CHRISTOPHER ANDREW BROCK

Condolences & Memories (48 entries)

• Chris, you were a great guy, and you introduced me to the wonders of Neil Young. You had a beautiful spirit, and I am sorry you are gone. - Posted by: Carol Hutchinson (Friend) on: Aug 17, 2022

• I just heard of the passing of Christopher Brock. Chris made himself available to Lawyers who were experiencing stress and needed to talk. I was amused when we had coffee, or spoke and he mostly talked about himself and about his love of music. This had the effect of putting me at ease and making me feel better. This is a great loss to the profession and to humanity, in general. The greatest of condolences to Mr. Brock and his wife. - Posted by: Robin Zeiss (Colleague) on: Mar 24, 2020

• My sincere condolences to the Brock family on the passing of your beloved son Chris. I just learned of Chris untimely death. My memories of Chris are mostly of his younger years. He was a mischievous and loveable young man. From everything I have read here I can see he grew into an intelligent caring and well loved man. - Posted by: Cathy Sheppard (Family friend (nee Charne)) on: Mar 23, 2017

• So saddened to hear of Chris' death. Chris introduced us to the Maah Daah Hey trail in North Dakota. Mountain biking there with him, and sharing his passion for the land was a true gift. We will always remember sitting around the campfire at night while he serenaded us with his talented guitar playing and his stories. He was truly larger than life. As neighbours for so many years with the "Brock street Brocks", our heartfelt condolences to the whole family. - Posted by: Esther and Gyula Gergely (Friends/neighbours/mountain biking colleagues) on: Jan 26, 2017

• Eulogy delivered at Christopher's funeral January 17, 2017: When asked what he came into this world to do, the playwright Émile Zola said : “I came to live out loud”. Well, if that doesn’t sound like somebody we know. Giraffe skin boots, a collection of Jerry Garcia ties, bowler hats... GQ he was not, but, no-one would say that my brother did not have a distinct, albeit unique, style.Chris was larger than life. Mom made me laugh a few weeks back when she told me how Chris had gone to pick her up from a coffee with some friends. Chris entered, with a loud “HOWDY MA”. He gave greetings to those present, and made ready to leave with mom. One of mom’s friends, who had not met Chris before, was apparently rather concerned that she was going to leave with this man. Mom reassured her friend, with a gentle pat on the arm and the statement that Chris was “[...]actually quite intelligent”. My mother, ever a master of understatement. Chris was not well the week before last. After a full seven days, I was surprised that he was still so low energy. We had been texting between us last Saturday morning when I sent him a reminder to change his bed sheets, advice courtesy of both my medical training and twenty-three years’ experience raising two sons.Prepared as ever, he let me know that he’d booked off an appropriate amount of time for the activity - all afternoon. We continued to exchange messages, and he seemed to be in otherwise high spirits. When I mentioned later that I was at the Golf Dome, he said: “You should watch the Munsters golf episode where Hermun smacks that golf ball right around the planet!” That was the last text I would ever get from him. Death comes, like a thief in the night. Mom always said that Christopher loved attention. Loved it when people gathered in his name. Well Chris, you have a full house today! I have no doubt that Christopher is cruisin among the stars ,with Papa Joe on one side, and John Burns on the other, looking down on this service with that infectious smile of his ,and lovin every minute of it . Christopher was never about the destination. It was the journey that mattered to him, and the experiences earned along the way. So for now, travel well my brother- you’ve earned it. Addendum: People asked me what I would miss most about my brother Christopher. The question in and of itself was overwhelming to me because, quite simply, there is nothing I won’t miss about Christopher. Chris, I imagine you giving me one of those big bear hugs of yours with that famous double back slap, which would shortly send more business to your dentist if you had any loose dental work. You never failed to convey a sense of security and love with those hugs. Chris, I know you are in a good place, and it is together in a framework of love and support that we will move ahead. Onwards! - Posted by: Marie Brock (Sister) on: Jan 20, 2017

• Chris will be missed by his loving family and many friends. What a wonderful tribute the family paid to Chris today at his funeral. We are all a little richer for having such wonderful person in our lives. Our thoughts are with the Brock family during this very difficult time. - Posted by: Nora Cristall (nee Burns) () on: Jan 17, 2017

• I first meet Chris when he was a law student and I work at the Land Titles Office. He was more than just another green horn than many other articling students. Chris always was a truly great person to deal with. - Posted by: Grant D. Scott (long time working relastionship) on: Jan 17, 2017

• Eulogy for Chris Brock at St John Brebeuf "The ornaments of a house are the friends who frequent it," wrote Ralph Waldo Emerson. Today we see in this packed "house of the lord" that we are Chris Brock's ornaments. Sure Chris was an avid collector, but what mattered most to him were people and relationships. This service, in Chris' memory, attended by so many, testifies to the profoundly meaningful life he shared with us. As he was fond of saying " this is the life we have chosen", is the reason why so many of us honour him today. The foundation of my relationship with Chris began many years before our respective births, when two university students at United College, Donald Brock and Chris Cholakis met, became friends and as sincere friends do, began a lifelong journey of sharing experiences and milestones. Each found the love of their lives with Don marrying Joanne Holden and Chris marrying Lillian Paulos. Not before long Chris and I were born. This was followed by Chris' siblings Marie, Madeline, Jimmy and my sister Anna. While not cousins by definition we were family. Summers were spent at the Brock Camp at the Lake of the Woods. Within an idyllic setting, we were showered with love and witnessed first hand: hard work, industry, integrity, humility, imaginative storytelling, good cooking and fellowship. Chris was a gifted child. Bright and energetic almost to a fault my mother used to say, mischievous, fun loving and very endearing to his co-conspirators. With a tolerance for risk he lived life to the fullest. An early fan of comics, fireworks and model airplanes his interests later in life transitioned to the Grateful Dead, the Grand Ole Opry, tie dye shirts and Martin Guitars. His infectious interests soon became your interests. Like all of us Chris had his fair share of challenges. However this period of struggle became the foundation for his resiliency. Tempered, he became a person of great conscience extending a helping hand to many. Chris was devoted to his family. He dearly loved his parents, siblings and nephews. He was great fun, a story teller, and an adventurer who adored the roar of his Harley to mountain biking in the Badlands. His talents extended to music, playing and making guitars, banjos and other stringed instruments. His talents knew no boundaries. He possessed a strength of character, a wonderment for life, a thirst for knowledge and experiences that defined him. Yes he was hilarious but in a way that celebrated our frailties. He had this innate and sincere ability to make people feel good about themselves in his presence. He loved people and it showed in everything he did. He was selfless. He was a brilliant lawyer, but his business card simply said "human being". Fifty six years old, purpose built, an intellectual, a lover of life and a giver. His true loss, is reserved for those that never met him. For the rest of us we are richer for having had Chris in our lives. I know we will miss him terribly, but for me, those Saturday morning breakfasts at the Garwood Grill filled with stories of setting the ships adrift to launching a blazing boat to sea or meeting Neil Young at an Arizona gas station by telling him that "that I'm from Winnipeg too" will never fade. Chris Brock-May your memory be eternal. - Posted by: Ernest Cholakis (Friend) on: Jan 17, 2017

• My thoughts and prayers are with the Brock family. - Posted by: Michael Silicz (SPCF) on: Jan 17, 2017

• My sincere and deepest condolences, was a pleasure to have had dealings with him and his family. My prayers are with you Jim and Marie and family. - Posted by: Janice Pound () on: Jan 17, 2017

• A special man, with special gifts, who had a great way of making you feel good. His laugh was infectious, and one could not help but join in when Chris started in on some fun. There are many of us who met Chris as part of the "other family" His service work and love for his fellows was exceptional. He will never lose his chair in any room. I personally saw Chris the middle of December, and we had a wonderful chat about old times serving together. Now this will be one of my own lasting memories. I am so grateful to have known such a gentle soul. Good Night dear Chris. - Posted by: JoAnne L. (Friend) on: Jan 17, 2017

• Sincere condolences to Chris' dear Family and many Friends. Running into Chris over the years was a delight, and his kindnesses to my Cousin, Gord, and his Mother, both as a lawyer, mentor and friend, shall not be forgotten. The last time we met, he regaled me with having met one of his heroes, Neil Young, at a gas station in California, on one of Chris' Harley excursions. He was definitely starry-eyed, and I was so happy that he again found pleasure in all the little serendipitous moments in life. We shall remember him as a kind person of character and strength, full of joy and hope. - Posted by: VIctoria Lehman (Friend and colleague) on: Jan 16, 2017

• Chris and I were friends for a brief time, or at least for a brief time our lives crossed paths on a regular basis, but if you knew Chris – even a brief friendship was somehow a lasting friendship. He had a way of making you feel like you were his best friend at that moment. He was gregarious, funny, generous, caring, and compassionate. This news saddens me greatly. He was at our home in the past year – helping with some legal matters – but he never wanted us to come to his office – insisted on popping in for a visit and having a cup of tea, doing some business, followed by his interest in knowing how we were – how the rest of our family was – and then he would update us with his latest adventure. Always seeing the beauty in life and meeting people along the way. That’s kind of how he led his life – seeing the good. My deepest condolences to the Brock family. His life force will continue to shine. His star was so bright in life - that his leaving will never dull it's luminosity. - Posted by: Kim Stefaniuk (Friend) on: Jan 16, 2017

• Exactly one week ago I was told by 2 friends that Chris had died. I refused to believe it. I had just days before talked to my friend. We were setting up a guitar nite as was our way. I am deeply troubled that Chris died. He had so much more to offer to all of us. He was the consummate story teller, purveyor of great humour, one of the most talented guitarists in Winnipeg and a truly dear man. I do not know why he had to leave his family who loved him so. As one of his many friends, I will talk about him in the years ahead and recall truly how great a friend I had in him. I will miss you so much buddy. Mike Cook. Friend and colleague. - Posted by: MIKE COOK (Friend and fellow lawyer) on: Jan 15, 2017

• Don, Joanne and Family So sorry to hear of the passing of Chris. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Don and Joyce Sobering and family - Posted by: Don and Joyce Sobering () on: Jan 15, 2017

• I first met Chris while a member of the Board of Directors for the Main Street Project. What a genuine caring person he was. He truly brought his skills and deep sense of community involvement to bear with passion and integrity. I learned from him and am a much better person for having known him. So many have been touched by his person, he will greatly missed. Condolences to the family and his numerous friends. - Posted by: Gary Walker (Friend) on: Jan 15, 2017

• So very sorry to hear of Chris' passing. I have fond memories from our university days of his wry, slightly wicked sense of humor...may he rest in peace. Heartfelt condolences. - Posted by: Sonia M. Lismer () on: Jan 15, 2017

• I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Brock family. Chris was one of my dearest friends. We shared many great times together which most often included laughter. I will miss his warm smile and so many other beautiful things about him. He will be missed by many but the love remains. - Posted by: Sharon Nerbas (Friend) on: Jan 15, 2017

• I first met Chris when I worked as a boat boy at Bell & Anchor Marina on Lake of the Woods. A small runabout was approaching fast from Coney Island and I went out on the dock to help meet the boat and tie up. It seemed the small boat would never slow down, and it never did, swerving at the last moment to splash a huge wake across the marina docks, and me. In spite of that soggy first encounter, we went on to enjoy may happy times and adventures together upon the lake and elsewhere, often after hours. I will miss the gift of Chris's friendship and his ebullient spirit. My deepest condolences to the Brock family for the loss of Christopher. - Posted by: John McKinnon (Friend) on: Jan 14, 2017

• Don & Joanne: such a shock to hear of Chris's death. My very deepest sympathy to you both and to Marie, Madeline, Jim and their families. I knew Chris as a nieghbour on Brock St. and also at the U of M where we shared a few classes. I enjoyed Chris very much especially his neat sense of humour. - Posted by: Forbes George (Brock St Neighbour) on: Jan 14, 2017

• Well liked by classmates and a team player in a grade 10 class I taught at St. Paul's. I remember fond stories about his grandfather, a lawyer as I recall, and he wanted to follow in his footsteps. My sincere condolences to the family. James Wyndels retired educator & historian Ottawa-Carleton District school Board - Posted by: james (former grade 10 teacher) on: Jan 13, 2017

• Our deepest condolences to the Brock family - Chris will be greatly missed but always in our hearts. The memories over the years - at least 40 of them - at the lake, painting boathouses, having fun with ole Hap, lap time at the Pan Am, and of course the sober years. Farewell my friend. McD - Posted by: Donald H McDonald (Friend ) on: Jan 13, 2017

• I worked with both Donald and Chris many many years back at Tupper & Adams. What a wonderful person with a wicked sense of humour, My heart goes out to the entire Brock family. RIP Chris. - Posted by: Wanda Kolida (nee Groening) (Past Co-worker / friend ) on: Jan 13, 2017

• Hugs and prayers are sent to the Brock family. - Posted by: Frank and liz (Friend of the family) on: Jan 13, 2017

• Our deepest condolences and prayers to the Brock family. Chris has been my closest friend for over 20 years. We shared a long journey in the recovery fellowship ,along with a friendship that also encompassed years of being part of my family. Family dinners and trips to the cabin in Minnesota will never be the same. We had endless talks about guitars, music, cowboy boots,and books- always with his silly wacky humour. We were fortunate in the last few years to take several road trips on our Harley's- to the southwest and pacific coast. He was never one to shy away from the struggles and defeats of others. He truly 'walked the walk' and helped others to find and continue the miracle. His tenacity of spirit and love for others never diminished. We love you and miss you Chris. Patty Medd and family- Matthew, Julia, and Brian - Posted by: Patty Medd (Friend) on: Jan 13, 2017

• Wow...the world has lost a very unique man indeed. Chris was a kind hearted soul, a great story teller, a heck of a lot of fun to be around...and somebody who put you at ease with his warm smile and sense of humanity. He will be genuinely missed by all. - Posted by: Reg (Bill) Wightman (Freind and Classmate) on: Jan 13, 2017

• Wow Chris, you always had to blaze your own path but even for you this was a little out there – I guess it’s too late to tell you to rein it in a little. But then it wouldn’t have been you. I am so sad Chris. I will miss our free-flow thought conversations and discussions about the books we shared. We sure laughed a lot, didn’t we? And you had such unique perspectives on life’s challenges. I’ll never forget the Option B solution you provided me when Nadja was being stalked (pragmatic - yes, effective – definitely, legal – maybe not in Canada, but oh so comforting to consider under the circumstances!). And who will I talk to about our shared childhood experiences? Guess I’ll have to wait until we meet again. Say hello to Aunty Helen and my dad for me. Love Jennifer - Posted by: Jennifer Shamess (cousin) on: Jan 13, 2017

• My memories of Chris recall him as the oldest,livliest member of the family of four children for whom I was a baby-sitter in the '60's. He was always so full of enthusiasm and fun - a leader of the pack. I am so very sorry to hear of his passing. I can only offer my condolences to the family at this profoundly sad time. - Posted by: Margaret Graham (Dwyer) (Friend) on: Jan 13, 2017

• Shock, dismay and sadness is an understatement of our reaction to Chris's passing. He was a true friend, mentor, and support to us. He will be sorely missed. Our condolences to all his family and friends. - Posted by: Parker HD Paula Fillmore (Friends) on: Jan 13, 2017

• Brock Family: Sending my sincere condolences on this difficult loss of Chris. His kind soul and lively spirit will no doubt be dearly missed. Please know I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Deirdre Egan ( Brock Street Neighbor) - Posted by: Deirdre Egan (Family Friend ) on: Jan 13, 2017

• My thoughts and prayers are with the Brock family. RIP "Brother C" - Posted by: Neil Herie () on: Jan 13, 2017

• My condolences to the Brock family. I first met Chris in 1981 as first year law students. We had an immediate bond over lake of the woods, music and, occasionally, beer. Chris was a prince of a guy. Kind, generous to a fault and funny. He saw the humour in everything. We kept in touch as best we could over the many years since. Much more recently, we enjoyed some road trips to see a band we liked. He snored terribly and was sometimes a terrifying driver while texting. But, he still had that wonderful sense of fun. Whenever we commiserated over our mutual occupation, he would say: "but Stephen, this is the life we have chosen" and we would both burst out laughing. He was a wonderful friend. I will miss him terribly. - Posted by: Steve Vincent (Friend) on: Jan 12, 2017

• It has been many years since I last saw Chris. Very sad to hear of his passing. Wonderful person. My condolences to his friends and family. Tom Harrison Class of 1984 - Posted by: Tom Harrison (Classmate and friend.) on: Jan 12, 2017

• I had the good fortune of striking a long friendship with Chris in my younger years and we shared many experiences and laughs together. He had a unique sense of humor and developed a profound outlook on life as an adult. He was thoughtful and kind and smiled easily. Rest peacefully my friend. My thoughts and hope for peace go out to your family and others close to you. - Posted by: Alan Grant (Friend) on: Jan 12, 2017

• We have all lost a multi-talented man with a whimsical sense of humour and generous disposition. The planet is diminished in, oh so many ways as a result of Chris's untimely passing. To honour Brockie, slip on some Drive By Truckers or Grateful Dead (any live bootleg - he might have been in attendance) . Listen raptly. And smile. - Posted by: Don George (Classmate and friend) on: Jan 12, 2017

• I met Chris over three, maybe four, decades ago when we were all friends coming out of high school. Many laughs, good cheer and adventures were shared by our close group of friends during those days. Many of us are still in touch and we will remember Chris always when we get together in the years to come. Here's to your quick smile and kind heart Chris. I am very sad to see you go. And to Chris's family, I send my thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Lorraine Ashdown (friend) on: Jan 11, 2017

• Thanks Chris. All the best to the Brock family. - Posted by: Gord Watts (Friend) on: Jan 11, 2017

• I am so sorry to hear the news about Chris. I still remember meeting Chris, for the first time, in my articling interview as he wore a colorful tie dyed t-shirt. I have kept in touch with Chris for twenty-plus years and have been inspired by his personal strength and sense of humor. My condolences to the Brock family. - Posted by: Brad Favel (Friend) on: Jan 11, 2017

• My very deepest sympathy to you, Joanne and Don, and to Marie, Madeline and Jim and their families. You are in my thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Kathy Sullivan () on: Jan 11, 2017

• My prayers and deepest condolences go out to Donald and Joanne and the Brock family for the loss of their beloved son Chris. I have been blessed to have known Chris for over fifty years and not only did I consider him to be my friend but my brother as well, he will be truly missed. - Posted by: Ted Charne (friend) on: Jan 11, 2017

• So saddened to hear of the loss of my best and most cherished friend of over 28 years. Words alone cannot even begin to express how much I'm actually gonna miss "getting stuck" listening to him playing his new guitars for hours on end. Lost count after the 13th or 14th one Lol Chris, thank you for all you've done for the entire Churchill family. Always was and always will be your number one fan Play on my friend, play on. - Posted by: Scott Churchill (friend for 28 years) on: Jan 11, 2017

• On behalf of my mom, Dorothy Lother and our entire family, we offer heart felt condolences to Don and Joanne and all those close to Chris over his untimely passing. What a shock to hear this news. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to you. - Posted by: Carla Lother (Friend) on: Jan 11, 2017

• So sorry for your loss. Chris had a ready smile and was a lovely guy. We had many laughs at the old Bar Association smokers and whenever we bumped into each other over the years, took our time catching up. It was always time well spent. I'll miss him. - Posted by: Mark O'Neill (friend) on: Jan 10, 2017

• My prayers go out to the Brock family. Chris will be missed by the entire Carty Family and anyone else lucky enough to have known him. - Posted by: Rebecca Carty. (Friend) on: Jan 10, 2017

• My condolences to the Brock family A beautiful guy - Posted by: Brian Taylor (Friend) on: Jan 10, 2017

• My very deepest condolences to you, Don & Joanne and your Family on Chris's passing. He will be truly missed by all. Bette Westall - Posted by: Bette Westall (Friend) on: Jan 10, 2017

• Our warm thoughts and prayers to the Brock family. He was a delight to be around. - Posted by: John Quinton (Classmate & Friend) on: Jan 10, 2017

• We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Chris's passing. We have many fond memories of him. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very difficult time. - Posted by: Karen & Bob Scales and Family (Cousin) on: Jan 10, 2017