In Memory of Christopher James Babij
January 5th 1993 – December 20th 2024
In loving memory of Christopher James Babij, 31 years old, who passed away suddenly on December 20th 2024 at his home in Ottawa, Ontario.
Cherished son of Laura Beauvais and William Babij. Beloved brother of Elwyn, Marie, both of Winnipeg, Stephanie, Brittany and Melanie of Ottawa, Michael of Sudbury, Matthew, and Mark of Ottawa. Loving Uncle to Brady, Emmalee, Joseph, Elwyn, Corri, Caedyn, and Norah, all of Winnipeg, who held a special place in his heart and brought him great joy. Christopher’s heart belonged to Sarah, the love of his life. She was his soulmate and a constant source of happiness, laughter, and companionship.
Chris grew up playing hockey as a goalie, spending time outdoors, swimming and fishing, and seeking adventure anywhere he could find it. A dedicated hard-worker, Christopher was a perfectionist and took great pride in his profession of roofing. Outside of work, Chris was an avid animal lover and always had a soft spot for any creature in need. His love for animals was matched only by his desire to help people, often going out of his way to lend a hand or offer support to those in need. Christopher was well-known as a generous person, even when he had nothing left to give but the clothes off of his back. He found joy in the simple things in life, from card games with family and friends to watching sunsets and finding peace around a bonfire in the country. Music was one of the most important aspects of his life, as he spent much of his time writing raps and using music to communicate as a form of storytelling. Chris took solace in the cathartic creative process of expressing himself through poetry in music, and his talent was undeniable. He had an infectious laugh and a personality that lit up every room he entered. Truly a free spirit, he believed that with determination and a positive mindset, he could achieve anything.
Chris was a man full of light, love, and perseverance. Even in the darkest of times he had hope and faith, and was never hesitant to share it with those around him. Anyone who knew him, knows that he had a huge heart with a presence that brightened the lives of everyone he met. His family was everything to him, and his memory will live on in our hearts forever. He is back to the limitless being that he always was, which shone through him often on this Earth.
Chris truly embodied “There is no joy in possession without sharing” – Erasmus
Chris you are deeply missed. I saw your big heart, I saw your generosity. I saw your hard working nature in action. I got to hear some of your songs and poetry. You were wise to focus on enjoying the moment with loved ones. A few of the memories I cherish include fun times at the cottage on Damn Lake: sitting around the fire you prepared, enjoying the fireworks displays you treated us to, seeing you and Sarah head off for a canoe ride with Kaleo, enjoying the sausages you grilled with care, playing Monopoly and card games a night, seeing you hold baby Koa with ease and care. Good times when you visited Vancouver shortly after Koa was born and helped Kaleo to have some fun and attention including how you guys spotted a bald eagle at Kaleo’s school park (I learned since that it was common for eagles to show up where you were), fun at the beach and hiking up Grouse Mountain, enjoying takeout breakfast together around our dining table. I enjoyed the photos from the Hawaii trip that I believe you planned as a gift to my sister. I’m so glad I got to see you and give you a hug during my recent visit to Ottawa in December and I wish I had told you all of this then. Sending love to you and your beautiful family as you all navigate this biggest of life’s transitions.