Obituary of Christopher Lorne Frey

December 29, 1965 – Edmonton, Alberta

January 25, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

On Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 3:26 a.m., under the Full Wolf Moon, Dr. Christopher Frey took his last breath with his children by his side, at the age of 58 years.

He will be missed and is loved by so many, and has made an impact on us forever.

Chris’s legacy will be carried forward by his best friend Renate, his beloved children Benjamin, Isabella, Danica; parents John and Cecelia Frey; brothers Doug and Brendan (Shardul, Sarth, and Sushen) Frey; Kurt and Johanna Kaiser, Stefanie Kaiser (John, Lily, and Charlotte); and extended family, friends, colleagues, and neighbours, including Bill Austin, Dick Averns, Ed Donszelmann, and Steve Harris, who visited and helped us over these months. He will also be missed by his dogs, Sampson and Ned.

Chris was born in Edmonton, AB, on December 29, 1965, and moved to Calgary, AB, with his family to their new home at the foot of Nose Hill Park. Nose Hill continued to be a special place for Chris.

Chris was a lifelong learner and valued education and educators. Renate and Chris met in 1992 at the University of Calgary in an English class and married on June 29, 1996. English literature, teaching, and art became their combined loves. Chris completed a BA in History at the University of Alberta, BA in English Literature at the University of Calgary, MA in English Literature at the University of Calgary, and a PhD in English Literature at McGill University. Chris and Renate settled in Hawkwood, and cherished their adored children, Benjamin, Isabella, and Danica.

Chris was an Associate Professor at the Alberta University of the Arts, where he thrilled in sharing his love of literature, music, cinema, and art; he was in awe of the talents of his students. You inspired him tremendously!

Not a day, or moment, will go by that we will not think about Chris. His humour, creativity, love, and respect for all beings made him unique. He lived by this motto, “Be humble, patient, courteous, and kind”, and we, his family, will do the same going forward.

Chris was diagnosed with Melanoma on March 7, 2023, and many doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers helped us on our journey. Many thanks to all of you. Thank you also to the amazing staff at Rosedale Hospice, where Chris stayed for his final ten weeks. Our journey was made sacred with your help. Thank you to our extended families, friends, and Hawkwood family. Finally, thank you to Benjamin, Isabella, and Danica for the love, strength, and compassion you showed your dad everyday. He loved you to the moon and back, and was so proud of the people you are.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Rosedale Hospice, #1245 – 70 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 2X8, https://www.hospicecalgary.ca/support/donate/givenow/ or the Orange Shirt Day Society, PO Box 4240, Williams Lake, BC V2G 2V3, https://orangeshirtday.org/support/society/.

As per Chris’s wishes, a private funeral service will be held.

Beautiful Chris, you are with us forever and always. Love you true. 

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

In living memory of Dr. Christopher "Chris" Frey, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.