Christopher Luke Owens, 50

A loving son, brother and father, and talented auto mechanic, Christopher “Chris” Luke Owens passed away unexpectedly July 1, 2024, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho at the age of 50.

Chris was born Nov. 29, 1973, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Larry and Mary Owens. At the age of 4, his family relocated to Sandpoint, Idaho. Chris grew up attending the public schools and graduated with honors from Sandpoint High School in 1992.

Growing up in Sandpoint, Chris enjoyed skateboarding and playing Dungeons and Dragons with his brothers and friends. He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America and took an interest in collecting stamps, coins and model cars. He started work at an early age, delivering the Spokane Chronicle to customers in Sandpoint while in grade school.

In high school, Chris worked at the 5th Avenue Restaurant, where he was a beloved busboy and server. Customers often came in requesting to be seated in Chris’s section and if he wasn’t working that particular night, they would opt to return when he was. It was at this time that Chris purchased his first car, a bright yellow Volkswagen Rabbit that he referred to as a “mechanic’s special,” which he constantly tinkered with and thus introduced him to auto mechanics, first with custom Volkswagens, then expanding to other import models. Chris and some of his high school friends even started a VW Club.

In 1993, Chis enrolled at the University of Idaho, majoring in chemical engineering. But Chris’s true passion had always been working on cars, so after two years at U of I and some time off in between working at Larson’s Clothing Store, Flashback Photo Works, Ivano’s Restaurant and Slate’s Restaurant, he moved to Coeur d’Alene, enrolled at North Idaho College and earned an associate degree in automotive technology in 2002. His first job as an ASE-certified master technician was at Coeur d’Alene Honda. Desiring more creative freedom, Chris moved on to Sunset Motors, where he worked for 10 years. In 2013, Chris worked for a brief time at Guaranteed Auto and after almost two years, went on to work at Elder Automotive. When the business closed in 2023, Chris became employed at Auto Works, the last automotive repair shop he worked at before his untimely passing.

In 2008, Chris welcomed a son, Aiden, into his life. Chris enjoyed taking Aiden on camping adventures and float trips on area rivers as well as taking him to visit his grandpa and grandma in Sagle, Idaho. In his spare time, Chris spent 15 years building and customizing a 1988 Jeep Cherokee. He was close to finishing it before his passing.

Chris will be remembered for his kindness, laughter, willingness to help others, valuable mechanic skills, strong work ethic, and his ability to excel at everything he learned. 

He is survived by his brother, Anthony (Elsa); sister Rosemary; brother Ethan; son Aiden; and many cousins and nephews. Chris was preceded in death by his father, Larry Owens; and his mother, Mary Owens.

Chris will be interred at the Seneacquoteen Cemetery in Sagle, Idaho, along with his father and mother. There will be a graveside service for Chris, taking place at the cemetery at 11 a.m. Sept. 28. Please contact rose_e_owens@yahoo.com for more information.

Family and friends are invited to sign Christopher’s online guestbook at belltowerfuneralhome.com.