Charles Christopher Ham

Charles Christopher Ham of San Marcos, California passed away at his home on August 15th, 2017. Chris Ham was born in Rhode Island on December 31st, 1967. He was the son of Dr. Charles Lindel Ham and Carol Anne Ham, who both predeceased him. Chris grew up in San Marcos and later Escondido and attended St. Michael's School in Poway and University of San Diego High School. He graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a degree in Economics. While at UCSD Chris joined the fraternity Sigma Alpha Mu. He formed strong bonds with his fellow "Sammies" that continued throughout his life and that exemplified the spirit of the term "fraternity brother." After UCSD, Chris went on to obtain an advanced degree, a Master of Science in Finance, from San Diego State University. He then pursued a career as a CPA (Certified Public Accountant). In his work Chris referred to himself as having the ideal boss, because he was self-employed. A kind and gracious man, Chris was especially noted for his sharp and irreverent sense of humor. Like the Shakespearean character Falstaff who was both witty in himself and the cause of wit in others, Chris is remembered for his ability to make others laugh and for the pleasure they got from making him laugh. His penchant for employing humor to deal with the absurdities of life could be seen in his choice of a favorite novel, the Joseph Heller black comedy Catch-22. Chris Ham had a wide variety of interests. The pastimes he enjoyed included politics, the Oakland Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Giants, music (especially Rock and Roll), and he was also an avid gamer, golfer, swimmer, boater, and dancer. Chris also had a strong belief in community service, as he dedicated a great deal of volunteer time to helping organizations for disabled veterans. With a zest for life and a thirst for new experiences, Chris greatly enjoyed travel to both nearby and faraway places. He often visited friends in Boston, Phoenix, and Vietnam, frequently visited family in Japan and enjoyed travel to Australia and Cambodia. In addition to his parents, Chris was predeceased by his brother Kevin Ham. He is survived by his brother Brian, his sister-in-law Keiko, and his nephew Alan. In addition to them he is deeply mourned by his many close friends from all phases of his life, ranging in location from as close as his next-door neighbors to as far away as Vietnam. A memorial ceremony for Chris Ham will be held on Friday, August 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Allen Brothers Mortuary, 435 North Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos, CA. Burial will follow at San Marcos Cemetery, 1021 Mulberry Drive, San Marcos. All are invited to attend a life celebration event for Chris beginning at 2:00 PM at Mi Guadalajara Restaurant, 525 West 2nd Avenue, Escondido, CA. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

Charles Christopher Ham

December 31, 1968 - August 14, 2017