Christopher “Chris” Alan Brogan was born on July 7, 1971 to Michael “Mike” and Debra “Debi” Marie Brogan (Willis) in Aberdeen, Washington. He passed away at Tacoma General Hospital on July 14, 2024.
Chris grew up with his parents on and near to the family farm in the “Brady Bottoms.” Chris was a precocious child who learned to walk by the age of 7 months. His mom had to teach him how to crawl when he was 2 years old after reading that to develop appropriate hand eye coordination children should crawl. Not only did he walk at an early age, but his uncles like to tell the story of him getting in his grandpa’s pickup around the age of 10 and driving up the county road where he was seen by a neighbor who told the visiting state patrolman “don’t look now” as Chris drove on by.
Chris graduated from Montesano High School in 1989, He was a fun-loving and engaging child who grew to be the same in adulthood.
Chris worked on the family farm driving trucks, tractors and many other types of vehicles throughout his life. Chris was a big sports fan. He attended Seahawks games with his grandparents and close family friends. Chris attended many sporting events, both boys’ and girls’ teams of his alma mater “Bulldogs.” He had recently helped run the chains on the sidelines of football games and traveled to many away games. Chris was a big fan of “Dirt track” racing locally and throughout Washington and Oregon. He worked in the “Tech Shack” for a time at Elma, pit crew for his friend Shawn Rice (#76), and was a volunteer on the Grays Harbor Raceway Fire and Safety Team in the past.
Chris’ current passion in sports was playing “Pool.” He participated in local and regional tournaments and has some trophies to show for his efforts. Chris was a member of the Elma Fraternal Order of the Eagles (FOE) and actively participated in this organization. His current work life focused on the farm run by his 2 uncles. Chris was creative in helping to get things done on the farm. He worked in the fields preparing them for planting and harvesting the crops. He delivered silage to customers outside of Grays Harbor. Chris loved the fall season when he worked at Chapman Farms Pumpkin Patch (Brady) driving the tractor which pulled the hay wagon loaded with children.
Chris made friends wherever he went. Those friendships reached close and far. He always was willing to lend a helping hand to those in need or even if he saw a need which was not communicated.
Chris is survived by his parents: Mike and Debi Brogan of Satsop, brother Kelvin of Brady, uncles: Steve (PJ) and Larry Willis of the family farm in Brady, Louie (Kirsti) Brogan, John Brogan, Roger (Darla-deceased) Sauer and Aunt Karen (Bob) Carlson of Illinois, in addition many cousins, close friends and others special to him — (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!)
His kindness, humor, big smile and laugh, generous heart, and arms which could wrap around you to give a big ol’ hug are no longer here. These are and will continue to be missed by many.
Chris’ Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, Aug. 11 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the family farm. Please plan to come, share a story and reminisce with the family at that time. (Potluck is planned, though you do not need to provide a dish. Your presence is enough.)
