Christopher Russell Monroe

1960 - 2021

Christopher Russell Monroe
August 25, 1960 - December 4, 2021
Chris passed away surrounded by his loving family on December 4, 2021, in Sonoma, after a long battle with CR cancer. He was a sixth-generation San Franciscan, and grew up in Santa Rosa where he attended public school and graduated from Cardinal Newman High school. He traveled quite a bit and worked in several states, including Alaska and southern Arizona where in 1998 he joined "Save Ward Valley", a group who successfully protested the building of a gold mine on Native American land. He became friends with a young Tohono O'Odham man and learned about their culture while staying with him on the reservation. Learning and reading about Native American traditions became a lifelong interest.
He lived on the streets in Santa Rosa for several years, working at Labor Ready jobs and landscaping, until he was able to qualify for disability due to his diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome. He moved to Sonoma, where, following his passion for cleaning up the environment, he daily rode his bike around the creeks and roadways of our valley, picking up trash and lecturing people for littering as well as rude drivers. He loved sports and was a great fan of the Giants, 49ers (until they moved), Broncos and Warriors.
In 2013, Chris helped save the 400 year old "Jack London Oak" from being cut down by enlisting scientists to prove its good health. He was awarded a plaque of appreciation by Dr. Richard Kirk and staff. This was a highlight of his life.
To quote his sister Tracy, "Chris had a tough life, but devoted it to being a caretaker of nature and gave his time and what little money he had to causes he was passionate about. Chris was much loved by his family and we will deeply miss his presence in our lives."
Chris is survived by his mother Barbara Jacobsen, stepfather Frank Mullins, stepmother Judy Monroe, sister Tracy Monroe Allen, brother-in-law Scott Allen, sister Karen Monroe, stepsister Dianna Jacobsen and partner Peter Ray, and step-brothers Ryan Monroe, Dominic Franchetti, and Jason Franchetti. He was predeceased by his father James C. Monroe.
A celebration of his life will be held in the Spring. Donations may be made in Chris's honor to Hospice/By the Bay Health, Sonoma.