Christopher Alan Covington (“Chris”)
October 1984 – June 27, 2026 (age 41)

Chris passed away peacefully in his sleep from congestive heart failure in Arcata. He had been diagnosed only a few weeks earlier, and his passing came much sooner than expected. His parents and best friend were visiting and nearby when he died.

Chris was born in Rome, Georgia, to Hamp and Vickie Covington. He grew up in Marietta, Georgia, and was voted “Most Likely to Succeed” when he graduated from Harrison High School. He dearly loved his older brother, Charlie, who died from a brain tumor in 1998, and his best friend, Josh Mason. Chris and Josh grew up together and were inseparable from an early age.

Chris moved to Arcata to attend Humboldt State University. Although he did not complete his studies, he fell in love with the area’s beauty and remained in Arcata for most of the next 20 years, building many lasting friendships.

Chris enjoyed hiking, camping, and, most of all, cooking. Arcata, surrounded by redwood forests and nestled between the ocean and the mountains, was a fitting home for him. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of food; whenever we had a question about a menu item, Chris could give an answer better than anything we might find online. He put that knowledge to use in the kitchen and loved cooking for and with his friends.

Chris’s love of tasting and exploring food extended to beer, especially craft beer. He was a certified BJCP beer judge and homebrewer who enjoyed “beer trips” to Europe and even South Africa.

Chris loved music, especially jam bands and jazz. He saw Phish live several times, as well as the Grateful Dead — yes, when he was just 10 — and Dead & Company.

Chris loved flowers, especially the dahlias he grew so beautifully. His experience farming vegetables also taught him how to grow many of the ingredients he later used in his cooking.

Above all, Chris loved spending time with his friends — camping, biking, cooking, going to concerts, or sharing a local beer at the pub. He was surrounded by a wonderful circle of friends.

Chris is survived by his parents, Hamp and Vickie Covington. He will be laid to rest next to Charlie at Kennesaw Memorial Park in a private ceremony.

A celebration of life will be held at Bold Monk Brewing Company in Atlanta on Sunday, September 27, from 2 to 5 PM. Friends are invited to attend and share memories.

A second celebration of life will be held at Moonstone Beach House, just north of Arcata, on Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 2 to 5 p.m. Friends are invited to attend and share memories.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Humboldt County Food for People.