Chris Rogstad
We regretfully announce the death of Chris Rogstad, who passed away after a brief battle with cancer surrounded by his wife and daughters on January 25th, 2022. He was a loving husband and father, survived by his wife, Lin Ciaramitaro, daughter Sophia Branson (Kendra Branson) and daughter Rebecca Rogstad (Nathan Haynes).
Born on October 10, 1950 in Stanley North Dakota, Chris grew up on the Great Plains, attending the University of North Dakota and graduating from the University of Washington, followed by a UW Master’s of Business Administration. After several years of working for Pella Windows in Seattle, WA, he joined his longtime friend and business partner, Lou Novak in launching Windowtech, Inc. Chris was very devoted to promoting diversity in small business hiring and was an active mentor to the new leadership team at Windowtech.
Chris lived in the Pacific NW almost 50 years, residing first in Seattle and then becoming a long time resident of Edmonds, WA and active member of the Edmonds Daybreakers Rotary Club. Chris and his wife, Lin Ciaramitaro were married in 1988 and the family settled in Edmonds in 2003. Chris semi-retired in 2018 and turned his full attention to his activities with the Rotary Club, traveling with his wife and family, helping his daughter, Sophia to fix up her farm in Snohomish, competing with his daughter, Rebecca in standup comedy, and helping others wherever and whenever needed.
He is predeceased by his parents, Emil and Betty Rogstad and survived by his five siblings, their spouses and many nieces and nephews.
He will be forever loved and forever remembered.
Lin, this is terrible news, and my wife and I are praying for you and your family. Chris was a joyful man with an ever-present smile and a heart to serve others. He will be greatly missed!
Our hearts are breaking for those who knew and loved Chris. He was a dear friend and one of the most jovial spirits we knew. He truly loved his family, friends, and community and will be eternally in our hearts, never forgotten. We send our deepest & sincere condolences to Lin, Sophia,Rebecca and family.
Chris was everything Rotary represents — and a good friend to all. We will miss Chris and his ever-present smile and good will immensely.
Our hearts are breaking for Lin, Rebecca, Sophia and those who knew and loved Chris. He was a dear friend and one of the most jovial spirits we knew. He truly loved his family, friends, and community and living life with a never ending sense of humor. Chris will be eternally in our hearts, never forgotten. We send our deepest & sincere condolences to Lin, Sophia, Rebecca and family.
All of us at Daybreakers Rotary join Lin in her grief. He was a stalwart member, always there when things needed to be done and as kind a man as you will find.
We have lost a treasure. Chris was kind, generous, hardworking and inclusive of all, but I will remember him most fondly for his fun and jovial spirit. He was always laughing and making others laugh too. His family was his center, and he loved spending time with them. Whether celebrating, swinging a hammer, traveling, or even driving across the country in the icy grips of winter (in a tiny, packed car w/2 dogs) to bring his daughter home, Chris found the joy and the humor in life, and helped others to do the same. Chris’s cup was always half full, and his life was one of love, joy and service. We were lucky to call him a friend. Lin, Sophia, Rebecca, Kendra and Nathen, we are so very sorry for your loss.
Such a wonderful tribute Melody. Thank you so much. He loved our time spent with you and Dave
Chris was a wonderful friend and human. What a chasm this will leave in so many hearts.
Such sad news! Chris was an amazing and down right funny guy. You absolutely could not have a bad day if he was around! Sending my heartfelt condolences to his family.
We are very sad about the loss of Chris. His kindness, sense of humor, and that infectious laugh will live on. Our thoughts are with Lin, Sophia, Rebecca and family.
Serving Chris and Lin at Epulo was always a highlight in my day. These are the customers every server dreams of. Getting to know them through the many years (it might be 12) was my pleasure; getting to know them on a more personal level was a treat. Chris, ever jovial and fun, was a kind hearted man that will not easily be forgotten. We shared a love of wine, food, and good conversation. Chris was a gem, a delightful man and someone who I’ll always think of when I open a bottle of Matthew’s Claret. Heres to you, Chris.
This is such a beautiful tribute to Chris, Debra. Thank you so much for such wonderful and kindness words. Chris loved it when you waited on us. Lin
Lin and family, You don’t know me, but I worked years ago (at Pella) with your lovely husband and father, Chris. I am so sorry for your loss and our loss of a great friend with a lively and loving spirit. He was part of our “good guys” group and I was fortunate to see him maybe once a year around the holidays. I’ll never forget how he always made me feel seen and special. Love you to all,
Sue, i am glad you found this site to leave this important message. Ted and i played golf most weeks last summer with Chris and i miss him so much. He was a close friend to everyone he met.
Thank you for your kind words Susan.
We appreciate it so much.
Lin, Sophia and Rebecca
So sorry to hear of your loss, Lin and family. SOunds like Chris was a wonderful kind decent human who will be sorely missed. My heart goes to your family. Please accept my condolences. Warmly, Pat Worthey
Oh Lin, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. People frequently described him as jovial 🙂 so you helped people feel better with medication and he helped people feel better with just showing up 🙂 That kind of light does not get extinguished because he’s already passed it around.
I see it in you – I miss you and hope to see you again soon!
Doni
Hi Lin, So sorry to hear about Chris. He sounds like a wonderful, joyful and loving person. My heart goes out to you and your daughters in your loss. Warm regards, Naomi