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Chris DIACHUK Obituary
On March 5, 2016, at the age of 61, loving husband and devoted father, Dr. Chris Diachuk passed away suddenly while hiking the Pitons in Saint Lucia. He will forever remain in the hearts of his wife, Gail, and their children, Jesse, Kristy and Katie, as well as his sister and brother Karen and Craig.
Chris will be remembered as a tenacious runner, lifelong educator, beloved mentor, avid sports fan, and, above all, a man who put family first. The latter trait was exemplified by the mantra he continually drove home with his family - "Love Each Other Always".
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Sherwood Park. Lunch to follow, in the Church basement. Memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to the charity of one's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
62 Entries
Marko Duran
September 15, 2024
He was my psychologist when I was at St Martin school. I was going to surprise him when I found he joined EPS, as I became a Police Officer .
He still owed me a game of catch. He was a class act.
Barbara
March 6, 2019
LoVe ♥ And Peace to Chris family from cousin, Barbara and Auntie Margie.
Joann Lloyd and Michael Merritt
February 23, 2017
Gail and family, it is with shock and sorrow that I discovered Chris had passed. With living in Nova Scotia we had lost touch with friends and colleagues in Sherwood Park. Chris was such a good, decent family man, colleague & friend of Catholic Education and of those with special needs under his care at EICS. Other Boards were always so incredulous of the many and varied supports EICS had in place. This was, in large part, due to the servant leadership of Chris. On a personal side, Chris provided me with such good, wise counsel which was a tremendous help. He was always there with just the right words. May it help knowing that he did the same for the many, many others he touched during his long career. His many good deeds for so many will live on in the hearts of all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Diane West-Walsh, R. Psych.
January 19, 2017
I met Chris while doing my Masters at University of Alberta. He got a charge out of the heart-shaped cake I brought to class for Valentine's Day. He was just completing his PhD. He was instrumental in encouraging me to consider the path of Counselling and challenged me to set the bar high for myself to become a Registered Psychologist; which I succeeded in fulfilling. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to work with Dr. Chris Diachuk~~he was my ultimate teacher and mentor. He inspired me, and portrayed servant leadership in it's truest sense. He was passionate about his work, he emulated kindness and compassion to those on his team and he cared about students and parents. I am grateful for all I have learned from Chris. He had a zest for life and took the time to appreciate God's many gifts in nature. He spoke of his family often. Chris was a gentle person with a heart of gold. I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of his passing. This is a terrible loss. Please accept my sincere condolences. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Donna Granson-Heise, M.Ed., R.Psych.
May 14, 2016
My sincere condolences for your loss. Chris was my inspiration to pursue psychology and a wonderful mentor. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Brenda Nugent
April 7, 2016
Gail: Because I was away when Chris passed away, I did't get to the funeral services. I am so, so sorry for your loss. I met Chris when he was working with Edmonton Catholic Schools and I was a new "older" teacher. I have never forgotten how kind and helpful Chris was to me. Just wanted you and your family to know that there is a special place in my heart for Chris. Brenda Nugent
[email protected]
Sharie Dewar
March 31, 2016
I taught Chris in grade seven at mount Carmel school one day he said to me I want you to come to my house for lunch I said does your mom know he said it doesn't matter she will like you like I like you
Graeme Clark
March 18, 2016
So sorry for your sudden loss. Chris was such a young and vibrant man, enthused about life and his family. Those of us who worked with him in the Mandatory Wellness Program of the Edmonton Police Service were inspired by his dedication, gentleness and sense of purpose. May you be left with warm and wonderful memories as the pain of your loss gradually fades in the coming months and years.
Dr. Graeme T. Clark, R. Psychologist
March 17, 2016
Dear Gail, Jesse, Kristy and Katie,
Words cannot properly express the shock and sorrow I feel for all of you. Chris was a very special person. I feel so blessed and fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with him and to get to know him. I will always remember his smile and positive attitude. Please accept my prayers and heartfelt condolences.
Audrey Chomik
March 17, 2016
Gail, Jesse, Kristy and Katie,
We are so sorry for you loss.
With sincere sympathy,
Randy, Maureen, Adam & Stephanie Hepper
Courtney McLeod
March 17, 2016
Dear Katie and Family,
I cannot even begin to understand what you are going through right now, but I would like to offer my prayers and condolences to all of you. In this tough time in your life, may my friendship, sympathy and heartfelt condolences bring you comfort. All my love!
Rob
March 17, 2016
In his own words to you, "Love Each Other Always". May that legacy remain with you always.
John Harmata
March 17, 2016
My condolences Gail, family, and loved ones. I appreciated how Chris led with integrity and his respect for the dignity of others.
Shauna Willoughby
March 16, 2016
This is very sad and shocking news. Chris was such an interesting and kindhearted person - will sincerely miss seeing Chris at our family gatherings. Deepest sympathy for Gail and her family, during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you.
Peggy & Jeff Thompson
March 16, 2016
We are thinking of you all at this very difficult time. Keep your memories close to your heart. Our prayers are with you.
March 16, 2016
Dear Gail, Jesse, Kristy and Katie,
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May you find strength in each other and loved ones around you. In time may your memories bring some peace to each of you.
Take care
Duane, Kathleen, Mathew, Drew and Brett Constantinoff
Cathy VanHauwaert
March 16, 2016
Gail and family, I was so shocked and saddened over the news about Chris. Although he and I only worked together for a short time at EICS, he left a lasting legacy. My sympathies to your family at this difficult time.
Bill Hart
March 16, 2016
Sorry to learn of Chris' passing. I remember him well from the days we worked together at Student Services ( E.C.S.D ). He was always enthused and driven in his profession and for those he assisted.
Prayers and condolences,
March 15, 2016
Gail,
So sorry to hear about Chris.
My sincere condolences.
Thinking of you,
Sharon Bookhalter
yvonne kerker
March 15, 2016
Our sincere sympathies to the Diachuk family, you are all in our thoughts and prayers. We know Jesse as he taught our children.
The Kerker Family
Cora & Robbie Simonowits
March 15, 2016
Cora and I are so sorry that Chris has tragically passed away. I am still in complete shock and find it difficult to put my feelings into words. Chris was such a great boss, mentor, colleague, and friend to me. He was such a visionary and leader in his field, touching many lives. Cora's and my love and support will always be here for you, Gail and family.
remembering Chris.
March 15, 2016
My condolences to the Diachuk family over your loss.Chris saw the world through the eyes of the service provider and impressed those who knew him with attempt to live that message.
Frank and Marusia Campbell
Sherwood Park
March 15, 2016
Dear Gail, Jesse, Kristy, Katie and family, Please know that our hearts go out to you and thinking of you during this difficult time. Chris will live on in our memories forever! Love, Bina, Jamie and James
March 15, 2016
Dear Gail and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Chris, your devoted husband and father. You must miss him dearly.
He was a wonderful colleague, mentor and friend for us and many others.
May you find strength and comfort in your faith and memories and may God bless you at this sad time.
Sincerely,
Fran and Terry Part and family
March 14, 2016
Hello Gail, please accept Lorraine and my condolences on your loss. One of my favourite memories of Chris was when we were both counsellors, we would sit in the back of the room (along with Cathy N) at meetings with Dave McDougal and talk and joke. For Chris, 'Go Dodgers'. Lorraine & Fred Hoeber
March 14, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. Debbie and Ron Chamulka and Family.
Ron and Melody Cuthbertson
March 14, 2016
Our deepest sympathy to the Diachuk family. We were so sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Chris. We have many fond memories of Chris and your family when our boys played ball together. Please know you are in our hearts and prayers.
March 14, 2016
May God open His arms and welcome Chris home! He worked tirelessly to improve the manner in which children with Special Needs were accepted in the schools. So many families benefited from his vision. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Sherry Matheson
Doug Gleddie
March 14, 2016
Dear Gail, Katie and the rest of the family:
May you find peace and remembrance in each other's arms during this difficult, difficult time. I did not know Chris well, but through knowing you, Gail and Katie, I feel I caught a glimpse of the wonderful man that he was.
Janice Tait
March 14, 2016
Gail, I am at a loss for words during this sorrowful time. Please know that I am thinking of you and your family. I know you will find strength in each other and your memories of the joy Chris brought to your lives.
Dan Feniak
March 14, 2016
Gail,Jesse ,Kristy and Katie
Our heartfelt sympathy to all of you.so many wonderful qualities he hadand one of the kindest people we know.! What a special cousin.Thinking of you all.
Sean Anderson
March 14, 2016
Gail and family,
Chris was an amazing individual who had an immediate impact on all who were fortunate enough to know him.
I feel blessed to have had the opportunity, albeit short, to work directly with him.
Know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Vera DeSmet (Harke)
March 14, 2016
Thinking of you Gail. So sorry for your loss. Life passes by so quickly. It seems like just yesterday we were all in school together. Take care of yourself.
Natasha Krec
March 14, 2016
My deepest sympathy to Dr. Chris Diachuk's family. He was a fabulous professor and I learned a great deal from him during my Master's Cohort program in 05-07. A well respected man he was.
March 14, 2016
To the Diachuk Family:
Chris was a wonderful man who was always interested and caring of others. Although I only met him in the past few years, he was the type of person that was easy and fun to be with. My prayers go out to you in this difficult time. Cherish the memories as they will never leave you!
Garry Meads and family, EPS Retired.
March 13, 2016
Gail, Kristy,Jesse and Katie Our hearts and thoughts are with you. Chris was truly an exceptional person.
Don and Dawn Polinski
Michelle Kilborn
March 13, 2016
Gail & family,
So sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Chris. Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family in this time of sorrow.
March 13, 2016
Dear Gail, Jesse, Kristy and Katie, words cannot express the sorrow we feel for you on the sudden passing of Chris. We pray for you as a family and for the precious soul of Chris.
Tony, Debbie, Stephen and Holly Sykora
Dominick Gallo
March 13, 2016
Dear Gail, Jesse, Kristy and Katie.
We are so sorry for your sudden loss.
We will forever remember the big smile and positive attitude Chris always had.
May the fond memories you have of him sustain you all at this time of sorrow.
Take good care,
The Gallo Family
Rodney Czuroski
March 13, 2016
my deepest sympathy to all the Diachuk family.My thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow,know that Chris os in a better place
March 13, 2016
I'm so sorry your family had to lose Chris, such a special man, at such a young age. Chris was my student teacher way back in the 70s. I have never forgotten him because of his exceptional ability as a teacher (the best I've ever seen) and as a caring and thoughtful colleague. My prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
Arlene Collins, ECS
John McGuire
March 13, 2016
Gail and family
I knew Chris's parents, and have known the Fedun family since childhood. I had the honour of knowing Chris when I was young and working for his father at Norwood Foundry. I experienced Chris as a very earnest and generous person, with great integrity. I'm not at all surprised that he carried those characteristics through his very accomplished life. My genuine sympathy in your profound loss.
Bob Hassel
March 13, 2016
Dear Gail and family,
Chris will be missed. He was the most respectful, kind, and caring person I had ever met. It was a pleasure getting to know him over the past five years. My heart goes out to your family
Tom, Nik, Zac & Maksi Pallas
March 13, 2016
Gail, Jesse, Kristy, Katie, and the rest of the Diachuk Family,
Chris was an incredibly caring person who impacted more lives than we will ever know. His legacy will live on in many different ways.
We feel fortunate to have crossed paths with him in life. We will cherish these memories forever.
We are thinking of you.
Cousin Barbara, Aunt Margie and Uncle George
March 12, 2016
Chris: our hearts are crushed.
We will miss you.
Love and peace to you and your family❤
March 12, 2016
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Chris. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very sad time. Love Debbie and Ron Chamulka and Family.
Lynne and Lou Duigou
March 12, 2016
Gail and Family,
We were saddened to hear of Chis's passing. Both Lou and I found Chris to be such a kind, caring, thoughtful colleague in our work together with troubled children. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Joanne McKinnon
March 12, 2016
Gail and family - sincere condolences on the devastating loss of Chris.
Darcee
March 12, 2016
Craig,
May your heart soon be filled with cherished memories of times you spent with your brother as you celebrate a life well lived. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Jenifer Fontaine
March 12, 2016
Chris was my supervisor at the university over a two year period. He was such an intelligent, kind, and insightful man. He will be sorely missed, but has left a legacy with all those whose lives he touched.
Stephanie Almond
March 12, 2016
To the Diachuk family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts during the difficult time. The strength, kindness, and devotion of Dr. Diachuk will never be forgotten and will remain with all of you in your hearts.
Love,
Stephanie Almond and Christopher Bjornstad
Peggy Kellogg
March 12, 2016
Gail & family,
Your family is in my prayers as you go through this devastating loss of your husband and Dad. Chris was always so proud of you all. May God give you strength and comfort as you grieve his loss.
Garry and Steph Nestransky
March 12, 2016
Dear Gail, Jesse, Kristy and Katie,
We are deeply saddened to hear about Chris' passing. May the many fond memories that you have of him sustain you during this time of sorrow. Please accept our prayers and sympathies.
March 12, 2016
My thoughts are with all the family at this time .strenght and blessing to all
Rodney Czuroski
Danny Kinal, Retired Principal ECS
March 12, 2016
Gail and Family...the passing of Chris, so suddenly and so young, has touched us all. Chris and I became colleagues in the early 1980's with ECSD and remained friends over many years. My prayers are with your family and there will be many grieving as Chris touched so many minds, hearts and souls.
Susan Wagner
March 12, 2016
Katie to you and your lovely family. Many prayers and hugs to you. Your dad was a very special man. It was an honor to know him. His light will shine on in you and your siblings for many many years to come.
Justine Wright
March 12, 2016
Gail and family,
Many prayers and hugs sent to you all during this time and in the future. He will always be remember but me as First a family man. I cherish the times I had with him at the K100. God bless you all
Justine
March 12, 2016
We are truly sorry to hear this very sad news. Embrace the love and support from your family and friends and may God grant you the strength during this difficult time.
Debi, Colin and Kristy Szopa, Sherwood Park, AB
SuAnn Lucas
March 12, 2016
My dear beautiful friend I send you and your family much love and prayers in your time of need.
Steven & Deonne Chwok
March 12, 2016
Dear Gail & Family,
May it be of some comfort to know that we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Please accept our sincere sympathies.
Chad & Kayanne Tawfik
March 12, 2016
Chris was an inspirational man who had great pride in his family and encouraged others to do the same. He had such a positive impact on so many people. Such a caring, genuine individual. We will cherish our memories and time we had with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
Chad & Kayanne Tawfik
Tom & Kathy Farquhar
March 12, 2016
To The Diachuk Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Cherish the memories.
The Farquhar Family
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