Kris Allen Krichko

Kris Allen Krichko, 68, passed away in West Linn, OR October 30th, 2025 following a courageous battle with Spinorcerebellar Ataxia, a rare neurological disease. A longtime resident of Central Oregon, Kris was the oldest of four siblings. He was born December 18, 1956 in Everett, WA where his father was stationed with the United States Air Force. Moving to the Bay Area in California, Kris spent his first 16 years traveling with family to the California and Oregon Coasts, Redwoods, and the many lakes and rivers of Northern CA and Southern OR. In 1972, Kris moved to Bend, OR where his love for distance running truly began as he ran daily exploring the many forest trails and narrow country roads. Graduating from Bend High in 1974, Kris then attended Central Oregon Community College, running track, cross country, and racing on the Nordic ski team before completing his degree in Geology at the University of Oregon in Eugene. After graduating, Kris thoroughly enjoyed assisting in the development of specialty membranes used in a variety of aerospace, pharmaceutical and environmental applications while working at what was originally a small startup, Bend Research. Continually drawn to the outdoors, Kris also worked several seasons in the fishing industry in Ketchikan, Valdez and Craig Alaska. Although reading and writing poetry were pastimes he enjoyed, Kris spent a great deal of his life exploring the outdoors in a variety of countries and across the United States while running, cross country skiing, outrigger paddling, fishing and adventure sightseeing. Kris competed in multiple Ironman Triathlon events including Hawaii, Canada and New Zealand, while admitting he was crazy enough to make 50k running events his favorite racing distance. One of his most impressive challenges came when he entered The Great Hawaiian Footrace in 1982. Lining up with the likes of two time Olympian Kenny Moore, Kris raced 312 miles over 18 straight days, circumventing both islands of Oahu and Maui averaging just over 17 miles per day. His love for endurance running started early in life and became a big part of his love for travel and adventure. Those who met and had the opportunity to visit with Kris, came to know him as someone always interested in who he was speaking with and what and where that individual’s next adventure would be. Kris was a quiet inspiration to friends, family and many who knew him; always genuinely interested in the lives of those around him. His curiosity of the outdoors and stories of adventurous travels along with his understated laugh, will be missed. He was preceded in death by his father Hillis and is survived by his mother Shirley, daughter Zoe, sister Kelly Simoneau (Dan), brothers Kip (Cheri) and Kurt (Debbi) as well as several nieces, nephews and many cousins. Kris was laid to rest in Pilot Butte Cemetery in Bend, OR Monday, November 24th with a Celebration of Life to be held in Bend, OR this coming spring; date, time and location to be announced. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to The National Ataxia Foundation (Ataxia.org) or your local Meals on Wheels (Meals on Wheels America). Kris, may the trails which now lay before you never end and always bring you peace. Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home was honored to serve the family.

Tributes

Kris Allen Krichko

December 18, 1956 - October 30, 2025