Chris McGarrigle
August 27th, 2020
It is with sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Chris McGarrigle. He was born in a small fishing town of Blacks Harbour some 48 years ago to Mary and Elmer Bustard. Over the years the family lived in several cities and towns in New Brunswick from Blacks Harbour, Doaktown and Fredricton. Chris grew up with his two brothers Raymond and Kirk. He loved playing practical jokes on the two of them. Chris came from a large family with his parents having multiple siblings, it left him with numerous relations (too many to count). He graduated high school from Fredericton high amongst thousands of others. He went on to study agriculture at Woodstock college with big dreams ahead. He was a thinker, his mind always racing which left him looking for something new and interesting all the time. This led him to have a wide range of jobs from doing the retorts at the Brunswick sardine factory(multiple family members worked in the same factory) to different night clubs in New Brunswick as a fun promoter, a dealer at a casino to a finishing carpenter. Chris was a charmer, people were drawn to him and his welcoming smile, a wheeler and a dealer. Chris was extremely close to his grandparents on his mothers side Lorne and Donaldine McGarrigle even moving in with them in his senior year of high school. Chris and a couple of friends in his later years got the itch and idea to try a new adventure by moving out west. They moved to the opposite side of the country, settling in downtown Vancouver in one of the roughest areas, renting a room at the old American hotel. He would tell stories of buying and or trading cheese and other hot commodities in the bar. One of Chris’s prized possessions from that time that he still has, was a marble book end with a brass monkey ornament. Honestly there is no decor that this item would fit in with. He said it was multi-purposed as it could also be used as a weapon if needed. Chris moved from downtown into a bit more of the suburbs living in Coquitlam then to south Surrey. He made friends easily in BC and joined a slow pitch league out of the Green Timbers pub. This is where he met Kelly telling his friend I’m going to be with that girl and it went from there. Their relationship progressed really quickly due to unforeseen circumstances of a slow pitch facial injury then a condo fire forcing them to move in together quickly. They lived from Chilliwack to Pitt Meadows to South Surrey to Cloverdale then ending again in South Surrey. Chris and Kelly have two strong willed, stubborn kids Abrielle and Dryden. He was so excited to become a dad and didn’t shy away from responsibilities when it came to the kids from feeding and changing them. Going so far one time, thinking Abby was having a hard time breathing due to a cold, that he placed his mouth over her nose and sucked. True dad thing to do. As the kids grew, he became involved in coaching their sports teams always having a passion for the game of softball and baseball. He was always proud of their accomplishments in sports, academics, pretty much everything they did. Chris loved to fish and on many occasions you could catch him and Dryden at night after a rain storm with their flashlights out on the lawn trying to catch night crawlers for the next fishing adventure. We can only imagine what the neighbours thought. Chris and Dryden shared a common love for the Montréal Canadiens as per Drydens namesake. They could be caught watching a game together with their jerseys on. Even up til the end this year they were still hoping for A Canadiens win even placing some bets. Chris loved to shop, which he seems to have inherited from his mom Mary. He enjoyed a day of thrifting and revelled in the deals that he found, this was evident in the mass quantity of clothes in his possession and the numerous tools and oddities. Chris loved food, not necessarily cooking it, but definitely eating it. He was a hotdog connoisseur. Always trying a hotdog no matter where he went. He always said IKEA‘s were the best, probably because you got two and a drink for $1.50 appealing to his frugal side. Chris loved animals of all kinds, from his bird smoky, an African gray parrot to his multiple cats and several dogs and they loved him. He was a night owl, a trait continued on by his two kids. Chris was that kinda guy that was always willing to help, always doing for others. Helping out the little guy and standing up for what wasn’t right. He enjoyed discussing politics and lived for CNN. When the Trump administration came in, he was glued to that channel and would constantly update others, no matter if they wanted to know or not. Chris is predeceased by his father Elmer, and grandparents on both sides. He is survived by his two children Abrielle and Dryden their mom Kelly, brothers Ray and Kirk, mother Mary, and numerous family members and friends. We take solace in the fact that he is now at peace and finally able to get a good nights rest.
A private service will be held on Wednesday, September 9. There will be viewings the same day for one hour each between 10 to 11, and 11 to 12. Due to Covid, the number of people able to attend is limited. Please contact Kelly prior to attendance at the viewings.”
Messages:
Have a lot of great memories with Chris hanging out at the lake and in the harbour during our teenage years.You are gone too soon,rest easy old friend.
May GOD give you All peace and comfort as you go through this difficult time, and know that my prayers and thoughts are with the family.
What a wonderful tribute to Chris. Remember Chris as a youngest in Blacks Harbour hanging out with Scott and the boys. Always had lots of energy and laughter. Gone way too soon.
I wish the right words could be found Mary to help ease your pain. Unfortunately there are none. We can not even begin to understand the pain you are going through. Keeping you in our thoughts, our hearts and our prayers. May God bless you and give you the strength you need during such a difficult time.
My condolences to Chris’s family. Your in my thoughts and prayers. Chris was a great guy and will be sadly missed.
Rest In Peace my friend...I know you'll be gunning them down from deep center field on that field of dreams
my heart hurts . To soon my cousin to leave. To his kids and wife and family hugs . A piece of you will always be here ❤
What a said time, Chris was always a very happy guy who was willing to help whoever needed it. Condolences he will be missed by all.
We extend our sincerest condolences to you Mary, Raymond, Kirk and families. We will have you all in our thought and prayers. Mary, over the years we have lived apart but I remember your kindness to me as a young girl. I wish I could give you a huge hug right now. My hearts goes out to you all.
Condolences to all of Chris’s family, particularly Kelly, Abby & Dryden. Chris was full of life and always had a great smile while in conversation with him. We shared a love for the Montreal Canadians hockey team and our kids softball. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Remember all the good times you shared together. He will be missed!!
I am so sorry for your loss.Please except my deepest condolences.❤️
Mary and family. We are so sorry to hear the passing of Chris he sure had a beautiful smile and a nice young man sending much love and prayers to you all.
So sorry to hear of Chris passing. Hugs and prayers to Mary and the rest of the family.
So very sorry for your loss used to play softball with Chris and worked with him at Connors Bros.He will be missed by many people.
Sincere condolences about Chris. I remember him well as a kid. When he came to His grandparents to visit and also when he stayed with them. He had so much respect for them. He came from great roots. Thoughts and prayers are with you Mary and all the family. Hugs
Knowing Chris for many years growing up in Blacks Harbour, going to school together and working in the plant together. A great person and great soul. He will be deeply missed. Thoughts and prayers for his family and friends!!
Our sincere sympathy to Mary and family! May God wrap you in His arms of comfort! Hugs and Prayers,
This is a beautiful tribute of Chris! I’m so sorry for everybody’s loss Chris was truly an amazing person always made you smile even at the worst times. Always have memories to cherish of Chris coming home to Nb for a visit! Rest in peace Chris
Please accept my condolences for your loss. Remembering Chris as a very polite and charming young man. Praying for the Lord to wrap you all in His comforting embrace.
I met Chris through Kelly and had the chance to play ball with them. What a hoot that was. However to think that he MIGHT HAVE been wearing that Canadians t shirt under his jersey PAINS ME.. LOL.. I know Chris would get a kick out of that. I am sad for his family but so much more the kids. May he rest in peace and enjoy that rest he finally gets. Gone far too young.....
I remember Chris, Raymond and Kirk as young boys in Doaktown. They were full of energy and always doing something. I lost touch with them when I moved away but always remembered them. Sorry to see him go so young in life but I’ll always remember him. RIP cousin. To Kirk, Raymond, Mary and Chris’s family is send you my condolences.
So sadden to hear this.. My condolences to the family.. To his wife and children, hugs and prayers are with you.. Blacks Harbour friend, Joanne ❤
I’m sooo very sorry for the loss of your Son Mary & all the Family .Sending you all my Prayers & Love ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Prayers and Thoughts are with you all at this sad and difficult time. Remembering all the wonderful memories you all made together and the family gathers and the good times will give you comfort in his absence. God Bless you all .
He will always be remembered for his quick whit and captivating smile. Rest in piece my dear cousin. Thoughts and prayers to Mary and family.
So sorry for your lose ,love you guys ,
I grew up with Chris and the boys in Blacks Harbour and have so many fond memories of our childhood. I was deeply sorry to hear of his passing.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I just want you all to know you are in my heart, thoughts and prayers. I send you all love and strength and may all your memories bring you some comfort
I grew up with Chris and worked with him at the plant. He was always a blast to be around. Heart felt condolences to his wife,children and family
Chris was a wonderful friend to me. When I lost my grandmother he told me that you never get over it, you just get better at dealing with it. He will forever be loved and missed. RIP my dear friend.
It breaks my heart to know a man so full of life and still had lots to contribute is gone so young. I will not attend his service leaving room for his immediate family and close friends but know My heart goes out to Chris’s family and all who loved him. May you rest in peace Chris.
Our prayers and heartfelt hugs n love to you all.
To the whole family...remembering Chris was that handsome smile..always very polite...We are heartbroken over your loss...Mary,especially...I send you my love and prayers...xox
So very sorry to hear Chris had passed away. Condolences to Mary and all of Chris's family. ❤️
So very sorry to hear of Chris's passing !!! He was a wonderful nephew who loved his New Brunswick family very much !!! Thank goodness we have memories that will sustain all of you in the coming weeks !!! Wish we could be there for you to lean on !! Our thoughts and prayers are with you Mary, Kelly, Abby, Dryden, Raymond and Kirk and all his friends in B.C. May our precious Lord wrap Him in His arms and may Chris finally be at peace !!!
This is a lovely tribute to Chris and his many adventures in life. His best efforts were in the making of his beloved kids Abby and Dryden, who he loved very much. Will hold onto the sweet memories we have of him and send love to all in his family.
Mary & Family, I'm sorry to hear about Chris. He was truly a sweetheart and such a gentleman. He will be definately be missed. Love you Mary and wishing I was closer. Know you and the family are in my thoughts and prays. Xoxoxo