Christopher Yama

Chris rolled his mountain bike right into heaven to be with his beloved mother, Nancy Yama. He leaves us just shy of his sixtieth birthday. 

Chris was born in Hanford, California, to Mike and Nancy Yama, and his older brother Alan watched over him.

Bakersfield became Chris’s home early in his life. He made good friends at Longfellow Grammar School, then they ended up together at Bakersfield High School, and graduated with honors. Somewhere along the way, Chris became known as ‘Yama’ to his buddies. University of California, Santa Barbara is where Chris learned how to repair bikes. This became his livelihood at the time, which supported him on through graduate school at San Francisco State University.

Chris was employed by Essel, as a field person to help contractors eliminate problems with mold or asbestos in buildings. He was called out to inspect different work sites all over the Bay Area, and occasionally out of town.

Many friendships were made in Yama's journeys in life, especially Sam, Brando, Tom, Doug and Jimmy from childhood, his girlfriend Arisa, and many others. He leaves behind many cherished memories in the hearts of all who knew him. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, 2 PM, at Monte’s Chapel of the Hills, 330 Red Hill Ave, San Anselmo, CA 94960.

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