Raymond Chris McCubbins

Chris was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 1945 at St. Mary's Hospital in Enid, Oklahoma, USA. HIs parents were Clarence Ferns and Juanita McCubbins. The attending physician was his aunt, Hope Ross. He was reared with his older sister, Rilla, his older brother, Tipton Ferns and his younger brother, Phillip Winston.

Chris' birth date affected his life in ways he came to understand better as he read "Outliers" while undergoing chemotherapy. Due to his birth date, Chris was always the youngest and usually, the smallest in his class. In retrospect, his birth date may have had a lot to do with his earliest spot's headline: "Five Years in Little League Without a Hit". Chris also said that it put him in the first wave of long distance runners and provided him with opportunities for leadership.

Chris was an expert at play- baseball cards, poker, board games and mental puzzles filled indoor hours. A sandbox, a flower bed, a river system and the "weed patch" offered space for his imagination to grow. As an uncle and teacher, he stimulated the imaginations of the next generation with parachute games, dam building and Alligator Pie poetry.

There are some stories about Chris as a child that his mother loves to tell. They help to reveal the unique person that Chris was. They are: the announcement of Phillip's impending birth to Chris, adventures in cub scouts and becoming the drum major to name a few.

Chris' mom had just found that she was pregnant with her fourth child, Phillip. She picked Chris up from school and by way of telling him the news, she asked Chris what he would think of having a baby brother or sister. Chris laid his head down on the back seat of the car and said, "I prayed and prayed that I would have a baby brother or sister." He was a good big brother to Phillip spending many hours in play with him. In fact, Phillip once announced to one of his teachers that he was an only child with five parents (including his three siblings).

According to his mom, Chris loved cub scouts. One night, however, he informed her that he wouldn't be going to cubs anymore. His mom asked him why and Chris replied that he didn't like having a babysitter when his mom was at the evening cub scout meetings. He had pondered this on his own and come up with his own solution in typical Chris fashion. His mom, came up with a better solution. She would attend only day time meetings so Chris would not have to have a babysitter.

Chris came home one day when he was in Junior High and announced that he was to be the drum major! Now, Chris was small for his age and also younger than most in his class. The drum major uniform had to be taken in by a professional tailor. Chris' mom had another question about his being a drum major as Chris wasn't very good at keeping time. Chris had the solution again and it was that everyone would have to keep time with him!

Chris did eventually grow and made it to nearly six foot tall. He came into his own later in high school as a first class athlete.(fill in accomplishments?)

COLLEGE YEARS by Ray Smith

Chris enjoyed associating with fellow students and student athletes while attending Oklahoma State University (OSU). He was easy going and loved to have fun with his friends. He graduated from OSU in 1968. LIke most college students,Chris worked hard studying for his classes. He also pushed himself during his running workouts to achieve the most from his potential. He was a member of the OSU cross country and track teams.

Chris was a "gutty" and determined competitor in track and cross country races. Among his many running accomplishments while in college was a 5th place finish at the 1965 NCAA Cross Country Championship, leading the OSU team to a 5th place finish. Chris won the 3 mile race at the Big Outdoor Track championship in 1966 and 1967. He also won the 1966 Big 8 Cross Country Championship and the 2 mile at the 1967 Big 8 Indoor Track championship.

Chris had good foresight in college. The steeplechase was not a normal event at the Big 8 Conference track meets. However, after his regualr track practices, Chris spent extra time running hurdles. By going the "extra mile", he won the steeplechase at the 1967 NCAA championship. Later that year, Chris represented the USA at the Pan American Games in Winnipeg, Canada, where he won a gold medal in the 3000 meters steeplechase event.

While attending OSU, Chris also took a swimming course to prepare for the modern pentathlon competition which was how he served in the US military.

One summer while in college, Chris worked as a camp counsellor in Minnesota with young boys. He realized that he enjoyed working with youth and this probably influenced his later decision to pursue early childhood education as a career.

EARLY YEARS IN WINNIPEG by Joe and Carol McIntosh

Chris had met Marie McIntosh when he competed in the 1967 Pan American Games. He was immediately embraced by her family according to Joe McIntosh, Marie's brother. The McIntosh's had a family cottage near Gimli and Chris was often there. One day, when setting out for a run, he invited Joe along.Joe accepted and they started off slowly. Chris then said "I'm going to move on. I'll meet you back at the highway." Ord will never forget how effortlessly Chris accelerated away from him. Chris did meet up with Joe back at the highway. Joe had run two miles to Chris' five and he wasn't even breathing hard. Chris was never into talking about himself. He was much more interested in bringing others along and encouraging them.

Chris received his draft notice in 1968 while living with Joe and Carol. He had a fair inkling that he would be able to serve in the Modern Pentathlon but it was by no means an assured thing. Still, Ord tells of how there was no hesitation from Chris in deciding to go back to the USA and fulfill his duty. Joe's impression was that Chris did not want to let down his family especially his mother who was a major role model in his life. Chris did get to serve in the Modern Pentathlon but he confided that he found the whole experience of army life very stressful.

Chris moved to Winnipeg permanently in the early 70's after completing his service in the army. He grew his hair long and tried to grow a beard - not too successfully.He went back to University with plans to do post graduate work in Psychology. He realized that this was not the field for him partly due his frustration in having to write and re-write his thesis several times in an age before word processors and PC's. Fortunately, he entered the early childhood program in the Education Department. He found his avocation working and playing with young children as an elementary teacher until his retirement in 2001.

In the fall of 1972, Chris was staying at the cottage. Carole and Joe had just bought a treed lot close by. They planned to build a cottage the following summer but there was a large amount of clearing to do first. Chris came over to the lot every day by himself and cleared a path some 400 yards through to the lake. He piled up the logs and disposed of the brush. Typical of Chris, he just did it.

Chris coined the term "outlaws" for himself and Carol. She has many fond memories of Chris as a brother-in law and as a fellow teacher. In 1993, she was offered the position of Teacher- Librarian at David Livingstone school. She was very pleased to find out that Chris was a working at the same school. Carol lost her job as the librarian and was appointed instead to a Grade 5 class. Chris was by then the computer teacher and helped Carole with the often troublesome computers as well as with a small group of enrichment students that she had. Chris was a self taught whiz on the computers and the kids loved him. He talked about the students with real affection but was also always in control. Carole had an opportunity to apply for a teacher-librarian position at another school and needed to go to the interview before noon. Chris' offer to take her class during his spare so Carol could prepare for the interview was genuine and immediate. Chris was the person I missed the most when I moved to my new position.

The following are some stories and comments written by fellow teachers and friends of Chris'. They include, Iris Muirhead,Grace Parson, KIm and Randy Longmuir and Moira Doherty:

Chris and I were both kindergarten teachers when we met at Riversview School in 1985. Although we were in different language programs, we we worked well together. Chris was always relaxed in his approach to teaching and to children. KWe shared the philosophy that young children should be involved in hands-on fun rather than staging practised performances. Chris willingly shared many ideas for activities where children and parents could participate together in music and movement.

At school, Chris made sure that I felt welcome as a new teacher to Winnipeg. He alsp invited me to meet Sue and we enjoyed many great meals together. To this day, I am not sure how many years I knew Chris before I learned what an exceptional athlete he was. HE never drew attention to himself about his abilities.

During the time at Riverview, Chris took on the new challenge og being the primary English Language Arts teacher for the French Immersion classes. He took this change easily in stride and quickly adapted to having several hour long classes at different grade levels.He was always encouraging and supportive to the individual student's learning process. Chris was a wonderful example of modeling respect and encouragement to children and adults alike.

Moira who also worked with Chris at Riverview writes about how Chris was a fabulous colleague and friend. She loved his playful nature with the children. Moira describes one memory in which Chris popped into her class (his students from the previous year) while the kids were acting out The Three Billy Goats Gruff. Chris joined right in and had the kids squealing with laughter as he acted out each of the parts including jumping up onto a table and roaring at the kids. Moira loved the calm and logical side of Chris as well and truly appreciated his help in problem solving.

Grace has much to say about Chris and his work at David Livingstone School which is an inner city school where most of the students know only poverty and poor family dynamics. She writes about how Chris was a natural at making the kindergarten children feel safe and positive about anew place to play. When Chris moved into the computer educator position at DL he implemented a new approach to learning keyboading skills which entailed covering the keyboard to speed up the memory process. Woe to the students who tried peeking. The gentle gina turned into a dramatic roaring lion.

Chris had compassion for the children and tried several things to improve their lives and give them a sense of accomplishment. He and Grace worked on a garden project on the school grounds which many of the less academically inclined students volunteered to be part of. Unfortunately, this project carefully started was destroyed over the summer. Grace and Robert did not give up but next tried to get the grade fives to become more active. Chris volunteered his time to train the normally sedentary students twice weekly in cardio and strength activities.

She writes: Chris was an effective, supportive presence with the students. He had the patience of a saint. But woe to those to those who crossed the line of respect, responsibility or safety. It was like the descent of a storm - and over before it had begun. Then a student had forgiveness and the opportunity to start over.

Towards the end of his career at DL, Chris began to take some of the students cross country skiing after school. The students looked forward eagerly to the experience and the seeds of the Inner City Cross Country Ski Program (now named after Chris) were sown. But more about that later.

KIm and Randy were also teachers but their love of running was what brought them together as good friends of both Chris and Sue. They share some memories of their dear friend and mentor:

There were many memories of Chris and his ability to eat large amounts. Ever the polite person, Chris would wait until everyone else was finished and then polish off whatever was left over! We could never figure out how someone so darn skinny could eat so much.

So much of the time we spent with Chris was a runners. Chris was the most humble, modest Celebrity that they had ever met. Chris invited Randy and me to join Yellow Snow, at the time, the most elite club of distance runners in Winnipeg. Randy and I were never made to feel less worthy than the top runners. We learned much of what still carries us as runners and coaches from Chris. Our last run with Chris and Sue was during their visit to us in the fall of 2008. Chris chased through the woods howling like a wolf and I had me running at a faster pace than I had run in months!

I also had the gift of being able to teach with Chris for a number of years at Kent Road School. Talk about being a fun person to teach with as no one could wing a lesson like Chris could. Randy and I are so grateful to have shared a small part of this special man's life.

CHRIS AND SUE by Sue Jacobsen

Chris and I first met on February 2nd, 1980. Aptly, we first saw each other at a run held in conjunction with a running seminar. My initial impression was that Chris looked a bit like a drug addict with dark circles under his eyes, a straggly beard and long hair curling into ringlets past his ears.But, he had an aura that spoke for louder than his appearance- an aura of gentleness and calmness. I was immediately drawn to this spirit as wel las his voice and his large blue eyes.

The attraction was mutual and it was not long before we were a couple. From early on, we spent a great deal of time together; we danced, ran, skied, swam,cooked and gardened together.

We had purchased a house on Springside Road but in 1983, we sold it and moved to Victoria, B.C. It was a big decision to leave friends and secure jobs behind. However, Chris had come back from competing in the Canadian Cross Country Championships in Victoria very impressed with the weather and the running community there and so we looked towards a possible move. I was offered a job and moved to the island in March. Chris followed in July once the school year had ended. We had many good experiences in Victoria , but Chris, never one to promote himself, was unable to find a teaching job. He was a terrific "house husband" for the yearbut dismal prospects for employment combined with my dissatisfaction with my job, led us to return to Winnipeg.

We felt very welcomed on our return and were both quickly offered employment. Chris joined the staff at Riverview School- where he met Iris Muirhead who has become one of our close friends - and I began work at St. Boniface Hospital in the outpatient department.

We bought a small house on Beresford Street which we only lived in for eleven months. Chris worked in his spare time with the carpenter we had hired to remodel the kitchen and main bedroom. He enjoyed learning more about carpentry and renovations. He made much use of these skills in the years ahead. After selling the house on Beresford, we moved to our home on Elm Park Road..

Chris gradually transformed the front and back yards. Pathways and raised garden boxes replaced grass and we spent many hours playing in the garden together. Our focus was on the edible; flowers were secondary! We enjoyed inviting friends over for dinners that featured produce from the garden.

In 1990, we set off on another great adventure. We both took a leave of absence and travelled for much of the year. The trip began with a drive to Creston, B.C. for my youngest brother Jim's wedding to Jackie in October. We then visited family and friends in B.C. before driving to San Anselmo, California. There we stayed with Chris' sister Rilla, and her family for a few days before flying to Hong Kong.

It would take a whole book to properly describe our travels through South East asia, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. We had many wonderful experiences. We greeted each day as a new adventure. Because we travelled as the locals did, and stayed for the most part in modest lodgings, some of our "adventures" while interesting, were not always comfortable or fun. We both had our eyes opened to how very wealthy we were compared to much of the world. We both,especially Chris, became consciously more open and friendly to people we met. We also came to a fuller appreciation of our family and friends.

When we returned home, we began donating to Plan International as a small way to help poorer countries. We also began hosting Servas guests from many countries ( Germany, Denmark, England, Australia, New Zealand etc.). Travelers belonging to Servas could stay with us for two nights as explored our great country. Of course, we also broadened our cooking repertoire to curries and other dishes from Malaysia and Thailand. We enjoyed inviting friends over to experience these dishes with us. Shortly after our return, we bought a time share at Elkhorn in Riding Mountain National Park. It was one of the best purchases we ever made. We loved our weeks spent cross country skiing and relaxing in the beauty of the area.In the early years of owning the timeshare, we had friends and family join us there.

Chris retired in 2001. His father passed away that summer and we were able to attend the funeral in July. In the fall, Sue required surgery and Chris was her pillar of strength and love. Chris began working on two main projects that came to be a lasting legacy reflecting his passion for the outdoors, for healthy activity and for the inner city youth who lacked access to healthy outdoor fun.

The first project actually began during Chris' last year at David Livingstone School. On his own time, Chris would gather up ski equipment and take students to Windsor Park Nordic Ski Centre where he would teach them cross country skiing. This was time consuming and often frustrating, but out of it was born a ski program for inner city youth. Over the years, the program evolved and expanded to include several schools as well as an after school program. The Cross Country Ski Association of Manitoba came on board and a fundraiser for the program was developed called "The Great Get Off Your Butt and Ski Corporate Relay".

The second project involved developing a section of Kilcona Park that had once been a garbage dump. Over the past several years, with support from the Yellow Snow Athletic Club, over three thousand trees and shrubs were planted. Because of Chris' input, the city now mows pathways across "Chris' Park". These paths are used by walkers and runners. The provincial Cross Country Championships are held there in October and the relatively hilly terrain has become a valuable training spot for teams and individuals.

The past two years were challenging ones for both of us. Chris broke his ankle while skiing in 2008 and was unable to coach the youth in the ski program. He adapted with his characteristic positive attitude and focus. He viewed the injury as an opportunity to find other instructors for the program so it wouldn't have to depend on only himself. He put his strong focus into rehabilitating the ankle and to maintaining fitness in creative ways.

Sue retired the end of 2007, just in time to help Chris when he broke his ankle. We had both placed high priority on our families and made bi-yearly (and sometimes tri-yearly) trips to Oklahoma and to Alberta and B.C. It was at the time of a visit to see Sue's family in the fall of 2008, that Chris first became ill. He finally went to see his family doctor and was told that his blood tests were very abnormal. Once again, he was not able to coach the kid's ski program He was determined to attend a CANSI level three course in February even though he was not supposed to ski. He adjusted with grace and impressed the instructor with his coaching ability even though Chris never put on skis.He saw a blood specialist and was diagnosed with acute leukemia in the middle of the course.

As with all his previous challenges, Chris faced this one with focus and a positive attitude. He and Sue, always together in good times and bad, were a loving team. Chris' demonstrated his thoughtfulness towards others and his outward focus throughout his illness. Despite his illness, Chris communicated almost daily with family and friends. He always included positive details about the staff and was conscientious about letting them know he appreciated their help.

Right from the start, Chris and Sue recognized that there was a deep spiritual dimension to the journey they were on. Chris was able to say that he had no major regrets in his life. In fact, he saw himself as having been very blessed in his life. He and Sue were married in a very simple but moving ceremony MAy 19th. The service was held at the hospital and was conducted by Marvin, their brother-in-law and by Sue's pastor Phil.

As his his energy and prognosis declined, Chris focused his waning energy on making life as easy as possible for Sue. He organized tax information and taught Sue a bit about the computer. With characteristic dignity and determination, Chris walked into Riverview Hospital the afternoon of August 20th. He passed away just after one a.m. August 21, 2009.