LCpl Christopher Sankale Gichengo

LCpl Christopher Sankale Gichengo, age 22, was born on April 20, 2000 in Lawrenceville, Georgia.
Funeral services for Christopher will be held on Friday, April 7, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in the Peachtree Corners Chapel of Crowell Brothers Funeral Homes & Crematory with Rev. Mike Fiddler. Burial will follow at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton with full Military honors. The family will gather with friends on Thursday, April 6, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Christopher will always be remembered as the person who lit up every room they walked in as he was the burst of positive energy you needed in a day. Christopher was a kind soul and a natural born leader. Christopher took joy in a various amounts of different things as in singing, dancing, cooking, being adventurous, and most of all spending time with those he cared for and considered family. He'd always walk around the house or anywhere for that matter letting everyone know he had a beautiful radiant voice. He'd get lost in his own world singing Rod Wave for hours. If he wasn't singing you would see him dancing and making us all laugh and point out how silly he was always being. He'd talk to you for as long as you need till he'd make sure he can put a smile on your face and would go out of his way and go the extra mile for you in any way he could. He'd go so far as to start an argument with you, just to make you laugh and realize whatever you were upset about wasn't worth it. He'd always find something to laugh about or be positive about, even if the situation isn't pretty. Not only were you a great cousin, an amazing son, a terrific uncle, a model brother, a quirky nephew, or yeys silly ( abuh ) most of all you were a beloved family member and friend to everyone here today. We love you and miss you kid..
Christopher spent the first 7 years of his life living in Norcross, GA where he grew up at his grandmother's house. He spent the majority of his childhood with his beloved cousins playing outside, going on family trips to Florida, and causing havoc alongside his cousins.
At the age of 8, he moved to Nairobi, Kenya where became school captain at his school. He always had a big group of friends and was known as the class clown. He took joy in learning and mastering every skill he put his mind to. He loved soccer, math and cooking. He found a passion for cooking when he started cooking breakfast every Sunday at his grandmother's hotel in Kenya. He made a positive impact in his community and he was always trying to lend a hand. Christopher moved back to the states when he turned 18, and he instantly started reconnecting with his Georgia family. Being apart for 10 years didn't affect the deep bonds he had with his loved ones. He meant right by everyone, and everything he ever did always came from the heart, even if his actions were sometimes out of pocket. Christopher came into our lives again and ignited a flame inside us that filled anyone with excitement and joy. Those nights we spent at Yey's house with all the cousins are unforgettable and treasured forever. Hearing Christopher tell all the little kids to hurry up and eat the food he cooked and get to bed at 3:00 a.m., even though he was the loudest one in the crib. All those trips we took to QT or Checkers for a cheesecake stacker, or even the late night trips we took to Atlanta. We weren't always down to go, but man we wish we could take another trip with you fat. we love you.
Chris was an unforgettable person and definitely left his word, no matter the time of day he was there to support and encourage. Motivate and make your day no matter the circumstances, he will make your day. During the time of the family's blending, Chris made the change so easy. He made you feel welcomed and treated us as his blood in the matter of seconds. His vibe was unmatchable. He was the light of the room. Chris was an inspirational person in his sister's life. He made sure she worked on her dreams as much as he worked on his own. His heart was pure. Christopher always told people to be better than he was. He wanted everyone to succeed even when everyone doubted him. He seen the good in everyone and everything. Chris' vibe was different, he always made sure everyone had a smile on their face. He was a caretaker and left his mark to push us to be our very best. The moments we had, you would've never known we were blending as a family as the heartfelt talks, crazy trips, funny car rides, countless parties made up for the lost time. We didn't need blood to make us siblings. It was our love that did and it was stronger than ever.
In 2022, Christopher became a Marine. Enduring all the trainings and obstacles were nothing but a walk in the park for Christopher. After executing "the Crucible" course and graduating Top of his class, Christopher became squad leader. Everyone looked to him as a brother and a true leader. Christopher was so determined to be the best. He was crazy enough to continue to push through the most intense training even with a sprained ankle. Nothing in this world could've stopped him from being great. Aside being a great Marine, Chris also made an amazing group of friends. They built a brotherhood so strong, there was never one without the another. Chris kept that lively energy around his friends, he made everyone feel included. He always made sure they were living their best life despite of how they all came together. His friends described Christopher as the life of the party. He was capable of getting everyone out their comfort zone and it was always a great time. The way he maneuvered through life, there was nothing you can do but respect the person Christopher became to be.
Christopher was preceded in death by his grandfather Seak Yeam and his Aunt Sara Chum.
He is survived by his grandmother Sary Tuy, Grandmother Becky Gichengo, Grandfather James Gichengo, mother Sarim Mendez, Stepfather Carlos Mendez, Father James Gichengo. Along with siblings Carlos Jr, Maliq, Shawn, Yelena, Carter; Aunt and Uncles Soth, Heng, Hong, Kaydee, PJ, Mariam, Gachomba, Nyawira, Rachel, Eric, Terry, Nelson, Mwangi, Allan, Catherine, Chantal, Joy ; Cousins Jade, Jessy, Nicholas, Naomi, Jordan, Nathan, Sofia, Aubree, Berdo, Alytah Jeremy, Bobby, AJ, and nieces Akira and Asha.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.crowellbrothers.com. Arrangements entrusted to Crowell Brothers Funeral Homes & Crematory, 5051 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092. (770) 448-5757.