Maher: Christopher Joseph “Chris”,
Suddenly on Monday February 9, 2015 in Alliston. Chris Maher at the age of 41 years, beloved husband of Laurie Maher (nee: Spence). Loving father of Daniel (Stef), Rebecca (Dakota), Tyler, and Caden. Lovingly remembered by his parents: Marilyn Maher, and Hugh Maher (Wilma Gilliland), and his siblings: Patrick (Allison), and Andrea Donato (Dave). Sadly missed by his grandmother Gertrude Brown, mother-in-law Pearle (the late Orlin), sister-in-law Cathy Lemay, and all his extended family and many friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Paul’s Church, Alliston on Thursday February 12, 2015 at 11am. A Celebration of Chris’s life will be held at the Tottenham Community Centre on Saturday February 21st, 2015 from 1-3pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to Matthews House Hospice or the Mary McGill Center Alliston would be appreciated by the family.
Arrangements entrusted to Rod Abrams Funeral Home Tottenham 905-936-3477.
Stephanie Lafazanos says
My deepest sympathies. I hope time has healed your family’s loss. Know that you had a one of a kind person. Truely jovial, kind, fun and full of wit. Chris was always a delight in school from kindergarten all the way to grade 13. He’s just appeared in my dream after all this time, possibly to remind me to be happy and joyful and to have a light heart. Thanks Chris.
Squirrely says
The smile, the smirk, the charm..It is going to missed by us all. My deepest sympathies to the whole extended family. Chris was one of a kind, he took us along his ride, showed us how to have fun..Love life and care for one another. He introduced me to a whole new group of friends, that I will never ever forget.. And we all stand together in arms, shedding a tear… but knowing our friend is finally at peace.
Al Schriver says
May you and your family find peace in knowing Chris is at rest and surrounded by the love of all those who shared his life.
My heart goes out to all the family and friends in this difficult time.
Remember the good times… Laugh and smile as his name fills your thoughts and share those moments.
Cheers to the good times!
Charlene and Alan Fry says
Laurie – words cannot express how saddened we are to hear of your loss.
Peggy & Don Bower says
Don and myself are so sorry for your loss.
Shannon & Cyril Leet says
Our prayers and thoughts are with you Laurie and your family. Our deepest sympathy.
Shannon & Cyril Leet says
Our prayers and thoughts are with you Laurie and your family! Our deepest sympathy.
Leah Doyle Peene says
Laurie, all the best to you and the kids moving forward. Time will help heal slowly, I wish you all the best. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He was always so entertaining!
My condolences to everyone.
Earl and Margaret Groombridge says
To all of the Maher family
So sorry to hear of your loss…our condolences to you at this sad time
Love Earl and Marg
Mary Neabel says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families at this this difficult time. From the Pickett families in Florida
Lori Lentini says
He was a vivacious and fun guy with a good heart. My condolences to his loved ones and friends, who will be in my prayers.
Cassondra Whittaker says
My deepest condolences to the Maher family. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Stephanie Johnson says
My heart sank when I heard of Chris’ passing. I will always remember his humor, smile and how kind he was to all his friends and classmates. He never wanted to see anyone left off or without a smile on their faces. If one wasn’t present then he made sure he made them smile… RIP my old friend. My deepest condolences to his family… xo
Ted McDonald says
Laurie and family, please accept my condolences. I will always remember his infectious laugh, he will be missed.
Jane and chad horan says
So sorry for your loss chris was an amazing person!! He will be greatly missed! Sending you you prayers during this difficult time. RIP Chris
Brent, Sheri, Jackson & Ryan Sallows says
Thinking of your family at this time. Our sincere condolences to all.
J.P. Morris says
To Hugh, Family and Loved Ones. No words can express the pain you all feel. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. RIP Chris!!
Angie Salmon says
I am very sorry to hear of Chris passing. He was such a character. Always capable of making the room lighter and brighter. There was always some fun to be had where he was. Thinking of you all!
Brenda and Larry Apps says
So sorry for your loss, Laurie and family. We will always remember Chris’s wonderful smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Janette Boyter says
I wish I could express the sorrow I feel, just knowing you are bearing a loss so profound. I wish there was a way to take away your pain.
There was never a time when Chris Maher’s name passed my lips that there wasn’t a smile or laugh to follow. He truly had an infectious sense of humour! He certainly never lacked the ability to please the crowds with his large personality. What a gift we were all given to share the stage of life, however too short, with such a great guy!
My very deepest condolences to ALL that mourn this loss xo
Jo_Anne-Yoneyama-Olivier says
Dear Marilyn,
We’ve just learned by email of the passing of your son Chris.
Please accept our deepest condolences on his passing.
We are keeping you and your loved ones in our prayers and lift you up.
Love in Him,
Jo-Anne Yoneyama -Olivier & Tony Olivier
Peter Karcz says
From Pauline, Justin and Peter, Our hearts go out to Hugh,Pat and the Family.
Kim (Russell) Saxton says
My deepest sympathies to the entire Maher family. Although I haven’t seen Chris in many years my mind wanders back to growing up and the good times we had especially the laughter. Big hugs to all of you.
Nathan & Christa Priest says
Laurie, My heart is heavy today for you Rebecca, Daniel and Caden. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Bill Cumberland says
I am saddened to hear of Chris passing. Condolences to Laurie, Caden and family. Chris was a gentle soul with a contagious laugh and a smile that little up any room he entered. I always enjoyed the many friendly arguments we had over the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers. Anytime I see the Steelers I will now think of you. Rest in Peace my friend. Bill and Joan Cumberland
Chris and Mike Blacklaws says
We send our our deepest sympathies to all the family. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Greg & Keleigh MacArthur says
So sorry to hear of Chris’ passing Laurie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Greg & Keleigh
Walter & Joanne Randon says
To the Maher Family Our sincere condolences for your loss, our prayers are with you & your family
Laura (Corkum) Campbell says
Thoughts and prayers are with you.So sorry for your loss.
CLIFF MACDONALD & KAREN DAVIES says
OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES HUGH GO OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY,SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. KAREN&CLIFF
Kevin and Cheryl Boston says
I’ve lost a real friend and still can’t believe it. Chris lit up the room and we had so many good times over the years. I have often found myself laughing about his witty sayings, antics on the ball field and memories like our trip to Pittsburgh. I remember that in my tough time s in recent years, Chris came to our house where he was able to make me smile. He had the biggest heart and I could write a book on all of the good times we spent together. He will truly missed but never, ever forgotten. Love ya Rocket.
Bernice Willson says
Dear Laura and family. We are very sorry to hear your loss dear Chris. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. Take care with love xoxo
Penny, Adrian , Andrew & Danielle Hall says
Tyler & Family
So very sorry to hear of the passing of your father.
We hope you can find comfort in your family, friends & many happy memories of you Dad.
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Linda and Alf Knight says
Marilyn We are sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts are with you at this time
sherry,Edward hunter says
We are so sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. You will be in our thoughts in this difficult time.from the Hunter family.
Laura and Kevin Clouthier says
Mr .and Mrs. Maher, Andrea and Pat, Laurie and Family – We are so sorry for your loss and so sad to hear this terrible news. Chris was a good friend to both Kevin and I, and we have wonderful memories of his infectious smile, goofy grin, and heartfelt laugh. Many good times were spent with him on the ball field, and off. Thoughts and Prayers are with you all.
Jen Heelis & Roly Scagnetti says
Dear Laurie & Family,
Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family through this very difficult time. With time, may you find peace and comfort within your heart. With our deepest sympathy.
Aggie says
Laurie,, my thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time,may each passing day give you strength,, and hope> Sincerely- Aggie!!
Marc DesRochers says
Our thoughts and condolences go out to the Maher family. With deepest sympathy, Marc and Jenn.
Jo-Ann Gibson says
May peace and comfort find you during this difficult time.
Justin Merrlles and family says
I send my deepest condolences to the Maher family during this tragic time. May God bless you all, and you will be kept in my prayers.
Ted Ramm says
My sincerest condolences. Sorry to hear of your loss, my prayers are with you all.
Chris & Janet Bergin says
We were shocked to hear of Chris’s passing. Thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family. Travel safe my freind.
Larry & Barb Downey says
Dear Hugh & Wilma,
You cannot imagine how sorry we are to hear of Chris’s passing. We can only hope he is healthy now and watching over everyone he loves. Keep your wonderful memories close to your hearts.
Judy Wong & Gino Piccirelli says
Dear Maher Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Heaven must have needed a hero. With deep sympathy, Judy & Gino
“I came by today to see you
Oh I had to let you know
If I knew the last time that I held you was the last time
I’d have held you and never let go
Oh it’s kept me awake nights wondering
Lying in the dark asking why
I’ve always been told you won’t be called home
Until it’s your time
I guess heaven was needing a hero
Somebody just like you
Brave enough to stand up for what you believe
And follow it through…”
Ken Smith says
Laurie I am shocked and saddened to hear of your loss. Words cannot express an understanding of what you are feeling.Let people give you love and comfort as we can. Bless you and your family.
Mary Heitzner & Family says
Our sincere condolences to the Maher family you are in our prayers in your loss of a dear son.
Marg & Brent Barton says
To the Maher family our thoughts are with you all at this time and loss of a dear son. You are in our prayers. Sorry we can not be with you as we are in Florida..
Marg&Brent
Trudi , Sarah & Sonya says
Our hearts are truly saddened. Love to all of you and sending you hugs and warm embraces.
Jackie & Jan Sousa says
You & your family are in our prayers. Sorry to hear of your loss.
Paul Sutcliffe & Shelley Doney says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of infinite sadness. Our deepest condolences, with heartfelt sympathy, go out to all the Maher family.
sarah/brian cole says
Our thoughts are with the family. Marilyn, I ache for you, as a parent and a mother who has gone through this, my heart feels so empty and aches for you. Your life will never be the same but keep memories, pictures,friends and family with you and it will help. Doug and Derek send their condolences too. Now, Dan will have a fellow Honda friend to greet and converse with and I pray they are at peace.
James Lee says
My deepest condolences. So sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family.
Patricia, Dan & Mitchell Blanchard says
Laurie, Caden and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May your memories bring you comfort in your time of grief. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Bill, Anne, Cathleen, Laura and Julie King says
We have no words to describe our sadness. Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole Maher family
Dennis and Janice Frendo says
Our deepest condolences to the Maher families. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. We are sorry for your loss.
Dave & Liana Kearney says
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Maher family at this very sad time. Chris will be greatly missed by all. <3
Coreen and Jamie Reynolds says
We are so sorry for your loss, we have wonderful fun memories of Chris. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Susanne Priest says
Much love to Laurie and the children with prayers for all of you. You have been on our hearts and minds in a very heavy way since the phone-call from Laurie’s mother. Much love from your family in New Brunswick. Uncle Dearing and Aunt Betty do not go online, but they send their love. Cousins: Susannne, Nathan, William and Stephen Priest
Phil and Maria Hornak says
Maher family….our heart aches for your sudden loss, words cannot begin to express the sadness we feel hearing about Chris. May you find sweet release in the memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. God Bless.
Tracey Hudson (Doyle) says
I am so sorry to hear of Chris’ s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. I remember his humor in high school.
Kirk and Edna Clark says
Hugh, Marilyn, Laurie and family
We were so sorry to hear of Chris’ passing. He was so loved by you all and will be sadly missed. We are away for a few more weeks but our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Kathy Slywka says
My deepest sympathy Dan to you your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at time sad time.
Kerry,Betty Worrod and family says
Laurie,Hugh,Marilyn and extended families.We are so,so sorry to hear of the passing of Chris.He would always address us with a nod of his head “Mr.Worrod/Mrs.Worrod with his sheepish grin and that we will remember forever….showed us great respect.Michael will greet him with open arms and “Let the ball game begin”.R.I.P. Chris…you will be greatly missed and always loved.
Chuck and Julie Ferreira says
Hugh, Words cannot express
the deepest sorrow we feel for your loss. Please know you are in our constant thoughts and if there is anything, we mean anything you need PLEASE do not hesitate to let us know.
Michael O'Grady says
Tyler and Family:
im so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. thinking of you during this time
Brian and Mabel O'Grady says
Tyler and Family:
Sad to hear about your Dad’s passing our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
God Bless!
Fran Rose & Ralph Corrigan says
Marilyn, Pat, Andrea and family: Our deepest condolences on the loss of Chris! I just don’t know what to say, so sad, and just so sorry for you all and your Mom (my friend!!!). Unfortunately we are leaving on Thursday for Florida (I would have attended the Mass), and won’t be here for the celebration of Chris’ life on Feb. 21st.
I respect that the family will have private visitation on Wednesday evening, and will be thinking of you all with prayers and love while you all go through your next journey.
Marilyn, I will catch up with you in March when you need to have “another long chat”.
With love and prayers … may you somehow find comfort.
Fran and Ralph xxx
Brenda Jackson /Mike Toutant says
Our deepest sympathies to all who loved Chris…May you have memories to turn to for comfort..friends to turn to for support..and hope and strength to help ease your sadness…treasure your memories and Chris will always be with you..
Debbie & Mike McMillan says
Sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you
David Nicoletta & Family says
We would like to offer our deepest, most sincere condolences and heart felt prayers to the Maher et.al families. May God let you find peace and strength in each other during this most mournful and difficult times.
Sharon Collis says
My deepest sympathy Hugh to you and your family. My thoughts are with you at this very sad time.
George and Martina Keogh says
Dear Marilyn, Hugh, Pat, Andrea and family,
We are so sorry to hear about Chris’ untimely passing. We remember a bright young man with an incredible sense of humour, a good athlete and a great friend to his classmates.
Unfortunately, we are away and will not be able to attend his funeral. Please accept our heartfelt condolences, and know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeff & Stacey McIlroy says
We are deeply saddened by the news of Chris passing. Our heart felt condolences to you and your family.
PETER JAKJI says
My sincere condolences to your entire Family. my prayers and thoughts are with you. so sorry for your loss…
Michele Tomlinson says
It is with great sadness that I read of Chris’s passing today please know that you are all in our thoughts.
Michele, Ted, and Tyler Tomlinson
Bill and Patti Cragg says
To Laurie and family and especially Caden, we are both so sorry for your loss. We send our love and deepest sympathy and wish we could be with you at this difficult time.
Sharlene Rennie says
Chris – your time on earth was way too short. You brought joy to everyone who knew you. Thank-you for making my life richer with your friendship.
I’M FREE
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard him call;
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way;
I found that place at the close of the day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss;
Ah yes, these things, I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much;
Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.
Perhaps my time seems all too brief;
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.
Author unknown
I will miss you my friend! Until we meet again.
Auntie Theresa says
Daniel and Rebecca our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please know that your family is here for you. God Bless.
Mary Ann Palmer says
To the Maher Family
Sincerest condolences on your heartfelt loss. My prayers are with you at this time and may Chris live on happily in your hearts
Mary Ann
Laura Korevaar says
Our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Joe Galasso says
My thoughts and deepest condolences to you Hugh,Pat and the rest of your family.
Bernadette, Mark, Emily, Clancy and Riley Bailey says
I read of a woman who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. She referred to the dates on the tombstone
from the beginning to the end.
She noted that first came the date of birth and spoke the following date with tears, but she said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time
that they spent alive on earth. And now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own,
the cars, the house, the cash. What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.
So, think about this long and hard.
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough to consider what’s true and real and always try to understand the way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile, remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.
So, when your eulogy is being read, with your life’s actions to rehash would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash?
Rest in peace my friend.
Eddie and Cathy says
We are both happy to be linked to the Maher Family. The entire family is in our prayers. Chris was a great guy. He is in a good place now.
Bill & Eilish Boston says
Our sincere condolences go out to all the family. We have fond memories of Chris while he was growing up and was often at our house with Kevin and his buddies. His sense of humour was keen. He will be missed by so many people. May he rest is peace.
MaryAnn Nowak says
So very sorry to hear about your loss.
My prayers are with you and your family
Shirley and Nolin says
We can^the be with you at this time please know our hearts are.To all the family
God looked around His garden and found an empty place
He then looked down upon earth
And saw your tired face
He put his arms around you
And lifted you to rest
God^s garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best
He saw the road was getting rough
And the hill’s were hard to climb
So he closed your weary eyelids
And wished PEACE BE THINE
It broke our hearts to lose you
But you didn^t go alone
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home