Chris Gover, beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, uncle, friend, and exceptionally kind soul, passed away unexpectedly on April 28, 2022 at the age of 34.
Chris is survived by his parents, Susan and Gary; siblings, Matthew (Moorea) and Laura (Ali); nieces, Eda and Nisa; treasured dogs, Odin and Champ; and so many more family members and friends.
Born on August 24, 1987 in New Westminster, British Columbia, Chris spent much of his life in Victoria, British Columbia. Chris took tremendous pride in obtaining his Red Seal Certification in the trade of Automotive Service Technician in December 2021. He overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles in pursuing this goal which included schooling at Camosun College and an Apprenticeship at Harris Victoria.
Chris was a cherished friend to so many. He was most at peace when spending time with his whippet dogs, Odin and Champ. His sudden departure from this world has had such a deep impact on those who were fortunate enough to have known Chris’s gentle quiet strength.
A Celebration of Chris’s Life will be held in the Sequoia Center at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, on Friday, June 17, 2022 at 2:00pm. Those planning to attend can RSVP at https://celebrate-chris.online-rsvp.com.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Elaine Lacroix
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Joan Geber Susan,
I was shocked to hear about Chris and so, so sad for him, you and all of your family. I remember, when we shared rides to work in Westshore, the many hours of ‘kid talk’ and the care, concern and intense love of Chris that you so frequently spoke of.
I just wanted to let you know you are being thought of during this excruciating time.
My condolences to you, Gary, Matthew and Laura.
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Joseph Clark It has been a struggle to accept this loss, much less find the words to express it. I can only send my deepest condolences to all of Chris’s family and friends.
So many of my most cherished memories growing up are with Chris. We first became friends in grade 7, our last year at the all boys beach campus of GNS, when we ran around throwing cherries at each other like paintballs and spent our Friday nights playing floatie mat wars at the Oak Bay Rec Center pool.
Later on in high school Chris became an integral part of my circle of friends. We were constantly skateboarding or biking between each other’s houses to hang out and often stay the night. I have many great memories of spending time at the Gover’s, which was always a warm and lively place to gather.
We all spent an inordinate amount of time crammed into his Oldsmobile on rides that ended up being some of my fondest memories of growing up. Later when I also started driving, Chris’s watchful and experienced eye saved me from a few accidents. I still always think of his safe driving tips when I get behind the wheel.
Throughout high school, everyone in my circle of friends relied on Chris’s wise words of advice to navigate adolescence together. Whether it was about our weekend plans, driving tips, or relationship advice, we could always count on Chris for a thoughtful and kind-hearted perspective.
His actions also always showed how kind-hearted he was. I watched him carry a drunken friend on his back up a long steep hill even after she soaked his shirt in pee, in order to make sure she got home safely! And he held all of us accountable to the same standards of kindness. I never doubted for a second that he would give me the (clean) shirt off his back if I needed it.
I will cherish all of my memories with Chris forever. I wouldn’t be who I am if we didn’t grow up together and I am incredibly thankful for all of the times I was lucky enough to share with him.
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Elaine Holmes I was saddened to hear of Chris’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to Gary, Susan and family at this time. Rest in Peace Chris!
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Sue & Mac Johnson Susan & Gary & Family
So very sorry to read today about your son, Chris
Our deepest sympathies.
Sue & Mac Johnson
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Kurt Ko Dear Chris,
Thank you for welcoming me to your home when I first got there, it wasn’t easy but you and your family gave me the courage to make it work.
I know you have gone to a better place. I’m going to miss you Chris, Rest In Peace.
My deepest condolences to the Gover Family.
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Thomas Upton My deepest condolences to the Gover family, and those who had the privilege to call Chris a friend.
I first became acquainted with Chris at 9-years-old as new additions to Glenlyon Norfolk School (GNS). We became quick allies, as we integrated into our new school and remained steadfast friends from then on. We shared many of life’s firsts and milestones of adolescent growth together.
Chris and I spent most of our youth together, cultivating many lasting memories. He had a shared love for rugby and approached contact in a fearless manner even sustaining a broken collarbone against a rival. We both enjoyed many days exploring Mt. Washington together snowboarding, constantly pushing each other to improve. Many nights were spent at the Gover’s St. Patricks street house, often accompanied by his family’s pets Bonnie and Clyde, under their watchful eyes after loading up on snacks and entertainment from Casey’s Market. Meet ups after his work-shifts at the spaghetti factory with Andrew Cook were consistently part of our weekly routine. And of course, all the times spent and memories made cruising in his family’s burgundy Oldsmobile literally to the point of the wheels coming off.
Chris had a quick stint at Oak Bay High school but this did not diminish our friendship one bit. Most days a group of Chris’ friends would walk on break to meet him half way to catch some fresh air. We both had a love and great appreciation of music starting with the Spice Girls and evolving into Iron Maiden and Lamb of God. Many songs will forever remind me of our times together.
Chris always had the inside track on all of his interests and hobbies, whether that be skateboarding, new technologies, playing the banjo, motorcycles, marksmanship, or dog training. The depth and detail of knowledge he would acquire was impressive to say the least but his willingness and patience to educate with a soft and gentle voice was truly a gift.
Chris was always loyal and willing to listen and support his friends regardless of their circumstances. He was kind, authentic, and unique. A lover of animals and people alike. I will miss him greatly and will devotedly cherish and share his impact on me forever.
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Andi Chapman I only knew Chris for a very short time but always felt a warm and loving presence whenever he was around. His love for his friends, family, and two dogs was very apparent from the conversations we had. I feel very blessed to have had even a moment with Chris.
My deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family and anyone that had the pleasure of meeting Chris.
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Darryl Jackson Chris and I had a very special relationship, and I am devastated by his passing. He will always have a special place in my heart. My condolences to his family and his many friends, who I know will miss him terribly.
Rest in peace Chris
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donna hemingson Left a huge hole in many hearts… loved you Chris
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Drew Seigel I am shocked and extremely saddened to hear about Chris’s passing. Chris was always friendly and kind when many others were not. He was a man of integrity and a man of his word. He was extremely intelligent and overcame many hurdles that would hold others back. He will be missed and not forgotten.
My deepest condolences to the Gover family.
Rest easy Chris.
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jim irvine I am heartbroken to learn about Chris’s passing. I have many fond memories of him as a part of a wonderful group of students that I enjoyed working with at school. I often tell the story of when he gave me a concussion when I foolishly joined in on a rugby practice! Rest in peace Chris, my deepest sympathy to everyone.
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Richard Calderwood We are saddened by Chris’s sudden passing. He was a kind and gentle young man who was in the process of making plans for a bright future. He was indeed very proud to have achieved his ‘Red Seal’ status in his trade and was an attentive, loving and responsible owner to Odin and Champ. Chris stayed in our home for a few months leading up to Christmas and was a thoughtful, courteous tenant. We enjoyed our dinner conversations with Chris. Our hearts go out to his family and close friends at this difficult time.
Richard and Colleen Calderwood
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Sam Watson So sorry to hear this.
Rest easy, Chris.
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Rory Say I was overcome by sadness to learn of Chris’s passing. As a childhood friend of his younger brother, Matt, I spent a very formative time of my life with the Govers, and I often and will always so fondly recall their generosity, hospitality, and genuine warmth. I remember Chris as soft-spoken but fiercely intelligent — a real individual who formed his own outlook on the world and thought for himself even from a young age. I send my deepest condolences to his family and everyone else who was privileged to be close to him.
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Matthew Gustavson Susan, Gary, Laura, and Matt — I am shocked and in tears reading about Chris’s passing.
I have so many amazing memories growing up, thick as thieves, with Chris. Whether it was the hundreds of hours we spent glued to our computers playing video games, summer days spent biking around the neighbourhood – exploring, or family dinners at the Gover house — I wouldn’t trade those days for anything.
I remember one day, I believe it was the summer between grade 5 and grade 6, when Chris and I were exploring the neighbourhood and came across a sushi restaurant opening next-door to Oakbay High School. Chris and I waited for the restaurant to open, it happened to be their first day of operations and we were their first customers. We ordered one order of kappa maki, cucumber roll, for $2.50, we split it – six pieces each, no wasabi. We came back, nearly every day for the rest of the summer ordering the exact same thing. The restaurant, Mutsuki-An, has relocated to Cadboro Bay, but the owner Nayumi – still remembers Chris and I showing up every day that summer.
I am so very sad to have fallen out of touch with Chris for a number of years. I will truly regret not reconnecting and reminiscing with him, I will miss his presence so very much.
To the Gover family, my sincere condolences.
Love,
Matthew Gustavson
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Gavin walker He was the best roommate I ever had and taught me how to be a man of my word and I respect him so much my condolences miss you Chris so much love for your family.
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Elizabeth, Alan, Andrew and Victoria Cook We are truly saddened to hear of Chris’passing. Our family knew Chris through Glenlyon school. He was a great friend to our son Andrew. We enjoyed spending time with Chris on some family vacations he joined with us. He was so easy to be with! I recall the holiday when we travelled around BC,and Chris and Andrew delighted in swimming in some ‘icy lakes’ proving they were pretty brave! Also memorable was the long bike ride we undertook together along the Kettle Valley Rail Trail.
We so enjoyed those moments!
Chris will be missed by his friends from Glenlyon. Our deepest sympathy to all of Chris’family. Caring thoughts from the Cook family.
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Ryan Say I am so shocked and saddened to hear that Chris is gone. Sending so much love to you guys through this devastating time.
Dear Susan and family,
I am very sorry to read of Christopher’s death. I did not meet him, but I remember you warmly Susan, through our nursing work. My thoughts are with you and your family,
Sincerely Elaine Lacroix