In Memory of

Christopher

Blair

Eugene

"Chris"

Renaud

Obituary for Christopher Blair Eugene "Chris" Renaud

Christopher Blair Renaud
My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.
August 20, 1952 – May 12, 2018

Chris Renaud was born in Fort Frances, Ontario, lived out his life in Calgary, Alberta, and in between was a world traveler. Later in life he and his wife Linda made Puerto Vallarta a second home. Chris is predeceased by his grandparents Mammy and Pappy, his niece Cailey, and his brother Brian.

In his travels, Chris saw Europe from the Alps to the bottom of Italy and further down to Morocco. He often spoke of living in the caves of Morocco and bartering for oranges in the market. His best travel story, however, is with his lifelong friend Bobby Lovell during their stay in Brussels where they were mistaken for kidnappers. He casually wrote his mother about how they were taken at gunpoint for questioning. As he would tell, if you read the description of their appearance and their vehicle, they were an exact match for two villains that abducted the daughter of an important official. Luckily for them, they were not the bad guys and were eventually released. The tales of working at Continental Campers in Amsterdam were another great source of laughter. Did you know he taught yoga in California? Though short, Chris’s life was as full as a life can be.

The biggest part of Chris’s life was his family and friends. These people were what he lived for. His mother Bev raised a strong, giving, big-hearted man. His love for her was without reservation. Sisters Barb and Chris could have you laughing so hard you were crying. In 1998 he finally convinced Linda to go on a date with him. Chris and his wife Linda lived in sin as they say for many years, but 18 years later, he finally proposed. Their wedding on June 3, 2017 was about as perfect as one could hope for, and their love was clear to see. At this point Chris's diagnosis of pancreatic cancer had everyone holding their breath and hoping for positive treatment.

Losing his niece Cailey and brother Brian over the previous 2 years had brought Chris such a sense of loss, but he held on to the family that remained. Chris has a daughter Cara (Vern) and 4 grandchildren, Kris, Jesse, Alex and Auryanna. When Kris and Jesse were younger and came to visit, babysitting came naturally to Chris. . . after being given $20 each, they would be dropped off at Canada Olympic Park for the day and left to learn how to ski or snowboard. Over the last few years Kris and Jesse had moved to Calgary, giving them and Chris a chance to get to really know each other. Cailey’s sister Carlin brought great nephew Geo into this world with her husband Yvan. Geo can light up a room and never failed to bring joy to Chris’s day. Over the last few years, Chris stepped in to be the guardian angel for nephew Robert Tracy Wells. This was task that at times seemed overwhelming, but Chris's big heart just made room for the challenge.

Nothing stopped Chris's sense of humor. Part of what made him the self-proclaimed "Second Most Interesting Man in the World" was his great twisted sense of humor. One could never be sure when “Stealthy Guy” would be hiding around a corner, ready to pop out for that primal scream effect, or coming up with a witticism that kept you pondering all day. If you wanted to play Crib with him, he would always ask if you had brought your money, and always remembered if you owed him from the last game.

If there was time, the list of friends that Chris held dear would be incredibly long. He was a man who held friendship sacred and it bonded you to him for life. Friendships from his childhood in Winnipeg and all through his life in Calgary were something that he cherished. This includes all of the people in the Bill W. group and meetings.

The world has lost one of its true earthbound angels. Our only comfort is that he is now with family and friends that he dearly missed, and that his earthly body is no longer suffering.

A Celebration of Chris’s Life will be held at the Cambrian Heights Community Hall (600 Northmount Drive NW, Calgary) on Saturday, June 2, 2018 from 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, Chris has asked for donations to be made to the Fresh Start Recovery Centre (411 – 41 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 2N4).

To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Chris, please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.