Chris Toney Nakai

February 24, 1969 ~ March 2, 2021

Chris Toney Nakai was Turtle Clan (Assinboine Souix), Born for Kinlichiinii.

He grew up in Salt Lake City. He moved to Blanding in 1986 and completed his senior year and graduated from San Juan High School in 1987.

He returned to Salt Lake City in 1988 and tried several different careers. In 2002 he moved to Arizona.

His son Kevin was born in 2003 and was the light of his life. 

In 2012 Chris moved back to Blanding where he attended USU and received his CDL and Heavy Equipment certificate. After graduation, he went back to Salt Lake City and started work with the state of Utah. This is the job he had when he went home to Jesus.

When people first met Chris, they would assume he was scary and mean because he stood 6 feet 7 inches and had shoulders as wide as the doorway. He appeared grumpy and stoic.

But after getting to know him, they would find out he was actually a gentle giant, slow to speak, humble, and gracious with a heart of gold.

He had a great sense of humor and loved to joke and tease. He loved to read and would spend hours with his face in a book. He also loved to play video games.

He is survived by his son Kevin Nakai; dad Dan B. Nakai (McCraken Mesa, UT); sister Denise Tohsonii; niece Danielle; nephews Calvin, Wil, Harry, and Benjamin; grandson Malachi; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and nieces.