Chris James Rosenberg

Chris James Rosenberg, “Rosey”, 69, of Pendleton Oregon passed away on March 24, 2023.

Chris was born to James and Delpha Rosenberg, on March 8, 1954 in Pendleton, Oregon. He was a talented athlete who excelled in football, wrestling and bulldogging. While in High School, Chris saw lots of success. His senior year, he won six Wagon Master honors as outstanding defensive end, he was an all-state defensive end, selected to the Shrine All-Star Football team, voted most valuable wrestler in the Intermountain Conference District meet, a top five state placer, and a member of the Pendleton High School state champion rodeo team.

Chris hopped around during his college years, first attending Oregon State University to play football. Then he moved back home and attended Blue Mountain Community College where he wrestled and was a member of the rodeo team. Next, he made his way to Eastern Oregon University to continue his wrestling career. He wrapped up his education when he completed farrier school at Walla Walla Community College.

Chris continued his rodeo career after college traveling all over the country as a PRCA Bulldogger. Winning the Motherlode Round-up in Sonora, CA and placing 2nd at the Houston Livestock Show were two of his memorable wins. He also spent many years playing for the Pendleton Rugby Club team with some of his closest friends. In 2011, Chris was inducted into the Buckaroo Football Hall of Fame along with his father, James.

In 1985, Chris married Paula Echanis in Pendleton at the Peace Lutheran Church and they raised two children, Sarajane Gutierrez and Andrew Rosenberg. Chris continued to shoe horses through the years, but his main occupation was ranching. He raised cattle with his father for 30+ years. Later in life, he continued to work in the cattle industry, independently.

Chris was a quiet man, but all that knew him knew his sarcastic and witty humor. If you could get a chuckle out of him, you knew he liked you. He had a reputation for being the toughest guy on the field, the mat or in a room. Some of Chris’s fondest memories were with his friends during elk camp at “The Ranch.” He looked forward to hunting and looking for antlers with his son, Andrew. Chris also was a dedicated member of the  Pendleton Linebackers Club. Chris enjoyed coaching and watching his children excel in sports through the years. In more recent years he spent his time teaching his granddaughter to ride and attending his grandchildren’s many events and activities. Chris was a 47 year Round Up volunteer and just retired from running the barrier with his best friend, Tim Sweek this past Round Up.

Chris is survived by his wife Paula and their two children, daughter Sarajane Gutierrez, and her husband Nick Gutierrez and son Andrew Rosenberg. His grandchildren, Emmerson and Grayson Gutierrez. He is also survived by his brother, Mark Rosenberg, and his wife Kelli, and his sister, Gayle Rosenberg. There is also an endless list of nieces, nephews and cousins in the Rosenberg family.

Chris was proceeded in death by his parents, James and Delpha Rosenberg and his twin brother, Craig Rosenberg.

A celebration of life will be held at the Pendleton Convention Center, Thursday, April 13, 2023 at 1 p.m. with reception to follow at the Let’er Buck Room. Memorial contributions can be made to the Pendleton Linebackers Club, PO Box 184, Pendleton Oregon 97801.