Christopher Anthony Szabo
Christopher Anthony Szabo
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Christopher Szabo Obituary
December 11, 1957-January 18, 2017
It is with great sadness that our family announces the sudden and unexpected death of Chris on January 18, 2017 at the age of 59. He is survived by his sister Michele (Dave) Wahl; his brothers Leonard (Tanja), Jerome (Sheila) and Jason (Valerie); and nieces & nephews Matthew, Daniel, Stephanie, Paul, Sara, Beatrice, Claire and Emanuel. Chris will also be remembered by his large extended family and many good friends. He was predeceased by his wife, Jane and his parents, John and Jeannette.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, March 31, 2017, 10:30 a.m. at Annunciation Catholic Church 9420-163 Street, Edmonton, Alberta.
In memory of Chris' lifelong passion for sport and recreation, donations can be made to the TransCanada Trail Foundation or a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
18 Entries
Wendy Tredger
June 21, 2025
This a a long time later. . . My 90 year old mother just moved to a seniors home and she lived 65 years in the same house in Wildwood. I was sorting through all her things and found this photo of Chris and I that was taken for my High School Graduation. We were boyfriend and girlfriend from grade 10 to grade 12 and our connection faded after his family moved away to Edmonton. I also discovered a box full of beautiful hand written love letters between us, after he moved - back in the days before texting and internet. I read them and shed a few tears. I decided to see if I could find him on Facebook or the internet - and found this. Then I had a lot MORE tears. I read the piece from Gary Armstrong and it warmed my heart that this great friendship lasted a lifetime! Chris was a lovely human being and will always have a place in my heart.
Wendy (Kidner) Tredger
Summer days in Cambridge Bay
The Borkovic Family
March 31, 2017
Chris was a lovely person - a respected co-worker and a valued family friend. From our days together in Cambridge Bay, Inuvik, Yellowknife and later visits in Edmonton we always enjoyed his company. Our thoughts are with all Chris' family. We will remember him well.
Tony Kulbisky
March 30, 2017
Chris and I worked together back in University of Alberta days on a research paper for one of the Profs. We later worked together in the Kitikmeot Region of the NWT both in our local municipalities and then together again in the regional Municipal and Community Affairs office in Cambridge Bay. Simply put, our careers seemed to follow and intersect at different parts of our lives and he had an early positive impact on my growth and development as professional in public service. He was an accomplished solid hockey player and had a wicked snap-shot scoring a number of key goals in his time. Like others, he was affectionately known as Uncle Chris to my young children and will be forever known as Uncle Chris. You will be missed bud. Check in on us once in awhile. Until we meet again, RIP Friend!
Gary Armstrong
March 30, 2017
Most have a life long friend. I had a life longest friend. Chris. We met in Calgary at about the age of two. Our friendship commemorated in a photo which hung in the Szabo home. Chris on a rust coloured hobby horse, clad in a grey cowboy hat, red coat and chaps. I, in the puppy dog sweater beside him. From that picture one might project a life long friendship of riding bikes, hiking the mountains, enjoying fine meals and wine, discussing politics, and in our younger years chasing girls. We did all of that, yet not without conflict. Somewhere around the thirteen there was a boxing match, pro gloves and all. The main event over something vitally important at thirteen and a distant memory at fifty eight. Life is gracious in that way. Strangely that match solidified our friendship. Graciously. Chris, the victor, became a confident.
Our adolescent conversations focused on life, friends, family, relationships and faith. And as we grew saw Chris more and more for his faith. As Fred Yahn might recall a faith very evident during a rather heated conversation Chris and I had on the famed 1976 Calgary to California West Coast Camping tour. Yea, at eighteen, nineteen, we still had disagreements. The years and distance had their inevitable impact. The occasions where we were able to meet stretched first when Chris moved to Edmonton, again, as I married and raised a family and again when Chris took work in Saskatchewan, The Yukon and the North West Territories. And yet the friendship persevered. Largely through the role Chris proudly served as godfather to my three sons. Birthdays and Christmases were never forgotten and Chris came to serve for them as he had for me, a guide of faith. Not always by being present but definitely through his presence.
Chris's return to Edmonton gave my wife Maggie and I the opportunity to connect more frequently with Chris and Jane. Chris and Jane always the kindest of hosts welcomed our family to their place at Nakusp and provided an evening dinner that remains one of Maggie's most enduring memories.
I knew Chris's commitment to being the gentle soul so aptly described, his love of family, dedication to friends, and his unquestionable love for his pets over the years. He filled a significant spot in my heart. A brother I did not have. He also filled the hearts of my wife my sons and their families through our shared life stories the ones that shaped me.
A gentle soul, Sorely missed, Never forgotten.
Adios Amigo
God Bless
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Fred Yahn
March 28, 2017
Very sorry to hear of Chris passing away. Sincere Condolences to the Szabo Family. I have great memories of growing up with Chris in Westgate and our Summer of 1976 Camping tour down the West Coast to California with Gary in the Camaro. Rest in peace my Friend
Brian Burrill
March 7, 2017
Chris and I worked together for many years in the Sport and Recreation Divison. I was greatly saddened by the news of his passing. On behalf of my wife Glenda, we pass along our sincere condolences to the Szabo family.
March 3, 2017
Jerome, I am so sorry to hear of your brother's passing. My sincerest condolences to you and the family.
Colin
Chris at Work, Whitehorse, June 2004
Mike Heine
February 27, 2017
February 15, 2017
Dearest Szabo family,
Chris was an incredible person in every way. He was admired and respected by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Chris has been a big part of our family for almost 30 years.
He came into my life in late summer of 1988 at a social gathering in Yellowknife where he brought Char and Muskox from Cambridge Bay. Our friendship grew from that day.
Chris, thank you for your friendship, your dimpled smile, your laugh , your hospitality, your culinary skills and mutual love of vino tinto.
Thank you for stories shared, your passion for your work, your great debating skills, your love of nature, dogs , long walks and a shared faith.
Thank you for your optimism in a world where it's needed. Your kind and genuine nature always made everyone feel welcome and special in your presence.
Our children know you as Uncle Chris and will forever reflect on the love you had for them .
Rest in peace friend .
Nancy , Bill , Lucas and Carson Othmer.
Micheal Laporte
February 11, 2017
Chris was a kind and gentle heart and a best friend since high school. While time and distance have entered our lives with work, life choices, and family commitments, we have always been able to pick up where we left off. I cherish the friendship and memory I will have of Chris. The hospitality of his parents and brothers and sister are a generous gift. God bless and embrace you in love and comfort always. My love and prayers for each of the family and friends in your grief.
Gisele Fourny
February 9, 2017
It is with a heavy heart to hear of Chris' sudden passing. My prayers and thoughts are with his family so many memories of Reveillon celebrations with Szabo family who welcomed us all, of gatherings when Chris and Jane returned to Edmonton for visits, and later when they made Edmonton home again. Our circle will miss you deeply Chris ...
February 9, 2017
Deb Rahn
February 5, 2017
Our sincere condolences to Chris's family. We so enjoyed our friendship with Chris & Jane over many years of the NWT, Edmonton and the stunning cabin at Arrow Lakes.
I hope you gently heal of sorrow with great memories and time.
Audrey Giles
February 5, 2017
On Dec. 3rd, 2016, I dropped Chris Szabo off at the airport with a hug goodbye and a promise to see each other soon. He had just spent almost two weeks at my place. I didn't know then that that would be the last time I would see one of my mentors and one of the best people I have ever known. I met Chris through my research in the NWT. He was the Manager of Sport and Rec at the Government of the NWT. He was unfailingly supportive of my research and of me. When he and his wife, Jane, moved down to Edmonton, they would invite me AND Tundra (my dog) over for dinner with them and their beloved dog, Maggie. Whenever we went out for lunch, Chris would never let me pay. He gave me so much guidance in not only my research, but also my life. He attended my PhD defence, and I was so proud to have him there. A few years later, I found myself doing research with the Government of Alberta. Why? Because Chris was working there. And he was amazing. He smoothed the waters and made sure that the research got done. Chris was a leader who knew everything, knew everyone, and was humble beyond belief. He recently won the Canadian Recreation and Parks Association's Award of Merit. Chris came to Ottawa in late Nov/Dec to visit family and it was a given that he would stay with me. He took care of my dog Tilly while I was away in Toronto for a few days. When I came back, Tilly didn't even get off the couch. She was snuggling with Uncle Chris on the couch and had no plans of leaving his side. Chris had amazing energy. He was an amazing person. He was a wonderful friend. He lived a full life that saw him live and work all over Canada, be a champion of equity, and be surrounded by so much love from his friends and family. In his all too brief years, Chris sincerely changed the sport and recreation system - and all of us in it - for the better. There are no words to describe how much I will miss my mentor and friend. Thank you for all that you did and all that you were, Chris. I love you. I miss you. You will always inspire me and my work.
Chris in Ottawa with my dog, Nov. 2016
Audrey Giles
February 5, 2017
Sherry MacPhail (Berg)
February 5, 2017
My sincere condolences go out to Chris Szabo's family, he was a kind and caring person and I can only imagine how difficult this time must be for you all. Chris played a special part in my life during the 1980's and I will always cherish fond memories of him.
Arlene & Rob Griffiths
February 5, 2017
Deepest sympathy to Chris'family. I worked with Jane and knew their love for each other. May fond memories help you through this difficult time.
Linda Maljan
February 4, 2017
My condolences to all of Chris's family. We worked together for a long time in the NWT (Sport & Rec) and I always appreciated his advice. Such a solid guy - with a great sense of humour. Hard to believe he's gone. He will be missed.
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