Today I joined a gym and finished my brother’s obituary.
Gym: treadmill for 30 mins.
Obituary:
Christopher David DeJong, (February 14, 1976 – November 21, 2007) – beloved son, husband, brother, nephew, grandchild, teacher, friend – passed away unexpectedly in his El Cerrito home.
Born on Valentine’s Day in Petaluma, Chris was a precocious, curious, outgoing child. From preschool years on, he loved card games, board games – any game of strategy; Chris was always up for a game of Stratego. He had a tremendous capacity for math, science, and technology. His parents would often find him taking apart and “improving” the VCR.
Chris attended Penngrove Elementary (where his father taught), was active in Rancho-Cotati Little League, and afterwards went on to coach with his father. He attended Petaluma Jr. and Petaluma High, graduating in 1994. During high school he played freshman football, varsity badmitton and participated in each of the PHS Drama productions. Chris knew his passion for the Theater Arts since age 7, when he participated in Kids for Kids Theater in Santa Rosa, and he would be active in the Arts for the rest of his life.
Chris attended UC Davis and graduated with a B.S. in Environmental Toxicology. During college he enjoyed scuba diving, paintball, and running game tournaments. He was the World Champion of the Star Trek card game for 1998. After graduation, Chris began his teaching career at Berkeley High where he taught chemistry for two years. After that, until his death, he taught chemistry and drama at El Cerrito High. Recently, he had directed the high school drama productions of “Baby with the Bathwater” and “Antigone”.
Four years ago, Chris met and married the love of his life, Christine Yang. They traveled, were known for their spirited karaoke together, and had recently bought a home in El Cerrito to be a part of the community they loved.
Chris was known by all for his sensitivity and kindness toward his family, his playfulness, humor, quick-wit and broad smile. He touched many lives in his short life, and will be deeply missed; However, his energy and brilliance will always continue to shine.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his parents Dave and Kathi DeJong of Penngrove; his sister Shannon DeJong; his grandparents John and Connie DeJong of Petaluma; aunts and uncles Don and Ann DeJong, Duane and Frances DeJong, Deedee Wheat, Bob and Penni Milum; cousins Christy House, Dan House, Tracy Thomas, Darren Wheat, Eric Wheat, and Morgan, Dylan, & Cotter DeJong.
Donations can be made to the El Cerrito Drama Department, c/o Christopher DeJong Fund. A celebration of his life will be held at the Jackson Theater at Sonoma Country Day School, 4400 Day School Place, Santa Rosa Saturday Dec. 15, at 1:30 PM.
Well done Shanno , for the Obit. I waited for it anxiously. You did a fine job. I was thinking todaythat maybe your mom wounld enjoy a memorial garden. Was thinking as much as she enjoys roses, I could get a certificated for rosebushes for your mom. Maybe???
Looking for something to give her a focus of rememberance.
Shannon,
My name is Tim Ingram, and I grew up with your brother in Penngrove. Your father was my forth grade teacher. I’m sure you don’t remember me, but I wanted to give you and your family my deepest sympathies for your loss. I was shocked to hear the news that he had passed. Although I haven’t seen Chris since High School, he was a true friend and a great person. He will always be missed.
not sure if this is totally morbid and insensitive, but that first line is exactly why you need to take your writing seriously. You are brilliant. When you get your brain on paper you are stunning.
Shannon, I just came to say hello and to see if you’d come back from Vietnam – and read your terrible news. I have tons of cliches I can use but I’m sure you’ve heard them all in the last few days.
So…
Hugs from us here in Israel!
Hi Shannon. This is Allison (Balswick) Doyle from Penngrove. My mom (Linda) emailed me after reading the unexpected news about Chris in the PD. You may remember my little sis, Bethany, as well. We all used to play together as kids. I remember we used to sneak into Chris’ room to play with his toys and get in trouble for it, lol. I remember him fondly and even had a bit of a crush on him in highschool. :) I’m so sorry to hear he is gone. God bless you guys.
Love, Allison
Hi Shannon,
My Name is Muggs, and I graduated from Petaluma High Class of `1994 with Chris.
We are having our 15 Year Reunion this summer 2009, and wanted to know if your family would be interested in loaning a picture of Chris for our memory table that will be at the reunion and to have a little write up (like the brilliant one above that you wrote) to be posted in our memory book…
Thank you so much!!
Warmly,
Muggs Bees Ballard
PHS Class of ’94 Reunion Event Coordinator
I give my syphaty to uo