Christopher "Chris" Pejko

On January 3, 2021, Chris Pejko, 51, died in a tragic motorcycle accident in Denver, Colorado. Chris was a Montana native, born in Great Falls, Montana, and raised in the Stockett-Sand Coulee area known as “The Gulch.” Chris graduated from Centerville High School, and furthered his education at Montana State-Northern, becoming a registered nurse. He finalized his education after many years working as an RN with a BSN from Argosy University in 2017. He started his nursing career at the Columbus Hospital, and then moved to Benefis, working in the ICU. He wanted more adventure, so he became a traveling nurse for approximately ten years, working in hospitals across the west. Chris finally settled in Denver working at The Medical Center of Aurora, and most recently at UC Health Highlands Ranch Hospital. Chris loved being a nurse and had a passion for helping people. His life revolved around nursing, snowboarding, and riding his motorcycle.Chris was a rock star to his friends and family. Literally. He kicked cancer’s ass, cruised all over the country on his Harley, slashed through fresh powder on more mountains than most can even name, and cared for the sickest of the sick as an ICU nurse. He worked on the front lines against this pandemic, and all throughout his career. When people say, “live your life to the fullest.” Chris embodied that expression. He loved his concerts, his Harley, his snowboarding, his profession, his friends, and his family. If you take anything away from this tragedy, it’s that nothing is more important than family, friends, and life experiences. Chris would drop everything at a moment’s notice to cover a shift, help a friend, walk your dog, and even just give you a hug when you were down. Chris is survived by his dad, John; mom, Loretta “Jeanne;” sister, Dawn (Rob) Mayernik; nephews, Logan Mayernik and Chad Mayernik; aunt, Judy Pejko; uncle and aunt, Charlie and Berkie Harris Pejko; and numerous cousins, including Vanessa Pejko McMackin, and her family. A gathering of friends will be held on Friday, February 5, 2021, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at O’Connor Funeral Home.