Hallo family and friends.

My name is Paul Gaster and I have the honour of being one of Chris’s older friends!

I was asked by JJ to say a few words in memory of Chris and I thank her for that opportunity. I went off script at the celebration so I thought I would put my comments down here so they are recorded properly in Chris's memorial.

So here are a few of my recollections:

I met Chris after he reached out to me several years ago.

At that time he was facing some personal life challenges and needed help. I met with Chris and his mom. With the support and encouragement of his mother, I agreed to help Chris and I became his mentor or sponsor.

That was the start of many good and memorable years of recovery work and friendship. To get us started, we formed a little support group of men to help us on our way, a kind of recovery book club!.

Chris worked very hard on overcoming his difficulties and he met those challenges head on. As a result, he recovered his physical and emotional well-being and moved ahead with his life. That was a huge win and a great accomplishment and it showcased his courage and resilience.

When Chris was diagnosed with cancer last year, he was enjoying a great life and a successful career with Telus. He was also following his dream of living in the great outdoors with his RV and he and JJ had been on many adventures both in Canada and in the USA.

Chris loved nature and the great outdoors - he was comfortable on land and on water, especially on his board – he had found his true passions in life.

So he was doing what he loved - fishing, paddling, playing hockey and enjoying his family and friends.

Chis was a very kind soul and often told me how much he loved his children Jacob and Mishi and his wife JJ. He often spoke about his dad and his mom and stepdad, as well as his brothers and the family cabin in California. 

I know that Chris would want me to tell his family, that he loved you all very much.

Even in his earlier time of adversity and more recently during his fight against cancer, Chris projected himself as a positive, kind and loving man. We did many meditations in our little men’s group of Jason, Sean, Chris and myself where we shared our experiences, our strengths, our fears and our hopes on a regular basis - as well as enjoying  the cookies we all took turns to provide!

I was always mindful of Chris's kind and caring approach to life and towards other people. He was one good man and I shall miss his smiling face!

Chris we all miss you, you are loved, so go on now peacefully my friend, onwards to your next adventure! 

My sincere condolences to Chris’ family.   I had the pleasure of working and socializing with him when I worked for Telus.  His infectious smile and kindness towards his peers and clients were contagious.  

Unfortunately, due to other family commitments in Abbotsford on March 23rd I will be unable to attend.   I love the idea of it being a fun event celebrating his life. 

I had the honour of knowing Chris when I joined the hockey group in Delta. We shared a common love of playing hockey but also for Hawaii and surfing.    Chris defined the true  spirit of Aloha. 

Safe travels my friend ❤️