Chris Jensen Aka Thunder

Christopher (Chris) Charles Jensen, aka “Thunder” was born on November 15, 1970 in Albany, Oregon to MichaelJensen and Debra (Jensen) Martino. He moved to Houston, Texas from 1980 and returned to Oregon in 1984 where he lived in several cities including Albany, Portland, Gresham, Oregon City and Salem.

Chris attended North Salem High School, graduating class of 1988, where he met and made many life long friends. In high school he enjoyed wrestling and playing football, and had once been crowned Prom King. He continued his education at the Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls and continued to play football. He also attended Chemeketa Community College as well as Portland State University where he focused on Nutrition and Juvenile Justice studies.

Chris, always a protector, had a 27-year career performing Club Security and Management. Up to and during this time, Chris had made appearances on TV, invested and owned businesses, played semi-pro football and considered moving to Arizona to pursue a career with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

Chris ultimately decided to stay in Oregon to take care of his family. He traveled and performed with several Wrestling Organizations including DOA, PNNW, NWWA and Portland Wrestling Uncut. Inspired by such heroes as Rowdy Roddy Piper and Hulk Hogan, he proudly carried the name “Thunder”, where he entertained fans young and old.

When not working, Chris enjoyed spending time with his children, family and friends. He was known in numerous gyms for his love of lifting, working out and training. He liked thrift store shopping, going to the beach, going out with friends and spending quiet time at home. Through his life, he mentored and inspired many, and provided help and support for his numerous friends and family.

On August 15, 2023, Chris passed away suddenly in Salem, Oregon. He is preceded in death by his stepdad Jack and bonus mom Jean, his sister Heather, his long-time friend Valerie and others he loved and lost on the way. He is survived by his parents, Michael and Debra, his children Sydney and Isaiah, siblings Shannon, Shawn and Nichole, as well as many other extended family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all those that knew him.

Chris once wrote this about himself:

MY life is constantly changing. I have and continue to live my life to the fullest. Everyone continues to tell me to slow down but you only get one life and one body. I’m broken, battered and beat up. If I end up in a wheelchair and in a vegetable state, I will know it’s been a rough road, BUT ONE HELL OF A RIDE!

Donations thankfully accepted and appreciated to cover costs of services with proceeds given to support his children’s cost of living and education: https://gofund.me/e1cfcf01