Obituaries

Dear sweet lovable Chris. From almost the beginning of our working relationship which quickly turned into friendship, he dubbed me 'Cherisse' from Silence of the Lambs. Throughout the days, weeks and years working together I could hear Chris calling me Cherisse and I always answered to my new name. The 'surprises' he left me on my desk calendar after he worked a weekend shift reminding me of my tatoo appointment or my massage parlour appointment. Even when he wasn't on shift he made me laugh. His unexpected phone calls at work with his raspy voice 'what are you wearing' brought a smile and of course laughter to my heart. His love affair with 'Muffie' made everyone laugh and love him more. Rest in peace sweet man, you were truly one of a kind.

I met Chris 7 yrs ago. His laughter, is by far, one of his most cherished gifts. This gift, he passed along to many who came in contact with him. Thank you Chris, for your patience, caring and kindness, which you showed me and many othres. God Bles you and yours.

Thank you Chris for being a great friend. Your continuous loyalty to friends, happiness and sense of adventure touched the hearts of many. It truly was an honor to know you!

Chris was a great friend to alot of us here at the James Toal Centre, me included. As has alredy been said, that great infectious laugh! I can't recall a time when Chris ever lost his humor or stopped passing his positive attitude on to others. I'd like to say about him the best thing I think you can say about anybody - HE HELPED ALOT OF PEOPLE!

Chris was a close friend of mine in the late 60's to early 70's in Winnipeg when we attended the University of Manitoba. Chris had an unwritten goal in life to make all he met happy; and if you were not smiling - he would focus on you until you were happy. He succeeded bringing sunshine to all he knew in life. Knowing Chris was a gift that I will always cherish. Barry Boyce

My sincere condolences to all of Chris's family and friends as well as the many people whose lives he touched. I had the pleasure of working with Chris and he had a gift for helping people. The thing I remember most though, about Chris is the number of shifts we worked together where my stomach would hurt from laughing so hard. He loved to laugh and loved to make people laugh. He will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.

I heard from a friend today of Chris's passing. We both remembered his laugh and love of life and recalled his flaming red hair blowing in the wind while driving with the top down in his Cutlass convertible during the dead of winter. Chris was the original wedding crasher. We would dress in our old high school suits on a Saturday and look for a wedding at the Fort Garry or NorthStar or Westin. Amazingly, we were never thrown out as Chris was always the life of the party although we came close at Butch Gorings wedding. The night would often end back at the fraternity house on Balmoral or at a Sals usually after a swim in a hotel pool that had an unlocked gate or a low wall. Chris and I went to high school, university, were brothers at TKE and Chris was best man at my wedding. We touched base by phone every few years, the last time about 6 months ago. Chris was a good friend, had a good heart and was kind to everyone. He beat his demons and helped those who couldn't. He was a good man.

I met Chris in grade one at St. Annes. Ginger hair, red freckles, a new buick alongside the mom and pop grocery store. They even had a red irish setter. NEAT. Chris had good vibes. He was trustworthy, friendly and smart. I was invited to the family cottage one summer. I was so excited. He and his parents beat me soundly at Rumoli.As we aged our paths diverged. To learn of his passing brings back memories. Fond, wonderful memories of a man who was good right out of the gate. Rest in peace old friend.

Hmmm, where does one begin to remember our dear Christopher. Chris was intelligent, kind to all and generous to a fault. Yesterday, a mutual friend of ours fittingly described Chris as 'bigger than life' in so many ways. Chris was my best friend and mentor for many years. He taught me so much about life and especially how to laugh and oh how we chuckled! So many fond memories; the rickshaw ride in Hawaii, the taxi in Manzanillo, 'take me to Winnipeg por favor' he asked the driver. His infamous 'Sears-go-anywhere Card' (Chris's name for his employee ID) which magically did seem to get us through security and into many private events. Who could forget the night he kidnapped the drummer from the Stage Door Showroom and drove him to my apartment because he thought we would make a cute couple. Or the Dutch Air Force pilot Chris was sure was Royalty and was convinced I should marry. And all those weddings and socials we were invited to or crashed, the Vienesse waltz he taught me, the limo rides he surprised me with, the perfect orchids he had delievered on special occasions, the stuffed iguana from Mexico whose toenails are still embedded in the carpet, the many trips to Lake of the Woods and Kenora, the Sears Christmas parties, the wonderful dinners at the Dycks, the candleabra from the Fort Garry, the Manhattanfests at the Paddock, and of course the many, many Mr. Big Nips. I will forever be grateful for the many times Chris picked me up and dusted me off during my own rough patches. He was always there for me! Over the years, I have watched with admiration as Chris confronted his own demons and overcame them. Through it all he remained true to himself and never wandered far from the lighter side of life and his infectious laughter. Christopher, we will never now meet in Monte Carlo as you promised, but you will always be the 'Sunshine of my Life'. You are loved and will be missed by many. God bless you and keep you safe, Until we meet again my dear friend, love you and I thank you for the many years of kindness and friendship, Debbie (or as you called me Darbie Dahlink!)