Christopher David Ow: Feb. 23, 1966 ~ Nov. 5, 2020
EDIT: Chris Ow’s private services will be available via Tribucast, at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/876051267 until Dec. 21.
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A private service was live-streamed Saturday, Nov. 21, for Christopher David Ow, of Santa Cruz, who passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 5 at age 54.
Chris Ow
He was born on Feb. 23, 1966 in Carmel. When he was six months old, he and his family moved to Santa Cruz County where he lived the rest of his life.
He graduated from Soquel High School, attended Cabrillo College, and received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Cal State Chico.
He was a third-generation member of the Ow Family, worked as a property manager with Ow Family Properties and was the on-site manager at King’s Village Shopping Center in Scotts Valley.
In his youth, Chris was a competitive BMX racer, traveling across the country to races. At the 1977 JAG BMX Championship, he won the World Champion title in the 12-year-old division. He was sponsored by Wes’ BMX, Powerlite, and Patterson Racing teams.
Chris started riding minibikes at age 3, the beginning of a lifetime love of motorcycling. With his dad, he rode many Santa Cruz Ridge Runner Motorcycle Club events and they enjoyed participating in the Colorado 500 charity rides, where Chris won the Rider of the Year and Ironman awards. He rode dual sport and also competed in cross country and motocross racing, where he earned top honors of the #1 plate.
Chris’ motto was “Ride Happy.”
Racing and the racing community were an influential part of his life. The positive energy he brought to the racetrack led to many meaningful friendships.
His unconditional love and caring spirit were the foundation of his character. His presence brightened the lives and brought smiles to all of those around him. He was deeply connected with the community and loved interacting with all those he met. He will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.
Chris is survived by his children, Amber and Austin Ow; his life partner Carmen Garcia; her son William Allen, his wife Amy Allen and their children Jessie, Thomas, and Shaddix, who Chris loved as family; his parents David and Judy Ow; sisters Karen Ow and Sharis Ow; nephew and godson Kyle (Nicole) Winterhalder, greatniece Kaylie Winterhalder, and niece Lauryn (Rob) Groh; niece BreAnne Rhett and nephew Bryce Rhett; and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, and extended family.
Viewing hours will be 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga St, Santa Cruz. Due to COVID health guidelines, masks and social distancing will be required. If you are feeling ill or experiencing symptoms, please refrain from attending.
Due to the County of Santa Cruz’s move back to the state’s COVID-19 Purple Tier, the celebration of life planned for Saturday, Nov. 21, at Carl Connelly Stadium at Cabrillo College has been postponed until it is safe to gather again. Chris would not want to jeopardize anyone’s health.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to a local charity of your choice in memory of Chris.