Chris was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital on June 17, 1966 in Victoria, BC to parents Diane (née Mouner) and David Kerrie. He grew up in Victoria and the lower mainland with his siblings Greg (Shawnalee), Naomi, and Laura (Terry). He made cherished memories of getting into mischief with his brother and sisters and lifelong best friend, Jeff (Teresa). Chris was also supported by his step-mother Marg (Bruce) alongside his other siblings, Shayna (Billy) and Jeff.
After attending Esquimalt High School, Chris was inspired by his love of building forts with Greg and completed the Journeyman Carpentry program at BCIT in 1994. Throughout his career, he helped work on countless buildings in Victoria, including Victoria General Hospital, Royal Jubilee Hospital, University of Victoria, and the Camosun College Trades building. He was a well-respected colleague at Benton & Overbury (Victoria). In 2022, he received recognition for 35 years with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America.
Chris married Kelly (née Sturmey) in 1988 and they had three children together: Matthew (Colleen), Becca (Steve), and Em (Anna). His children loved camping and the nonstop adventures. Chris was nested in his children’s lives including many years as a dedicated Scout leader. He was a playfully ruthless noogie-giver to his cherished nieces and nephews Amanda (Carson), Kaila, Ryan, and Lukas. Chris was honoured with being named as godfather to his best friend Jeff’s child. After a separation from Kelly, Chris started a new chapter in his life. He met his life partner, Ange (née Endres). He became a father- figure to her children Curtis (Laura), Tina (Bryan), and Meaghan (Erik). He was a beloved Papa to his grandson Nathan.
Chris lived most of his life with challenges from type 1 diabetes, yet refused to be seen as a victim of it. His health worsened in 2011, but then he was given the life-saving gift of kidney and pancreas transplants. This new opportunity to live diabetes-free came with a trade-off of copious medications and constant immunosuppression.
Never sitting still, unless napping, he was forever updating his truck or planning a new layout for the deck at home. He and Ange spent their time together traveling North America, riding their motorcycles, kayaking, blowing off steam at metal concerts, and sampling craft beer. Ange was at his side holding his hand, whether it was during the commute to work, riding on Space Mountain, or distracting him from an approaching phlebotomist. He loved hiking with friends or chatting around the campfire with a good beer. Chris lived with vigour and a deep desire for adventure until the very end.
Chris’ last weeks of life saw a diagnosis of an aggressive cancer as a repercussion of living with multiple organ transplants. He was fortunate to spend his time with loved ones during his short stay in the hospital. He passed away peacefully at the Royal Jubilee Hospital ICU on the morning of the 9th of August, 2022, surrounded by devoted family and friends. Chris was a one-of-a-kind man and will be forever loved and missed.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of Chris may be made to the Kidney Foundation. His family also asks for those eligible to donate blood at Canadian Blood Services.
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