With great sadness we announce Chris McNellis passed away unexpectedly on February 12th at Cypress Regional Hospital in his 69th year with his loving wife Mary by his side. Born December 16, 1954 in Elmwood Park, Illinois to Charles (Chuck) and Virginia (Vee) (nee Marquardt). The family moved to Canada in 1962 and settled in Barrie, Ontario.
Chris attended St. Mary’s, Eastview Secondary, Niagara College, and Brock University. He resided in Barrie until his 20’s, then Victoria, B.C. area for close to a decade, then Pelham, Ontario for 20 years, to Fort McMurray until finally Swift Current, Saskatchewan, with a few points in between. Chris was a self-taught guitarist and pianist which was his passion and his profession many times for over 50 years, particularly while living in B.C. In addition a Canadian Coast Guard Diver, Victoria and Shop Manager for Laidlaw in Niagara and DTL, Fort McMurray, most recently property manager at Cedar Heights in Swift Current.
Survived by his soulmate and wife Mary (nee Matwijenko); children Ryland and Hayley; 5 grandchildren; siblings Cathie McMurtry, Cindy, Andrew, Bart, Dan White, Scott Harradine; many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that all held a special place in his heart. Chris will always be remembered as a man with a huge heart and great sense of humor. Predeceased by parents Charles (Chuck), Virginia (Vee); son Christopher; siblings Matthew and Charles (Chuck), and sister Cheryl (Cherie) White.
As were his wishes, there will be no formal service. A Celebration of Life is being organized in Barrie, Ontario in the spring for him to return to Ontario one last time. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada at 1-519-836-1697 or info@thedonkeysanctuary.ca. Arrangements entrusted to Warren's Funeral Home, for further information please call 1-306-773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606, or visit our website at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to family members on the tribute wall.