RAYMOND CHRIS MCCUBBINS

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RAYMOND CHRIS MCCUBBINS Chris passed away August 21, 2009 from leukemia. The illness was a marathon he never wished to run. Regardless, he ran this last race with his characteristic grace and determination. An accomplished distance runner, Chris was the Pan American Steeplechase Champion (1967) and represented Canada in the Olympics (1976) among his other achievements. He was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame (1999). Athletics Manitoba has announced they will be naming their Provincial XC Championship for Chris. Chris became an avid cross country skier and Level II CANSI coach. Chris was calm, playful, focused and never boastful. He was a leader and mentor to countless people; leaving the world around him a better place. The many hours he spent planting trees for an envisioned trail system at Kilkona Park (Winnipeg) and in coaching runners and skiers were in his words play . When he retired from teaching elementary students, Chris spent many tireless hours of playtime providing skiing experiences for inner city youth. The Cross Country Ski Association Manitoba (CCSAM) has renamed the Great Get Off Your Butt program at Windsor Park Nordic Centre in his honour. Chris is remembered as much for what he accomplished when his heart rate was sub-aerobic as when it was at max. Born in Enid, Oklahoma USA, Chris graduated from Oklahoma State University. After discharge from the US Army he immigrated to Canada where he earned a further degree at the University of Manitoba. Chris is survived by his loving wife and partner Sue Jacobsen and his family of mother Juanita, sister Rilla (Marvin), brothers Tipton (Stephanie) and Phillip (Baiju), nieces Annie (Matt), Nathania (Jon) and Katharine. Chris was predeceased by his father Clarence McCubbins. God sent Chris to us to do his work his Mom has written. Now he is gone ahead of us, just as he did so many times when he was running or skiing here on earth. The family would like to thank Dr. Kumar and express their appreciation to the staff at the HSC GD6 unit. Donations can be made to the CCSAM for the inner city youth program or to your local Leukemia Society or Foundation. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday August 29 at Thomson In the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd, Winnipeg. Thomson In the Park 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 25, 2009