Obituary of Chris Yau

April 25, 1984 – Lethbridge, Alberta

July 27, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Chris was born in Lethbridge, AB, on April 25, 1984. After graduating high school, Chris moved to London and took advantage of the opportunity to explore, traveling throughout Europe over the year he spent there.

After moving back to Canada, Chris pursued his education, which led him to Toronto. There, he studied Advertising at Sheridan College. After graduating, Chris continued to live in the city and adopt it as his home, relishing in the title of Torontonian.

Chris married Christine in 2016. He surprised her with a well-thought-out proposal in Paris and couldn’t wait to share his excitement over building a life with her.

Chris and Christine had a thirst for travel and adventure. Together they explored the globe, visiting six of the seven continents, only missing Antarctica.

Chris had a passion for Rugby, spending several years playing with the Etobicoke Invictus Club. Here he made lifelong connections that he continued to cherish. These individuals solidified his love for the game and the rugby community. He had more recently joined the Hornets Rugby Club in Calgary and was grateful for the opportunity to continue to grow his love for this game.

Chris had a special kinship with his childhood friends. They became his chosen family. These are the people he has always been able to count on and had numerous annual traditions and get-togethers that he looked forward to.

His extended family, including the cousin group, has always been close-knit. This bond made every holiday and get-together extra special. Family shenanigans were commonplace, such as the ones that often occurred at the annual Regent Christmas parties and the infamous Coulee incident, all of which are fondly remembered.

Chris’s greatest accomplishment was being a Dad. His three daughters, three-year-old twins, Zoey and Ellie, and five-month-old Violet, filled him with so much love, pride, and joy. He loved to play outside with them, teaching Ellie how to ride her bike and Zoey her scooter. They could often be found cuddling on the couch watching the girls’ favorite shows and movies for the hundredth time. Daddy-Violet time included him wearing her in the Snuggly while she cheered him on playing video games.

He will be most remembered for his sense of humour. Chris loved to play pranks. He also had a curiosity for knowledge and was always researching one topic or another. He was adventurous with food and especially loved testing his limits for spice and hot sauces. An avid collector of comic books, Chris was especially proud that he had recently completed his collection of his favourite series, Wolverine.

Besides his loving wife and daughters, Chris is survived by his parents, Koon Sang and Fung Ying; sisters, Pauline Shah (husband Akash, nephews, Jai and Kyran, and niece Iyla) and Tracy Ward (husband Henry, nephews, Xander, Quinlan, and Zachary).

He is also survived by his in-laws, Jack and Leanne Stewart; his sister-in-law Shannon (husband Mat and nephew Connor, and niece Cassidy), his brother-in-law Tim (wife Margo, nephew James, and niece Mabel) and his brother-in-law Steven (spouse Danielle, nephews, Kaz, Riley, and niece Lilly).

Those wishing to help Celebrate Chris’s Life may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, August 2, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Following, family and friends are invited to join us at the Mckenzie Lake Beach Club (16199 Mckenzie Lake Way SE, Calgary, AB). We will be gathered here until 4:00 p.m. Light lunch to be provided. 

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Chris’ service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Chris’ family here.

In Living memory of Chris Yau, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

Click to Sign the Video Guest Book and Watch the Celebration of Chris' Life