Christopher Todd Phipps

1960 - 2023

Ferndale - Christopher Todd Phipps passed away peacefully at home on April 24th with daughter Kashia and family at his side.

Born in Nelems Memorial Hospital in North Bend WA on January 7, 1960. Chris spent his very early years at King County "Si View" park where his father was manager. He swam in the pool at three months old and dabbled in the nearby Snoqualmie River with the little fishes and frogs. When he was three years old he and his family moved Big Lake near Mt. Vernon where life began anew. There his mother met David Phipps, the man who brought Chris and his family much happiness. The family moved to Anacortes where Chris attended school, made many friends, and loved animals. Chris brought home many stray cats and dogs as well as a wounded pigeon and a friendly rat whom we named Templeton.

Ever the adventurer Chris left home at 18 to become a cowboy on a dude ranch in Montana. After that, for Chris it was one adventure after another. In Utah he worked at a Uranium Processing Plant, for a time he was a TV actor in the show "The Young Riders".

The road was calling. Being a "Jack of all trades," he worked his way North back to Washington to reconnect with family, then North to Alaska for fishing and crabbing.

In 1997 Chris with wife Lora and four children moved to Orcas Island. While on the island Chris became a volunteer fireman and EMT. As a firefighter he, with several other hearty's donned full bunker gear and accomplished the annual "stair climb" up the Columbia Tower in Seattle.

An opportunity arose for Chris to head North once again with a friend, Jim Johnson, on the 124 foot Husky. Summer was fishing and winter for Chris was in Hawaii, where he worked for Parker Marine Vessel Recovery.

Vintage cars were a hobby, he owned several. Chris, his children and friend Jon Martin were dedicated car show enthusiasts. From Russia to the Palmyra Atoll in the South Pacific, Chris loved and laughed his way through life. He is missed.

Chris is survived by his children Christina Nichols, Kashia (John) Espedilla, Randy Phipps, Bob (Alivia) Phipps and their mother Lora (Matt) Bowden. Mother Elane Phipps, brothers Bob and Casey and sister LeAnne (Phil) Holboy. Grandchildren; Kianna, Malachi, Trevor, Carter, Ava and numerous nieces and nephews. The list would not be complete without his faithful dog Rue.

He was preceded in death by his father David Phipps and sister Michele Moser.

A celebration of life will be held May 20th at 2:00 pm at the home of Phil and LeAnne Holboy.

In lieu of flower donations can be made to Whatcom Hospice or Saint Judes.