip, chasing our girls around and going on rides with them. Chris was a proud Dad. He somehow fit his very tall self into those kiddie rides. He loved his family so much. He is still a proud Dad.

Chris, Laura, and Ellie came to visit us in Seattle during the holidays in 2019. One day we all went to visit a friend of mine who was struggling to recover from some bad injuries. This friend was also an artist. Chris hit it off with her right away, talking to her about all things art and artist. He enjoyed looking through her scattered painting projects, and even ended up buying one from her. She was so thrilled and touched that he liked her art. I wish he knew how much this meant to her. He was so nice (as always), but it was all genuine and she could tell. This is how he always was. A kind, honest, good dude who cared about people. 


Chris had such a gentle way about him. When I think of Chris, I remember his kindness, his playful spirit, and his gift for connecting with people through art. Alle remembers drawing and painting with her Uncle Chris and how he made her feel proud of her creations.  He liked doing little things for people, like making love notes for Laura into origami butterflies and leaving them around the house.  I feel grateful for his presence in our family but very sad that he left us so soon. Rest In Peace, Chris. We love you. 

Years ago, Chris used to teach art to my Deaf and Hard of Hearing elementary students. He was learning sign language and loved signing with the kids. The kids really enjoyed working with him and they were in awe of his art that he shared with them. Below is a beautiful print that he drew and gave me to display in class. I will treasure this piece. He was such a kind man. I am so sorry that his life was cut short. However, I know that he is with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with no more pain. God bless Laura and her family. I pray  you all feel God's comfort during this difficult time. 
Sincerely, 
Christy Neria

I have been friends with Cheryl - Chris's older sister since grade school. When Cheryl shared the news of Chris's illness and then (so) sudden passing it was a shock. When I saw the photo of him in the obituary notice it sent such a jolt in me. He still had that same little boy smile and face I remember running to the pick up line at St George School to be picked up from school. 
He was Cheryl's little adorable brother and somehow none of this seems right. 
God Bless Chris and his family, especially Mr and Mrs Allec.

Chris will always be remembered as a loving father and husband who had a passion to portray his art to help others. I worked closely with Chris to paint this mural at Glendora HS where he created the piper. Chris will always be remembered for his sense of humor and gentle soul to give back to others. Until we meet again, may your huge heart carry on…

Greg and I loved our years of being in a Bible study with Chris as we got to see his amazing talents as well as love for God. He was so punny!! What a generous, loving man who will make heaven brighter and more creative!

It was so easy to love Chris and I did.  He was just nice to be with and so eager to help anybody.  He went to many classes to learn sign language so he could teach it to a deaf client and help him communicate.  He was very good at cleaning the kitchen and doing laundry.  So many of us have his art in our homes because he was so generous.  I remember how he liked doing pet portraits and blessing people that way.  His creative ideas were exceptional in either inspiring me or making me laugh.  He will be sorely missed.


I first met Chris as a young teenager.  Since then he has always been part of the fabric of my life, adding his own unique colors and textures.  It is so strange to think he won’t be there to greet me the next time I visit my sister!  I feel like a big hole has been ripped out of my heart.  Chris had the most admirable character.  He was kind, generous, and always helpful.  He faced many challenges with a faith and integrity that amazed me.  It comforts me to know he is in the arms of Jesus, whom he served so well. I am certain he has heard those precious words - “Well done, my good and faithful servant,” and now his joy is complete.

Hello to all of Chris’ family and friends, 
These are some of our special memories to share of Chris. 

Chris had a great sense of humor. 
He was very artistic and creative. 
He enjoyed time with family and friends, board games, chess, Words With Friends, bowling, fishing, and wood working. 
He loved music, playing his guitar, and singing. 
He was always willing to help out friends in need. 
We will intensely miss our friend. 
With love, grace, and forgiveness, 
Ken and Vickie Dalton

My uncle was someone who could be counted on to give at least three corny puns per conversation. It was like he went through life with the goal of making other people happy, even if just for the moment it took to sink in the series of puns he managed to combine into a single sentence.

He really loved playing card games with family, despite being terrible at it, because for him what was most important was just being around loved ones. I still remember the last card game I played with Uncle Chris: 

At one point I was being sneaky and swapped out one of his cards with one of mine that wasn't worth as much, but because his other cards were also bad it ended up matching and he won for the first time that evening. He was so surprised!

Turned out, that was the highlight of the night--and that is how I will remember him by. That happy, bright light of a personality with a goofy streak.

The world is a little bit darker without my Uncle Chris in it.

Chris was such a kind  and opportunistic soul and saw anything that would be deemed rubbish that could be turned into something new and unexpected. 

Here is a picture of a painted cubbards and shelf made from a picnic table. 

He shared this project with those at Pacific Clinics Wellness Center. Some helped build and/or paint it. 

Chris would always find activities to bring people together such as this. 

He will be missed. 

I’ve only known Chris for about 5-6 years as he was in our “BS” group, Bible study people get your minds out if the gutter!  Every thursday he would add a positive spin to the group with a comment or a non-timely joke. His Love for others was always in the forefront of his mind in deeds and thoughts. People say he was artistic but he had a major flaw that most people didn’t know about. That flaw would show up Thursday mornings as we would assemble our own breakfast burritos that Kris Anderson would provide.  Traditional burritos were circular and long. Well as the story goes Chris’s burritos were made with artistic flare. They were square, I don’t know how he made a square burrito out of a round tortilla but it was quite a piece of art!!!! His flare for the unusual will be missed at our “BS”. Love you Chris 

“The true light that gives light to everyone” I thought of Chris when I read this verse. He shined his light every time he smiled and waved to me from across the street. He sent me off to work feeling great! He would make me feel special when he would ask for my advice when it came to cars, tools and materials. He had a curious mind and I was thrilled to share some of my knowledge with him. I will miss him but I know his memory is still with us. I will try and be a light to another just like Chris was to me.

Chris was my neighbor for over 20 years. I miss saying “hi” to him in the mornings as he was tending his gardens & I was rushing to work.  My daughter called him “The Puppet Man” because he made puppets for her 4-year-old son.  
He had recently sold me this beautiful unique 4’x4’ chess board that he had just finished building.  He proudly told me, “You’re my first customer!” 
Just before he went in the hospital, he fixed the tiles that came loose, and we both struggled to wheel it over to my backyard with a dolly because it was so heavy!  I will think of his kind spirit every time I play chess with my grandson.  Never did I think the last time I said “hi” to him would be the last time I would see his big smile. Laura, Sara & Ellie, you have an incredible guardian angel who loves you beyond words and who will protect you forever.😥🙏💕

I have known Chris from the time he was a teenager in high school.   I married his older brother Gary and since then he has been a slightly goofy younger brother to me.  He has a big heart and always looked for ways to bring people closer together.  He would volunteer to come to my house and help with work I could not do myself and would call my daughter to talk to her about her art.  I will miss you.  You are leaving a big whole in our lives.


Uncle Chris was always a joy to be around. My mom and I would travel down and stay him and Laura for my gymnastics competitions, and they always cheered me on and motivated me.  I remember one time while driving around I made a comment that the street signs here were brown instead of green. And because Uncle Chris was color blind he never knew! Being able to see his shock at learning something new, and sharing this memory with him, my mom, and my aunt Laura will always make me smile. Goodbye Uncle Studmuffin, I will miss you dearly.

Found this gem while looking through some old photos. Love it!

As most people know, Chris was an amazing and gifted artist. He was very creative in both his artistic content and in the materials he used and often repurposed. One of my favorite memories of Chris was when he volunteered to teach an art lesson for our third grade classes in the middle of the COVID pandemic, while we were all teaching online. He shared a lesson on how to draw several of the main characters from the novel Charlotte’s Web, a book the students had just completed reading. He captivated and entertained almost one hundred third grade students in an online setting, which is definitely not an easy thing to do, as he not only taught them professional art techniques, but he delighted them with his ever present sense of humor and wit. 

Chris was always someone who would help in any way that he could. Recently, he donated hundreds of toilet paper tubes to my classroom, which he had been saving to use in an art project, when I was searching for paper tubes for a science lesson. Chris had a gentle spirit and an easy going smile. I enjoyed chatting with him when his wife Laura and I would meet up to head out on a girl’s day adventure, and also sharing time with them as a couple attending various musical theater performances and events. I enjoyed his quick wit and his ability to find the humor in just about any situation. He was always the first to seize any opportunity to crack a pun-based joke or any other sort of joke for that matter. Chris, your presence here physically will be dearly missed. You were deeply loved and cared about by so many whose lives you touched and made better. May you rest in peace and in the loving arms of our Father in heaven.
Susan Mendenhall 


Chris was one of my best friends for the last
17 years. He will be sorely missed.
We enjoyed bowling and occasional fishing trip or a visit with his parents for lunch.
He was always kind & encouraging.
You could share anything with Chris. He was a great listener & always had good words of advice. I will miss him.
Jack Bramkamp

OBITUARY

Christopher David Allec

December 10, 1964 – July 8, 2022

Oakdale Mortuary & Memorial Park

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