Christopher "Chris" Pillar
Chris died on April 19, 2023 after an extended illness. Chris was one of seven children, the second oldest.
Chris loved sports cars and owned a Triumph TR-250 in his youth. He enjoyed electronics and mechanical things and became more proficient in his expertise during his time in the Air Force.
The Air Force took Chris to Alaska where he lived for many years. He loved Alaska and all that it had to offer. He spent several summers as a tour bus driver sharing his love of Alaska with tourists from all over the world. He earned his degree in Civil Engineering while living in Alaska and went on to work with the department of transportation in Alaska and later Washington. Chris was skilled in design specifically in design of traffic circles or “roundabouts” now widely used throughout the state. Eventually Chris found his way to the Pacific Northwest and continued to excel in his design skills as a Civil Engineer for the State of Washington.
Chris loved music. His engineering background enhanced his interest in composing music. He created numerous songs that he was very proud of. Chris had great faith and was convicted in what he believed to be true.
Chris was also loved. He was a son to Jim and Lou and a beloved brother to his six siblings, Michele (Dennis), Anne (Max), Julia (Paul), Monica (Maged), Dan and Steve. He was “Uncle Chris” to his nieces and nephews, Ben, Sarah, Nick, Maura, Colm, Nathan and Alex.
We are heartbroken. Chris is a part of us, a part of our history that can never be replaced.
A memorial service will be held for Chris at:
Providence Baptist Church
1921 Fairhaven Ave
Bellingham, WA
May 13th
1:00 pm
Please join us to celebrate the life of Chris. Chris will be buried in his hometown in Illinois at a family graveside service later this summer.
Memories
From Karen Holschuh
Dear Michelle, Anne, Julia, Monica, Dan, Steve, and families,
Deepest sympathies to all of you. We have so many fun cousin memories of Chris when we were little. He was such a beautiful person and the news is heartbreaking. Our deep condolences to you.
Karen Holschuh and Fred Jaeger
From Marianne Pigeon
Pillar family,
So sorry for your loss. We are sharing in your sadness as we remember Christopher and our experiences visiting you in your home in Illinois and when you would vacation in Wisconsin. The obituary gives me a sense of the full life Chris lived and how dear he was to all of you and to his friends and community. I guess we were not aware that he was so ill this last year and death always catches us by surprise. Just know that our hearts and prayers are with you. Psalm 71:20 ... you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.
Marianne and John Pigeon
From Rick Arnold
I will miss my friend, I didn't have a chance to catch up with Chris but he will be missed. I know he is with the Lord and happy now.
From Steve Britsky
To the Pillar family, my deepest condolences,
I lost contact with Chris after high school, but it sounds like he did a lot of things he enjoyed and was a blessing to those closest to him. I'll always have fond memories of Church, School, TEC, UHS gym hockey, and too many more memories. Recall that a nickname given to Chris within his family was "Detes". Gone too soon Detes, RIP and we will see you again.
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