Christopher "Chris" Earl Gonzaque, age 67, of Colton, CA, passed away on June 07, 2022, in Hospice care, after being severely injured in a hit and run car accident.

Chris was born on February 20, 1956, in Las Vegas, NV to parents Henry Earl and Eleanor Sue Gonzaque, at the time. Chris was their firstborn, and only son. As a child, his favorite interests were model airplanes and cars, flying his remote-controlled airplane, and of course, his main interest was music. He began his music career at a very early age, he was only 5 when he started taking piano lessons.  His interest in music would only grow as he grew older and gained access to more and more instruments. His favorite became the guitar.  He started learning guitar at age 7.  He formed his own band at age 9, performing on the back of a pick-up truck in Henderson, Nevada. He even appeared on a local TV station. While in high school, Chris played the trumpet and drums for his high school marching band. He had a talent for almost any instrument, as he could also read, write and arrange music. He had a special gift for music.

 He began performing locally in Pasadena, California where he grew up, and had been afforded the opportunity to join Eddie Van-Halen's rock band, who was also one of his schoolmates.  The local talent shows had brought them together through their talent for playing the guitar.  Although Chris turned him down, he still never gave up his love for the guitar. Chris met and gained many friendships throughout the school as they formed a bond through music. After graduating from high school, Chris decided to pursue a career as a musician. He began performing locally and at private events and shows.  He once visited Japan, with the 4th House band, which was featured on a very popular radio station in Los Angeles also at that time.  Most of their songs were original.  He was so excited. He never forgot that short tour but had a long-lived relationship with the members of that band.

 Chris could never be found in any one place without his guitar, or guitars for that matter. He made it his mission to meet as many fellow musicians as possible and to never say no to an opportunity to have a jam session.  Chris was determined to not let his sudden circumstances in life after losing his mother, Eleanor, deter the way he lived his life. He lived out his final months surrounded by so many people,  who loved him, sharing his talent and musical prowess with anyone who'd listen to him "jam out".  His mother Eleanor was a musician also, she played the piano. He would play with her at home with family in their private family jam sessions, which sometimes even included his close musician friends, who would come over and join them "jammin," and enjoy the family BBQs and fun. It was like attending a live outdoor concert.

He is survived by two children, Christopher John Gonzaque, and Christina Bee-Gonzaque, his two sisters, Michelle Watkins, and Felicia Bynum, four nieces, Denicia Lyons, Alicia, Patricia, and Jeany Bynum, and five nephews, William Taylor, Theodore Bynum, jr,  Stephan, Gabriel, and Daniel Watkins, along with great-nieces and a great-nephew, and a host of family and friends who all loved him. 

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