Christopher Sandoval

Christopher Lee Sandoval, 42, unexpectedly passed away in a tragic motorcycle accident June 21, 2024, leaving this world less bright and a massive hole in the hearts of many.

Chris was born on December 5, 1981, in Reno, Nevada to Richard Sandoval and Michelle Soares. His parents later divorced, and he was blessed with 2 additional sisters from his mom, Lori and Katy. After his dad remarried, he was also blessed with 2 instant sisters, Lori and Jenny, and eventually a little brother, Matt. Chris lived most of his life in Sparks, Nevada with his dad and stepmom, moving to Modesto for a short period of time, and living with his mom in Hawaii, where she was stationed with the Navy.

Chris was active in football and baseball throughout his childhood and into high school. He joined the Army JROTC in 1997 and enlisted in the Army in 1999. He met his first wife Crystal Penoyer at the end of his enlistment and together they welcomed two children, Christian and Christina. Chris also became a father to Crystals two other daughters, Justice and Hailey. Even after their marriage dissolved, Chris was a dedicated father to all 4 children.

Chris graduated from Idaho State University in 2005 where he received an associate’s degree in automotive technology. He was a talented mechanic and excelled in all areas within his field. He was proud of his ASE certification, as well as being a master technician. It was through his career that he met the love of his life, Alex Wellard. After years of friendship, the two began dating, and were married January 22, 2011, in Lava Hot Spring, Idaho. After they married, they lived in St. Anthony, ID, while his wife finished school at BYU-Idaho. During this time, he did steel construction for USE, where he learned many new skills and had the opportunity to travel throughout the Northwest to different projects. After their first daughter, Grace, was born, they settled in Pocatello, where Chris returned to the automotive field. Later they would have a son, Damian, and another daughter, Quinn, join their family.

Chris loved hunting, fishing, golfing, and riding his motorcycle. He was excited to become a grandpa for the first time and was counting down the days. The only thing he loved more was his family, especially all his children. Chris’s love and kindness knew no bounds. His compassion, love, and his magical hugs will be missed by all who knew him.

Chris is survived by his wife Alex; children, Christian (Kaitlyn) Sandoval, Christina Sandoval, Grace Sandoval, Damian Sandoval, Quinn Sandoval; his stepdaughters, Justice Sandoval and Hailey Sandoval; his parents, Rick Sandoval and Michelle Soares; his grandma Nona Blum; 4 sisters and 1 brother and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws who loved him as their own. He was preceded in death by his grandpa Blum, grandma Kay, aunt Vikki, step-mom Diane, and many uncles, and cousins.

As Chris would want us to know “After all, to the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure” – Albus Dumbledore

A viewing will be held on Thursday, June 27, 2024 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Colonial Chapel, 2005 S. 4th Ave. Pocatello, Idaho. Funeral services will be on Friday, June 28, 2024 at 11:00 am also at Colonial Chapel with a viewing for one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at the Lava Hot Springs Cemetery, Lava Hot Springs, Idaho.

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