CHRISTOPHER JOHN SMITH

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CHRISTOPHER JOHN SMITH 1967 - 2005 Smart lad, to slip betimes away From fields where glory does not stay, And early though the laurel grows It withers quicker than the rose -Houseman- After enduring a difficult struggle with cancer, our dear brother, Christopher was relieved of his burden and slipped away peacefully on Sunday, February 27, at St. Boniface Hospital in the Palliative Care Ward. Christopher grew up in River Heights, attending Robert H. Smith School and River Heights Jr. High. After completing his high school diploma at the University of Winnipeg Collegiate, he went on to complete a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Manitoba in 1992 followed by a diploma with Honours from Red River College in 1998 as a Computer Programmer/Analyst. He was employed variously by SHL Systemhouse, Kelley Temporary Services, and Revenue and Taxation Canada. Christopher was a lifelong sports enthusiast, and spent many hours engaged in following his favourite teams. He enjoyed CIAU basketball and followed the Wesmen and the Bisons. He enjoyed watching the Blue Bombers and especially enjoyed the walk or rollerblade from his downtown apartment to Canwest Global Park to watch the Goldeyes. The cancellation of the NHL season was as bad an insult to this true fan of the game as the disease that corrupted his body. He satisfied his deep passion for hockey through playing, watching and reading about the game throughout his life, which culminated in a pilgrimage to Toronto to visit the Hockey Hall of Fame and to see a World Cup of Hockey game last September. Chris also enjoyed bowling and was part of many teams where he formed some of his happiest memories. Chris was predeceased by his mother, Marion Smith in 1999 and his father, Lawrie Smith in 1987. He is survived and sadly missed by his brother Kevin of Roblin, MB and his wife, Kim Hope and their children, Caleb, Cady, Madeline, and Maeve. His sister, Jennifer of Winnipeg, her husband Christopher Pate and their children, Dylan and Nicole also survive Christopher, who cared for him and shared their home with him in his final months. He will also be lovingly remembered by many aunts, uncles and cousins from the Smith, Ormrod, Simms, and Thompson families. A memorial service to celebrate Chris's time with us will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 5 at Neil Bardal Inc. 984 Portage Ave. (entry off Aubrey Street). Thanks to all who extended kindness, care and support to our family over the final months of Christopher's life, and especially to the staff at St. Boniface General Hospital Palliative Care Ward. Your compassionate care eased so much suffering. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a favourite charity in Christopher's name. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 02, 2005