It is with broken hearts that we announce the tragic passing of Christopher George Shurety, on the 28th of January at the age of only 48 years. Chris was the founder and owner of “The Patch” clothing store at 719 Yates Street, Victoria. He was a colourful personality and a very talented and creative business man, who built up “The Patch” to be large and very popular, becoming an iconic store in Victoria. Chris’ business flourished for over 20 years but, the pandemic and problems with an intransigent landlord, forced him to close “The Patch” in 2022.
Chris was born in Benoni, South Africa, and immigrated to Canada in 1978 with this family. He lived with his family in London, Ontario and Owen Sound, Ontario before moving to Victoria to found “The Patch”. Chris holds an honours degree in chemistry and biology from Waterloo and Victoria Universities.
He will be lovingly remembered by his father and mother, Michael and Brenda Shurety and by his two sisters, Samantha Campbell and Sarah Shurety. Chris had so much talent and abilities that it is indeed a tragedy that he died at such a young age.
There will be a viewing in the Redwood Chapel on the upper level at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC on Monday, February 13, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A Funeral Service for Chris will then be held at the Esquimalt United Church, 500 Admirals Road, Victoria, BC, at 2:00 p.m. A reception will follow the service.
Flowers may be sent to McCall Gardens and Memorial Donations in Chris’ honour, may be made directly to the Esquimalt United Church
at www.esquimaltunited.com.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
30 Responses
Chris is a part of many of my fondest memories. He was an amazing person and a great friend. My condolences to his friends and family.
I knew Chris from Grand Bend. And I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. He was always engaging, witty, funny and just a genuinely kind guy. I learned from him, I drank a few beers with him and I just enjoyed talking retail with him. Its tough when they take the good ones away
I will really miss you Chris.
I have many great memories of working with Chris at Zellers in Owen Sound. He was always smiling and had a funny thought or story to help pass our time.
It has been many years since seeing Chris and feel so sad to learn he is not with us, and can only imagine how much he would have meant to those close to him.
Rest in peace Chris.
Memories of you and the good times will carry on forever- Rest in peace my friend
I am so very sad to hear of Chris’ passing. I worked for him in Grand Bend for many years and at a young age he entrusted me with Managing the store which I did for years. He taught me so much – sometimes it was hard to keep up with his ideas and he always dreamed big. I remember many times running around behind him, frantically taking notes about what things he wanted to see be done, and then was simply left to it to sort out. But I always wanted to make him proud because he loved the store so much and it had evolved into a Grand Bend summer staple. My favourite (and most colourful!) summer memories often involve Chris and ‘The Store Formerly Known as George’. I am grateful for what he taught me and what he saw in me. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. There will always be a special place in my heart for Chris.
My friendship with Chris back in the formative Grand Bend days enriched my life and sparked many interests and journeys both inner and outer. This news is so so sad and I send my love to his family and community – all the communities he was part of past and present. Chris definitely carried a special frequency that wove into the fabric of spaces and hearts. Gratitude and blessings on your journey Chris.
I’m sorry to hear of Chris’s passing. During junior high and high school he was always nice to me, even though we saw each other only in passing. His kindness was much appreciated. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
My deepest condolences to all his family and friends. My first job was at his store in Grand Bend. I have such wonderful memories working for him for 5+ summers! He was a wonderful person.
Love and Light to you old friend.
I attended the lovely service for Chris today. I was an employee of Chris’ and I was always impressed by his creativity, his knowledge, and his passion. I remember when he told me about his mannequins–how some of them were vintage Rootstein mannequins, some of the best and most artistic available. He was so proud of them. I thought it was neat that he had insight into this whole other world, and that even if the customers never knew the difference, it mattered to him that he had the best mannequins in his store.
I recently read an article about how researchers are finding that a spider’s consciousness extends into its web. I think that maybe the Patch was like that for Chris. The Patch was such a colourful cornucopia, overflowing with curiosities and treasures, always evolving and aspiring and revealing something new. It could be tumultuous at times, but I was always proud to be part of it.
I am grateful that I had the opportunity to know Chris and be a part of his store. I hope he knew how special he and his Patch were to this city and the people who knew him.