Chris Hall loved his life and lived it to the fullest. He was born September 17, 1950 and left us on December 21, 2014 following a long battle with Cancer.
Chris is survived by his loving wife, Pam Harknett; sister, Janice (Doug) Hemming; stepsons, Brock (Jane) and Drew Henson and grandchildren, Georgia and Annika Henson. Chris was a very loving husband, brother, stepfather and “Papa” to all.
He was a third generation Victorian and the son of Leon and Mildred Hall. He attended Margaret Jenkins Elementary, graduated from Oak Bay High in 1967 and attended the University of Victoria. On May 17, 1986, he married long time friend and fellow UVIC Vike, Pam Harknett. Chris retired from BC Buildings Corporation in 2005.
Chris cherished his summers at Shawnigan Lake, winters in Palm Desert and year round golf with his buddies at Uplands Golf Club. Attending major sporting events and concerts across North America were also passions for Chris.
Chris excelled in baseball, basketball, football, rugby and lacrosse. Through sports, he made many friendships that would last his entire life. In basketball, Chris played for the UVIC Vikes and later the Senior Men’s Scorpions and Datatech teams. In football, Chris was a receiver and kicker with the BC Football Conference Dolphins and was named to the all-time Victoria team. In rugby, Chris first played for Velox, then moved on to first division with the James Bay Athletic Association. In baseball, Chris was an infielder with the Victoria Senior Amateur All Stars and spent a year in the Southern Baseball League with Swift Current just prior to being drafted by the Boston Bolts of the National Lacrosse League in 1975.
From that point, Chris launched a storied career in lacrosse that would conclude with being recognized as one of the greatest coaches and mentors in the game. He spent nine years as a player and ten years as Head Coach of the Victoria Shamrocks, winning three Mann Cups along the way. In field lacrosse, Chris co-founded the Senior A Men’s Victoria Seasprays/Royal Waxmen Club that won 14 Ross Cup national championships. Chris was a defenseman with Canada’s National Field Lacrosse Team through three World Championships and was selected to the All World Team at the World Games in Los Angeles in 1984. He then went on to become Head Coach of the National field lacrosse team through two more World Championships. Chris also coached Team England in two world indoor box lacrosse championships.
Chris was named Head Coach of the National Lacrosse League Calgary Roughnecks in 2002 and won an NLL Championship. After six years in Calgary, he went on to become Head Coach of the San Jose Stealth and won another NLL title when the team moved to Washington in 2012, becoming only the second coach in the history of the league to win titles with two different teams.
Chris spent 12 years as a Head Coach in the National Lacrosse League, was a five-time All Star Game coach and retired this year as the 3rd all-time wins leader. He was nominated and won election as an NLL Hall of Fame inductee Class of 2014. Chris was also inducted into the Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame in October of 2014.
We will be celebrating Chris’ phenomenal life on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. in The Carson Room, Level 2, Victoria Conference Centre, 720 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shamrocks Alumni University Scholarship program in memory of Chris Hall. Cheques payable to “Victoria Shamrock Alumni”, c/o 4174 Thornhill Crescent, Victoria BC, V8N 5E5.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
62 Responses
Dear Janice, Sam and I are deeply saddened by the passing of your beloved brother. Know that you are in our hearts and thoughts at this difficult time.
We are thinking of you all during this difficult time. So sorry! Hugs!
Shane, Gina, Audrina & Nixon Mavin
Pam
As Linda and sit after enjoying a Sunday dinner together – and plan for Monday afternoon, I am reminded of the events, over the years, that you and Chris extended an invitation to us to drop by at the beach house or just drop by at a Christmas dinner or some other event, they were always filled with laughter, maybe a cigar, but most of all with love and kindness. We had the pleasure of returning some of the hospitality and love when you attended our wedding a few years back but the love and kindness you and your sister and family extended to my new partner will never be forgotten – Chris, you, Marsha and Doug are all in our hearts and those memories are not only captured in great pics but many stories around a fireplace.
Chris will be missed, by many communities, and may you garner the strength for a bright outlook from these people he has touched over the years.
Ken and Linda
Pam and family,
We are so sorry to hear about Chris, what a great guy, he gave so much and was fun to be around.
We hope that your feelings of sorrow and loss will soon be filled with many happy memories.
Love Carolynn and Victor
Pam & family,
Surround yourselves with the love & fond memories of family & friends; this will help during this difficult time. It was through field lacrosse that I met ‘CH’ & I loved his passion for the game, pride in the players , his humour & smiles & the ‘odd clip board’ throwing….He will be greatly missed. Hugs & love xoxoox
Pam and family,
It is always difficult to find the appropriate words to express how sorry we are for your loss. Chris was a wonderful man who accomplished so much and set the bar very high for others to follow.
My brother, Harry Maltby, who now resides in Australia, went to University with Chris and played basketball with him. When I told him of Chris’ passing he said he can still hear his laugh as clear as anything! What a lovely memory!
Thinking powerful thoughts for you at this time! Brenda Quin, Tanya and Jeremy
Dear Pam and family, I am sorry to hear the sad news. Chris was a great person. He was a great mentor to me at BCBC in the 90’s and always had a welcoming smile. It was a pleasure to know Chris and a great joy to introduce the NLL Champion to my lacrosse playing boys. Thoughts are with you and your family. Take care – Kent
Dear Pam,
My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. Special people like my Doug and your Chris have left memorable legacies as they dedicated their lives to living life to the fullest. In so doing, they also benefited the well being of so many others! They lived with passion, strength and resilience, and how fortunate were we. It goes without saying, that anything I can do for you and your family, please let me know. Sincerely with love, Maureen
Dear Pam…..
We are absolutely heartbroken that such a wonderful Chris has left us. He handled this illness with such dignity and we know that was a challenge for him. He will be sorely missed by all of us.
You were his strength and you did that with such grace. We know his loss will hurt for some time to come but hopefully happy memories will soon fill your sad heart.
Love you lots,
Judi and Jerry
Rich and I were saddened to learn of Chris’ passing; our condolences, Pam, to you and your family. Rich and I both remember how happy we were when you and Chris became a couple — two wonderful people who would forge a wonderful life together. Hold on to the memories.
We are out of country and will miss the celebration but will celebrate Chris and his life nonetheless.