If I could wish just one wish it would be for you to be here

Thinking of you all! 
I remember Chris like it was yesterday. Those big blue eyes and high energy. I remember him sitting at the dining table doing homework with Liam. He had such a great sense of humor and had Liam in hysterics!
Your kids were so blessed to have had Chris in their life even though it was tragically cut short.
Hugs to you all!

Today on the 4th Remembrance, we remember and celebrate you - our beloved Chris. You are always close in our hearts and in our thoughts. We visited your tree yesterday and it has grown so much since last year. It was cloudy for most of the day yesterday but when we were at your tree, the clouds parted and the sun was shining so bright and when we were leaving, the sun was starting to set and the colours in the sky were so beautiful. We felt your presence with us. Even though you are no longer here with us, you are never far from our hearts. We will be remembering and celebrating you at Pig Out BBQ tonight. It's a very special place for all of us. We all miss your light, spirit, beautiful smile, and your warm and gentle heart. We love you forever. Warm hugs and kisses to you from all of us XOXOXOXO

I met Chris around 1995 when we worked together in Ottawa. I moved to Vancouver shortly after and it was such a pleasure when he tracked me down for a get-together. In late 1998 I moved from from Vancouver to Toronto. Chris and Wendy welcomed me into their home for several months as I made the transition. Chris was an unassuming, kind and generous man. I had not seen him for many years and that is on my shoulders. I will always remember his energy, quick smile and the sparkle in his eyes. He cared deeply for his friends, family and humanity. Heartbreaking. Rest in peace.

To our beloved Chris, today is the 3rd anniversary of your passing and we miss you so very much. We planted a commemorative tree to honour your beautiful spirit. Liam, Katelyn and I spend some time this morning at your tree to remember you and to give thanks for all that you’ve brought into our lives. You gave us unconditional love, you taught us to always remember the healing power of laughter, to be present in the moment and to savour the everyday moments with each other. Thank you for all the beautiful life lessons you’ve bestowed upon us by simply living your life to the fullest each and every day.  Thank you for being such a wonderful dad and husband. We love you always and you will forever be in our hearts.

We will have your favourite chocolate mousse cake in your honour.

Thailand's cycling friends of Chris will ride a memorial ride on Saturday 10th December to 2 beautiful coastal spots where we laid some of Chris's ashes to rest, into the ocean back in 2013. We will also drop him a beer or 2 into the sea as we toast, with our beers, his kindred spirit.

My darling Chris, this is the 2nd year remembrance and we are still without words and a huge void in our hearts. We miss you so very much. We miss your beautiful smile and your energy and your love of life. Liam, Katelyn and I celebrated you today at a local burger place. Liam's idea to go for burgers since you love a good gourmet burger. You would have been so proud of Liam. He had a half pound burger with bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, ketchup and mayo - just the way you like it - and of course fries and a milkshake. He finished it no problem. Like you, he loves and really enjoys his food. We also lit a candle for you and sat in a circle, held hands and shared memories of you. We all remembered what a great dad and husband you were and how you always made us laugh. Kids are growing up so fast. They both compete to be as funny as you. I know you are with us even though you are gone. We hold you close to our hearts everyday. We love you forever. Hugs and kisses always

Thinking of you my friend...

Remembering you today. From Thailand.

A few of us will ride this week on the same route we did for our memorial ride 2 years ago.

On that ride we scattered some of Chris's ashes into two beautiful locations on the coast of Thailand.

This time we'll pour some beers in.

Cheers Chris

Wendy--Scotty here, the guy who was going to do another Tv show with Chris. It is funny as i had known Chris for only a few months and hhad become close buddies after the day he hugged me on my bike at a stop light downtown
I will be riding my bike and all of a sudden i get this memory of him and i look up in the sky and shake my head and still cannot beleive it as there was so much more life to live and he lived it fully
I tried to get a group to carry on with the rride in Myanmar we planned but could not get enough so we are riding in Vietanam instead this winter--i will think of him all along the journey as i know in life he would have been on this trip with me enjoying the beauty and simplicity
cheers Chris

You are all in my thoughts and Sophia's as well... Wendy, Katelyn and Liam, we are here for you all the time.

Hey buddy, all the guys you cycled with in Bangkok are getting together for a ride tomorrow. You will be missed.

Wow. A year gone so quick. I rode to where we scattered Chris' ashes last week. A truly peaceful and fitting place.

Wendy, Katelyn and Liam, you are in our thoughts, everyday since you've lost Chris must be a difficult one, but today, on this first anniversary must be especially hard. I hope you leaning on each other and remembering the good times will help you cope.
With love, Tori, Ryan, Kirra and Jax

My dear sweetheart: today is the 1 year anniversary of your passing. I cannot believe it has been a year already. This has been the most difficult year of my life without you here with our family. It still seems so surreal to me that you are gone. While 1 year has passed, it seems just yesterday that we got the tragic news of your passing and our lives changed forever. Liam, Katelyn and I miss you so much. We hold your love and your beautiful spirit close to our hearts and we know that you will always watch over us and be with us. Thank you for teaching me to be present in the moment. While I'm not always perfect at practicing it, you are a constant reminder for me to be better at it. Thank you for teaching me such a valuable life lesson and for your unconditional love. When I look at Liam and Katelyn, I see so much of your spirit in them. They are growing up so fast and they miss having their daddy with them. They talk to you all the time and they know that you will always be with them. You have touched our lives so deeply and we are so grateful for having had the time we had with you. You are a special soul and we will always cherish our time together. Until we meet again my love ... we are sending you all of our love today and always.

Happy birthday Chris, Sophia and I are thinking of you and the family.
We miss you a lot...

Happy Birthday sweetheart. Liam, Katelyn and I miss you so terribly and we continue to celebrate your life everyday. We speak of you daily and share memories of you with each other. Today, the kids and I went to get lots of balloons and streamers to decorate our place to celebrate your special day. We baked your favourite chocolate cake and Katelyn did such a fabulous job decorating it. She made you a card and it's hanging on the fridge. You will always be in our hearts and we love you so much. You have left such a huge void in our hearts and we still struggle everyday to live our lives without you. I know that you are looking over us and protecting us. Thank you for all of your love and we are sending you all of our love today and always. We love you forever.

Chris, I bet you're celebrating your 44th birthday with some fabulous BBQ today :) You may be gone but you are not forgotten.
Jenna

Happy 44th Birthday Chris! You are missed terribly. Not sure if you had anything to do with it, but after the worst year of my life, I finally nailed down a job today, one which I first started chasing with you when we met with Dan in Bangkok last December. Thanks for everything. - Andrew

I grew up with Chris, we were really close during high school but drifted apart. We reconnected on Facebook, and in our busy worlds I only looked tonight to see why I had not seen a post from him. I am heartbroken and crushed that I did not get a chance to see him one more time. I am thinking about his family who he clearly adored. I will raise a toast to you my friend, I am sorry I found out so late, I would have made to trip to pay my respects as you were a true friend and better person. I will see you again someday and we will laugh again, till then hear's to you RIP!

Sorry to hear this news, I am deeply saddened today, and flooded with memory's. My condolences to the whole family.

My brother will forever live within me. I love him and miss him with all of my heart. Life is a little less without him. Until we meet again little brother. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqN5SV7TMn4

Seems like yesterday I saw Liam, Katelyn, and Chris all playing together at Church Street school. And we have great memories of the birthday picnics with Chris and the kids at the park. Chris was a funny and happy person who we will miss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Liam and Katelyn at this very difficult time. Noreen, Ken & Isabelle

Dear Wendy and Family,
My heart goes out to you and the family. I pray that God gives you strength and some peace comes out of this. I will always remember the fun times we had with Chris and you at the University of Guelph. Thinking of you. Michelle and Guy Albanese (nee Maj)

Wendy, Liam and Katelyn, we are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts are with you. Chris was always welcoming and fun to be with. He obviously loved his family. He will be missed.
With much love,
Jennifer, In-Suk, Sophia, and Alex

The news of Chris’ passing away rendered me speechless and broke my heart. Memories of playing soccer with him with the kids at the park, playing with the kids at my daughter’s birthday as well as our ritual chats when we meet at school picking up the kids will always be cherished and fondly remembered. Chris made me feel like a brother and accepted my small family with open arms.

Wendy, Liam and Katelyn you are in our thoughts. Sophia and I are here for you…

Wendy, Liam and Katelyn, I feel so terribly for what you must be going through. My condolences are with you and your family.

Chris, it took me a long time to figure out what to write because I just can't believe this is true.

Chris loved life, was always looking forward to discovering something new, and loved a good party. He was also a great friend that I will really miss. I'm sorry it ended this way.

Keisha

I only knew Chris for day, I met him with Andrew and we cycled around a route I call the Klong Om Non loop

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gordonbanderson/sets/72157638010517853/

I immediately noticed his energy and enthusiasm. The way he observed the world was almost child like in it's curiosity, he noticed several things on the ride that I'd not seen before, including an artist's grotto under a busy road intersection.

I am so saddened by his passing. We gave him a good send off here in BKK last night and I'm sure Toronto will do him proud.


I cycled alone last Sunday. More child-like in my energy, enthusiasm and observation of the world around me. Thank you Chris.

im soo sorry for your loss. i recalled a couple of months ago when he would drop by the room and give liam and katelyn a chance to say hello to all the teachers. Looking at the pictures....i can't help but remember the times when you guys would drop off and pick up the kids from the infant room...to preschool!!...He will be missed.

Wendy, Liam and Katelyn,
I have no words to express how deeply sorry I am to hear this sad news. I'm in shock! My condolences. Miss you Liam and Katelyn.
lots of hugs and kisses

Wendy, I am so saddened to hear of your loss. As if it wasn't clear from the wonderful photos on this page, Chris always exhibited such a great love for Liam and Katelyn. Please send the kids all my love and tell Liam that I miss him and am sending him the biggest hug ever.

My deepest condolences to you and your family.

I was shocked when I heard the news. With Chris' sense of humour I was waiting for this to be just another funny story that had some crazy different ending. It's been years since we spoke but he will be missed. He was a kind, funny and caring person. My thoughts are with Wendy and the kids.

Chris

A wonderful father, always enjoyed the time we spent chatting and playing soccer at our daughter's birthday parties. Wendy, Katelyn and Liam, we are so sorry for your loss, you continue to be in our thoughts and hope you will find ways to cope together. Sincerely,Tori, Ryan, Kirra and Jax.

Wednesday 4th Dec 2013, I heard news from friends told me Chris have drowned and passed away since afternoon Monday 2nd Dec 2013. I couldn't believe at all. I asked one of my friend again *You think he going to be ok? Friend said *Nattie, he drowned. He died!! .....That's it, crying and couldnt say anything, I was really shocked and deeply sad for loss one of my good friend, good brother and good person that always be nice and kind to me all the time we have been friend more than 3 years!

Chris come back Bangkok this time he kept talking about Myanmar and wanted to go visit early before cycling trip on April next year. He seem really want to go and exciting for some point which I feel strange (I did asked him why cant just wait until then but I still got no answer) Until finally he made it there touch down Myanmar and suddenly sadness news happened........

My condolences to all of your family and good friends. Thank you for everything Chris, you have been great. May you rest in peace and heaven and you will always in our thought forever. RIP Chris Collins

Nattie Khe

This new just stunned me and had to stare at the email for long time. Chris and i where planning to partner up to film this wild ride in Thailand similar to my cycling tv show. We met this summer when i was at a red light on my bike on Yonge st and he said hey your that guy from the tv show--he came over and hugged me right there on my bike at a busy intersection. We talked for 30 minutes and became instant friends. Seems this was Chris and why everyone loved him. His joy for adventure and life and just remaining young was infectious. I feel like i lost a long time friend as i know we would have been. I saw him just before he left as we discussed ideas for the Tv show/ride that he was scouting when he died. I picture his smile and glow in his eyes--never to be forgotten--swim on my friend

I first met Chris in July when he and Wendy contacted me to list their house on Dawes Rd.
During the pre listing and listing of the house, I was blessed to have had the opportunity to spend time with Chris. 
His positive, honest, energetic spirit was infectious! He had a great sense of humor and although a door was closing (needing to sell of the house) I was amazed at his upbeat positive attitude. He was confident that a door doesn't close without a new one opening. "Home is where the heart is".
I was equally impressed with his parenting. He was so hands on with Liam and Katelyn, even while we were preparing the house for sale. I could tell that he was born to be a Dad and that the kids and Wendy were the most important things in his life!
During one of the conversations that we had, he told me of his strong draw to South East Asia. He said that he must have been Asian in his last life. I suppose that if it was his time to go, there is no better place that it could have happened.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Chris Collins was a very generous and caring man.
I will always be grateful for the chats we had, and letting me chill at Corner Lot when my apt was like a sweat box in the summer. His children Liam and Kaitlyn were his life and loved them unconditionally as a parent should. He loved Thailand and talked about it and revisiting many times. I am glad he was able to visit Thailand before his life was cut short. My thoughts and prayers for him, his family and his friends.
You will always hold a special place in my heart Chris.. Rest in Eternal Peace my friend..this candle I lit will symbolize your spirit that will forever shine among us.

I'm still at a loss for words. The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Chris was the sheer vibrancy and love of life. His fearlessness and funloving attitude was infectious. The way he talked about his family, business, travels, dreams and his genuine interest in things that were going on in my own life. He was an inspiration and a true friend. Miss you already bud and deepest condolences to Wendy, Liam, Katelyn and all his family and friends.

I first met Chris just 5 days before he passed through another biking buddy Andrew as we shared one of my favorite klong (canal) trails. Chris was so easy to instantly get on with, such an energetic, boisterous and funny guy. After a great days riding, a water fight (he started it) and laughs we enjoyed beers and Thai spicy pork ending a perfect day. We jokingly argued about the 1st star/satellite we saw sat at our street side bar, I disagreed it was Venus. From now on when I happen look upon this bright evening star, I will think of it as 'Chris's Star'. RIP

Chris Collins - a gentle person who was a happy and open spirit. Always welcoming and easy to talk to.
I am grateful for having had an opportunity to get to know you. Your photos of family, friends and travel always made me smile.
#RIP my deepest and sincerest condolences to your young family.

Very sad to learn of Chris's passing. Quite incredible to see how many of us were touched by Chris without ever having met him.
A sad loss.

I got to know Chris over the last week of his life when we explored Bangkok by bicycle and traveled up through Kanchanaburi province to the Burmese border at Three Pagoda Pass. He was enthusiastic and bubbling with life, ploughing head first into every new adventure. He wanted to see everything, eat everything and talk to local people he met. I was with him when he tragically drowned at Sai Yok Yai waterfall. It all happened in less than 60 seconds from the time he slipped into the water and swam to the waterfall to take a VDO. Life guard tried to save him. Chris was a pleasure to be with. 20 minutes before his death, as we walked across a suspension bridge over the river Kwai Noi on a sunny Monday afternoon, he turned to me with a big smile on his face and said he was having one of the best weeks of his life. Rest in peace Chris, you were a fantastic person.

Chris was my dear cousin. He was a special person in my life. Although we didn't see each other as much as either one of us would have hoped, he remained a constant in my life. One of my fondest memories as a child was when he came to our family cottage and we went swimming together. He showed off his martial arts moves on the raft in the middle of the lake. What I didn't know was that I would be part of his final manoeuvre and he flipped me into the water. Always a joker and able to make someone feel special. His passing saddens me but knowing he is protecting us from up above makes me smile the way only Chris could.

I was shocked and saddened when I received news of Chris's passing.
Only a few days before I had plans to reach out to him in hopes of coordinating a trip to Thailand together... 
My sincere condolences to Wendy, Liam and Katelyn.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all... He will be missed...
Sincerely,
Paul