Tribute

CHRISTOPHER JAMES (C.J.) CONROY

June 2, 1972 – September 26, 2019

It’s impossible to think of a world without our beloved C.J.Christoper James Conroy Junior was born into an Irish Catholic family on June 2, 1972 at the Cowichan District Hospital. He was a proud first-generation Canadian. He was also the only boy and the ‘babby’ born to Noel and Dette. His sisters Maeve and Julie would tell you that C.J. was idolized, coddled, and loved his whole life – so very loved by all.

He was an intensely loyal friend and he was blessed with a group of exceptional friends, some of whom he had known since Kindergarten. He had good friends because he was such a good friend. He could always be counted upon to tell a good story and make everyone laugh. This came easily to C.J. as he had a quick, wit and a broad knowledge and frame of reference for many topics. These topics included but were not limited to international, federal and provincial politics, Shakespeare, Lego, Star Wars, Isaac Asimov novels, and tips for dog training. His dog Tinker is a reflection of C.J.’s knowledge, patience, and kindness. A hard worker and a perfectionist – he held his colleagues in high regard and in return was a respected officer who spent 20 years serving as a Peace Officer for the Province of British Columbia. He had many close bonds with his brothers at Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre. We thank them for honouring C.J. during his celebration of life.

As a perfectionist, C.J. patiently waited 40 years to find his perfect match! She proved to be his equal, his partner in crime, his most beloved and cherished wife Andria came into his world in 2012. Andi made C.J. happy beyond his wildest dreams and when they married in 2013 their grand adventure began. Together they traveled the globe to many exotic destinations and made special memories and friends wherever they explored. Andi and C.J. welcomed Gracie Anne Madigan Conroy in 2017 and together they became the newest Canadian Conroy Family – what a cause for celebration her arrival was!

With the birth of Gracie, C.J. found his true calling. He was the most loving Dada a little girl could ever ask for – his mini-me, his “Gracie Girl”, as he affectionally called her, was his whole life. This perfect little family loved one another intensely and were loved in return by family in Canada, Ireland, and Zimbabwe, as well as their many friends both here and abroad.

He leaves behind a close knit family consisting of Maeve and Cam, Julie and Jerry to care for and support his beloved Andi and Gracie. There may only have been seven of us total living here in Canada but we took care of one another and we loved one another immensely. We also collected many ‘honorary’ family members along the way to join our clan. You know who you are and we love you. Thank you for being there for C.J. in life and we ask that you continue to be present to share stories, anecdotes, and special memories of C.J. with his lovely Gracie Girl in the years to come.

C.J. was taken from us suddenly and far too soon. We would like to thank the Shawnigan Lake School community, so many of our dear friends in the Cowichan Valley, and the exceptional staff at the Cowichan District Hospital who supported and cared for C.J. (and all of us) through his passing. Dr. Pewarchuk and Dr. Tom Rimmer – your compassion knows no limits – we thank you.

C.J. left us just as he lived – as a gentleman, with a quiet dignity, thinking mostly of others, with his sense of humour firmly intact, surrounded by those who absolutely and completely loved and adored him. xo

*********************

Memorial Mass

Thursday October 3, 2019

St. Anne’s Church

1736 Tzouhalem Road, Duncan

At: 1:00 p.m.

Wake immediately following at Craig Street Brew Pub