April 1, 1953 – January 13, 2022
at the age of 68 years
Christina (Chris) Harris (aged 68 yrs.) passed away January 13 at the Salmon Arm general Hospital after a brave, courageous but painful battle against a very aggressive cancer.
Chris is survived by her loving husband Tom, two sons John (Becky) Brooke and Brent (Danielle) Auria, also siblings Kathy (Wes), Nancy (Steve), Mike (Deb) and numerous nephews, nieces and their children and many other relatives and friends she knew during her life.
Married in Vancouver in 1974 Chris moved to Valleyview, Alberta to be with RCMP husband Tom. Later after their sons were born, they lived in Killam, Morinville and St. Albert, Alberta.
In 2009 after husband Tom had retired Chris who was an Edmonton accountant semi retired and they moved back to BC. (Blind Bay) She retained some Alberta clients and continued to provide them accounting services from Blind Bay.
Chris loved animals both small and large. Approximately 11 years ago Chris visited the Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge near Chase, BC. She fell in love with the gentle and loving donkeys and volunteered to help the owners/ founders in whatever way she could…. accounting, fundraising and donkey care and was passionately involved with the refuge until her death.
Chris always enjoyed sewing and joined some of the local quilting groups and over the years crafted numerous beautiful quilts for herself, family and friends. She enjoyed her time with the quilters and made numerous great friends…
Another joy in her life was spending as much time as she could with her granddaughter Auria in Blind Bay.
Chris and Tom loved to travel and over the years together they were lucky enough to travel to many exotic locations in the world. On a few occasions they traveled with friends and relatives and had many exciting fun-filled vacations. Her favorite destinations were in Mexico, and most favorite city to visit was Las Vegas Nevada….
Chris really enjoyed movies and almost every Saturday afternoon her and Tom could be seen at the Salmar Grand theater in Salmon Arm.
Chris will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
The Harris family wishes to thank the wonderful and caring doctors, nurses and staff at the Salmon Arm General Hospital. With special thanks to Salmon Arm doctors, Heunis, Glanville and Main. And, also doctor Ellard and her staff at the Cancer Center at the Kelowna General Hospital.
Chris’s wishes were for cremation, no service, no flowers or cards but instead should you wish donations to the Turtle Valley Donkey refuge would be appreciated.
Tom, John, Brent and families,
I am so sorry to hear that Chris has passed away. I found out when I received Turtle Creek Donkey Refuge’s annual Christmas newsletter.
I hope you all find comfort in knowing that Chris remains, forever in your hearts and memories, forever.
I knew of Chris through the Donkey Refuge, and was aware of how much she loved and cared for the donkeys. I’m so very sorry for your family’s loss; though I never had a chance to meet her, it is obvious that she was a wonderful, wonderful person.
My deepest condolences to Tom, John, Brent and families. I met Tom first in Valleyview when he was stationed with Dale a bit later he brought his fiancé to our house to meet. There isn’t enough room to write all the stories of the great times we had. Hooking rugs while the guys worked and laughing hysterically. Gun fights across the street. Her bouncing Tim on her lap when I was a stressed out new mom and she helped me so often. Our children are both named after the Harris’ and Chris will be missed in my heart. I’m assuming her and Tim can meet in the great hunting ground and she can see what an awesome man he turned into because of her help. Your in my heart forever. Tom take care of yourself.
We will you miss you my friend and we look forward to meeting you again in the Donkey fields on the other side. Our sincerest condolences to Tom , John, Brent and family.
My condolences to all of Chris’s family at this sad time. We first met Chris several years ago when we discovered the Donkey Refuge. She was an amazing and most caring person and she will be missed by so many. I will never, ever forget her beautiful smiling face.
We are so sorry to hear of Chris’ passing, we miss our days on Lavoie where we could say hello to Chris, Tom and Cheeka on their walks. We regret we lost touch after moving.
Tom, we are so sorry for your family’s loss.
Burke & I send our deepest condolences to Tom and his family. We feel privileged to have met Chris and to have had such a kind, thoughtful, caring, special person as a friend. She will be missed by everyone, including the donkeys. She will always be in our thoughts.
Really sorry Chris has left this world. Chris and I met in 2019 at the Donkey Refuge and friendship came easy. I admired her zest for life, how she loved her family, friends and everything about the donkeys. I was amazed at the hours she spent “for the love of donkeys”.
Chris was smart, witty, inquisitive, caring, committed and gave everything her all. Genuine beautiful soul. I will cherish the memories of her.
My sincere condolences to family and friends. Hope happy memories of Chris help you heal.
Will miss dear Chris, my coffee buddy, my quilt buddy.
We had a short but close friendship sharing our stories , our love for quilting, and family.
Rest In Peace ❤️
I am so so sad. I met Chris through the Donkey Farm. She was a tireless volunteer not to mention one of the nicest and kindest humans I have ever come into contact with. Thank you Chris for being such a good human. You will be missed.
I am so sorry for your loss. For us that knew Chris when she was in Edmonton, she brought an atmosphere of hope and love whenever we got together. She will be missed.
Our hearts are broken…
We will miss you like crazy Darlin’…
Thank you for being in our lives!
We love you!
Take care Tom and family. My best thoughts to you all. I am told that this too shall pass.
I did not personally know Christina having only met her twice. However, being a friend of Tom’s it was apparent to me that you were meant for each other. The goodness, the kindness, and the understanding was and is in your DNA. Chris found beauty in the Donkeys’ and cared for them with love and understanding. The same animal that ‘The Blessed Virgin Mary’ rode to the Town of Bethlehem — such Blessed company — they gave Chris so much pleasure.
Tom, cherish the memories you shared but stay strong as you go ahead. Please accept my condolences.
GOD Bless
We met Chris just after she married Tom, the love of her life. We spent hours with them and were so very fortunate to remain close friends thru our transfers. We will miss Chris and her friendship, caring and humour. I think we grew up together and were able to laugh at all our crazy attempts to behave without going into tirades of giggles.
I am so glad she is no longer in pain and resting in peace surrounded by her dogs, kittens and the donkeys. Bob and I will miss Chris immensely.. she was an amazing friend.
Sending love to Tom, John and Brent and your families.
Our deepest condolences Tom. Chris was a amazing wife , mother and person! Rest In Peace Chris !
Your friends
Barb Hope & Tony ANDREANA
Kelowna , BC
Warm condolences from our home, to your family.
Jeanne & Sly
Too soon has Chris been taken from this world, but still her spirit remains with us always. The memories we share are rich with her passion and drive. The legacies she left covers the multitude of the love and understanding she had towards family, friends and those she encountered. I met her Mom who had the same feisty spirit which Chris reflected in life’s journey. She fought every day with determination and drive, showed happiness until the pain overcame her. Now she rests peacefully on the other side of the veil, a new journey begins for her and for those remaining here as well. We all share the sorrow of your passing, but we find joy in the memories you left us with, thank you.
Sincerest condolences to Tom, John, Brent and their Families.
Brian Brady – Edmonton