Remembering Chris Tooker

CHRIS TOOKER — AN APPRECIATION

The Board of the Friends of Stone Lakes is saddened to announce the passing of longtime Board member Chris Tooker. Chris was a member of the Board from 2010 until 2024, serving as President, Vice-President and Chair of the Membership and Outreach Committee. 

 

Chris’s interest in the Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge was a natural outgrowth of the fact he was an Elk Grove native, was involved in school district activities, and served on the Elk Grove Planning Advisory Council. During the 1990’s, he was a member and President of Sacramento Open Space, advocating for open space and agricultural preservation and supporting the establishment of the Refuge in 1994.

Chris leaves a legacy of public service, beginning with serving as an officer in the U.S. Army from 1969-1972. He served on the Sacramento County Policy Planning Commission and as a public member representative on the Sacramento County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) for many years, and was well known and respected statewide for his efforts on LAFCO to ensure that land use and development growth occurred only in a reasonable and environmentally appropriate manner.

But beyond his legacy of public service, Chris will be missed for his thoughtfulness, good humor and camaraderie as a Board member. He clearly enjoyed sharing his appreciation for the wonders of Stone Lakes Refuge, whether reaching out to others at public events, helping school children at Nature Bowl, or searching for birds during the annual Christmas Bird Count. His contributions to the betterment of Stone Lakes will not be forgotten.

Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Friends of Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, c/o Officer Administrator, 3732 Red Eagle Court, Antelope, CA 95843 and will be utilized to support the environmental and educational programs of the Friends at the Refuge.