Christopher Alan (Chris) passed away peacefully at the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital on January 2, 2013 surrounded by family and friends.
He was born in Trail on February 1, 1950 and resided here most of his life. Chris loved his sports, having played baseball, hockey and golf. He loved his teams as long as they began with Philadelphia.
After many years at Cominco, Chris took over the Trail Gym Club where he has been head coach for 30 years. Chris received a number of awards for his dedication to gymnastics including the BC Gymnastics Member of Distinction, BC Community Sports Heroes Award and was nominated for BC Coach of the Year.
Chris was predeceased by his parents Fred and Lida Buccini, in-laws Sam and Ruth Maber and brother-in-law Ron Maber.
Surviving Chris are his wife Sandie, his son Dave, daughters Stephanie (Keith) May and Lauren (Jason) Beson and his loving grandchildren Tyson, Alyssa and Austin May all of Edmonton. He also leaves his bother Gerry (Anne) Buccini, niece Andrea (Rob) Daly and children Claire, Sam and Grace, and nephew Tony Buccini as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. “Topher” also leaves behind the hundreds of children he coached throughout the years, all of whom he loved as his own, each receiving their own special nickname.
At Chris’ request, there will not be a service at this time. A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date. Al Grywacheski of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services™ has been entrusted with arrangements.
As an expression of sympathy, donations in Chris’ name may be made to the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital Foundation, 1200 Hospital Bench, Trail, BC V1R 4M1 www.kbrhhealthfoundation.ca or to the Trail Gymnastics Society, Box 2, Trail, BC V1R 4L3.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family’s online register at www.myalternatives.ca