Christian George Kambich passed away June 30, 2019, at home with family present. Chris was born July 13, 1946, in Tacoma, Wash., to James M. and Ida V. (Houlbjerg) Kambich.
He spent his younger years growing up on the family ranch in Melrose, Mont., later moving to Buell, Idaho. The family then settled in Randle, Wash., where he attended White Pass High School. Chris spent two years at Centralia College before enlisting in the United States Navy. He did two tours in Vietnam and was very proud of his military service. After leaving the Navy, he married Penny Achenbach and had two children, Kamron and Kalina. They divorced and he married Dani Wardle and had two children, Destiny and Craig. They then moved to Winlock.
Chris was first a mechanic, then a truck driver. He spent many years hauling and dump trucking around the area. Chris was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved his dog, Cheyenne. He enjoyed his old cars and loved attending car shows with friends. After retiring in 2016, he enjoyed coffee and conversation with the guys.
Chris was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Marilyn Taylor.
He is survived by longtime partner, Debra Wellman of Winlock; children, Kamron and Kalina of Ketchikan, Alaska, Destiny Kambich and Craig Kambich, both of Central Point, Ore.; grandchildren, Kylee, Ashley and Jordan; great-grandson, Raeden; brothers, Jim (Kathy) and Tom (Cheryl); sister, Carolyn Watkins; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
A celebration of life will be held Aug.17, 2019, at 1 p.m., at the Hope Grange, 118 Antrim Rd., Winlock WA 98596. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Veterans Memorial Museum, 100 SW Veterans Way, Chehalis, WA 98532.
