Kristopher James Gutierrez's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Kristopher James Gutierrez
November 11, 1975 – August 02, 2020
Kristopher James Gutierrez, age 44, of Tacoma, Washington, passed away peacefully at home on August 02, 2020, due to cardiovascular and pulmonary disease.
Early Life and Family
Born on November 11, 1975, in Martinez, California, Kristopher was the beloved son of Armando Gutierrez and Helen Louis Walker. He spent his early years in West Texas before earning a double major in Physics and Mathematics at Texas Tech University (1998). He went on to complete both his Master’s and Doctorate in Physics at Washington University (2005) in St. Louis. Driven by a passion for learning and travel, Kristopher pursued post-doctoral studies at SISSA (Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati) in Trieste, Italy, where he deepened his academic work while exploring the world. After two years abroad, he returned to the U.S. and made the Seattle metropolitan area his home.
Career and Passions
Kristopher dedicated his professional life to education, serving as a college professor. He was deeply committed to his students and colleagues, known for his intellect, patience, and ability to inspire others. His work reflected a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and a belief in the power of learning to transform lives.
Outside the classroom, Kristopher enjoyed playing chess, traveling, and immersing himself in World War II history—a passion inspired by his mother. He was admired for his calm demeanor and generous spirit, approaching life with humility and grace while leaving a quiet, lasting impact on everyone he met.
Family and Legacy
Kristopher is survived by his father, his mother and his elder brother all of whom he was extremely close to.
His legacy lives on in the lives he touched—as a teacher, a brother, a friend, and a son. Kristopher’s presence was steady and kind, and his absence is deeply felt.
Remembrance
Kristopher was cremated at Mountain View Crematory in Lakewood, Washington. A private memorial was held to honor his life.
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