Stories about Chris
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We were deeply saddened by the passing of Chris. He was our son in-law and dear friend. Chris was a talented young man. He was an accomplished guitarist, a mechanic, handyman and self taught himself to be able to fix and upgrade computers. He also composed the music for a short Hollywood film and Chris went with Stephanie to California to view the initial showing. He enjoyed reading, watching movies with the kids, critiquing movies, barbecues, Christmas, and Easter meals.
Chris loved his family, cherished his friends, and had a special spot in his heart for his grandma. In his final email he mentioned that his kids, Hunter and Samantha, were the best thing that happened in his life. He loved them dearly. We hope over the next days and weeks, you are able to work your way through the sadness and grief and remember the memories of him that make you smile and laugh. May he Rest in Peace!
John & Paulette Kamperman
I met Chris in the early 90s through mutual friends and immediately took to him. We had similar taste in music, film, literature, humour. I enjoyed every second with him because of his joie de vivre and his sense of humour. He was immediately and completely a brother to me.
When the chance came to invite him into our band we jumped at it. Despite him being a guitar player he was incredibly enthusiastic to play bass with us. We were well aware of his skill and professionalism. He brought an energy and excitement to us that rejuvenated us and changed our band entirely. We still reflect these days on how he approached going on stage with more eagerness and positivity than some of us could muster at the time, and it influenced us in such an impactful way. He made me appreciate those times more than I had in the past and I thank him forever for bringing me back to life in that respect. We eventually ended up living together in the “band house” with our bandmate Darren, and our pals Pat and Cory. Countless and continuous fun, wild and strange times happened there. I reflect on those times and absolutely hilarious and some of the funnest of my life. I thank him for that. We teased him a lot for his idiosyncrasies but it was always out of love. We joked a lot about how on a week/work night, he would wake up at 3:00 or 4:00 am, turn on the tv, have a cigarette, then go back to bed. The energy he shared was palpable, and made an impression on us all. Around this time he also did me the honour of introducing me to this cousin Rebecca, whom under these unfortunate circumstances, I am convinced he has a part in reintroducing me to, and am grateful for that.
We also ended up working together in parts delivery for a while after the house, and I can totally recall around this time when he met Steph, and the gleam in his eye when he mentioned her. He was convinced even early on that she would change his life and she did in the most amazing ways.
When I moved back to Winnipeg in 2015 he was one of the first people I saw again, and we went to see Sicario in the theatre shortly after. I will forever cherish that movie for that experience, and for his expressed appreciation of it. A little later after that I bought his bass amp from him and now will never forget the time I spent with him at the house when we loaded it into my car and sat around and chatted a bit. With this, I truly regret not spending more time with him in recent years, or getting the chance to.
I could write so much more. Like Angie has written, he was cool. He is cool. I honour, respect and love him eternally. Until I see you again, brother.
Jeff LaPlante
I worked closely with Chris for the last couple of years and I am very saddened by his sudden departure.
I will always remember him for his quick wit, his laid back attitude, his love of guitars and his knowledge of automotive parts.
He is someone that I made a point of stopping to say hello to almost daily, and he will truly be missed as a part of my routine.
Gone but never forgotten, We are all lucky to have had him in our lives.
Mike Head
My son Liam has been close friends with Chris’s son hunter since they were 4. Chris sparked Liam’s love of Star Wars and took him to opening night of the new movie. They also shared a common connection with music. A few years back Chris made Liam an electric guitar from old parts he had. He always had such a kind heart and we will never forget him! Rest easy Chris.
From Jenn and Liam
Grief never ends...
But it changes.
It’s a passage, not a place to stay.
Grief is not a sign of weakness, not a lack of faith...
It’s the price of love.
We dearly miss you, Chris
Your wit, your smile, your company.
With love, Lori & Don
In April 1996, my old band had two out of town shows booked in Regina and Calgary but our bassist at the time was unavailable. Wondering how we were going to play these gigs without a bassist, Chris was kind enough to offer to fill in. We weren’t in a position to pay Chris since we were really only playing for gas money and a place to crash. Even so, he learned our songs and jammed with us a bunch of times before we all piled into our van and hit the road. Though Chris experienced the juvenile antics of myself and my bandmates during those three days, he always maintained his professionalism and displayed his maturity. Rest in peace, Chris.
Travis Tomchuk
My favourite memory of my cousin Chris was when we’re both around 9 years old. My cousin Josie asked me to spend the night with Chris and Angie. Josie took us to the drive in. I’d never been before. Ang and Chris and I got into our pjs and goofed around in the back of the car eating KFC. I don’t think we saw much of the movies. When I think of Chris I think of that happy go lucky kid and how much fun we had. I wish we stayed close. It’s so sad he left us so soon.
Sharon Chapman
I knew Chris in the early to Mid nineties. I met him when we worked at Furby Auto Supply. We only hung out here and there for a few years, but Chris will always be in the top 5 funniest people I have ever met. He never told me how old he was, which drove me crazy. I only found out by reading this.
He was so ridiculous.
I was so sad to hear that he died. I sent my best wishes to his family and friends, and hope you take some solace that Chris is fondly remembered by someone who hasn’t seen him in close to 20 years. He was a fantastic person and the world would be a better place if there were more like him.
Todd McNeill
Coolest guy I ever let get away. Not one day goes by I don’t think about this man. Deeply & sorrowfully missed.
Kim Dimond
I worked with Chris at Ford. Always nice guy, we joked and talked about what else…..guitars. Very sad day.
Thought are with his kids.
Shane Young
I am so very sorry for your family’s loss. I only met Chris a handful of times but he was always kind and always had a smile.
Shawna
After years of talking on the phone but never meeting while ordering car parts for my job, Chris and I connected in 2017. We spent some time together, and I will never forget his super dry, super snarky sense of humour and how lovingly he spoke about his children and how much he respected their mother.
We stayed connected via FB and Insta, where Chris posted the absolutely best memes. I don’t know where he found them, but they were golden.
He probably had no idea, but I’m going to miss him. Goodbye, laser eyes.
Chrissy