Chester John Mena, 37, of Lynnwood, Wash. passed away suddenly as the result of a hit and run accident on I-405 in Kirkland on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019.

Chester was born in Manila, Philippines, on Dec. 4, 1981. He came to the United States at age 6 with his mother, Babbith Michaud, and his father, Donald Michaud. He was raised in Oak Harbor, Wash., but lived later in Lynnwood and was a graduate of Lynnwood High School in 2001.

Chester was extremely intelligent and excelled in scholastics, taking accelerated classes all through his school years. Following his high school graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served honorably for six years, stationed in Florida. After his honorable discharge, Chester relocated to Japan, where he worked as a Civil Service material handler from 2005 to 2016. He received a bachelor of arts degree in business management from Texas State University. Following this, he served as a supply technician at Travis Air Force Base in California for a year, and then transferred to Nevada to work in mining technology for the Barrick Gold Corporation for a short time. He returned to Lynnwood and was a night auditor at Baymont Inn Suites in Kirkland at the time of his passing.

Chester was generous to a fault. He had a loving and giving heart and a sweet personality. He was gifted as a poet, winning several awards for his poetry. He loved motorcycling, and engaged in mai thai and kick boxing and basketball. He learned from his mother how to cook Filipino food and excelled at it.

Chester is survived by his mother, Babbith “Beth” Michaud, of Oak Harbor, and his father, Donald Michaud, of Arlington; uncle Felix Mena and aunt Fely Mena; cousins, Krystel Voigh, Michelle Mena, Cherry Leslie Mena, Debbie Mena and Kyle Mena, John Ray and Erica May, and Nicole Ashley; and numerous other relatives and of friends.

Reception and visitation will be held 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019 at Whidbey Memorial Chapel. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25 at St. Augustine Catholic Church, The Rev. Paul Pluth, celebrant. Cremation will follow, with inurnment taking place in the Philippines at a later date. Family and friends may share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com