By Chad Klassen

Christopher Seguin remembered for his loving nature, community spirit

Oct 14, 2017 | 4:37 PM

KAMLOOPS — He was a man who was larger than life, and full of love. 

Christopher Seguin loved with all his heart, whether you were a friend, a colleague, family, or even a stranger. 

“He loved people and the human condition,” said his sister Jennifer Seguin, who delivered a touching eulogy during his service on Saturday. “He found inspiration in the trials and tribulations of people and the strength they exhibited in their resolve to move forward.”

Hundreds of people in the Kamloops community came out to honour Seguin, who passed away suddenly as a result of an accidental overdose on Sept. 22. He was 39, leaving behind wife Melissa, sons Logan and Harrison, mother Deb and father Joe, and many relatives and friends in Kamloops.

For anyone who knew him, caring for people shined through his everyday life, and nowhere was that more evidence than his efforts during this summer’s historic wildfire season, where he helped secure shelter, food and necessities for the thousands of evacuees that called Kamloops home.

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He was also an integral part of the Rotary Club of Kamloops, serving the community since becoming a member in 2007. Seguin was also voted in as president of the club in 2012. 

“It was his goal that no child in Kamloops goes hungry,” noted fellow Rotarian Ryan Liebe who spoke at the service. “Think about that statement. That kind of bold ambition, shoot for the stars, is something many of us will remember about Christopher.”

During his time in Rotary, Seguin started the bi-monthly tradition of family dinners at Norkam Secondary that have become a community staple. They started with 25 families and now attract an average of 125, and 250 families during big events.

The dinners, and Seguin’s goal of ending child hunger, earned the Rotary Club of Kamloops the International Significant Achievement Award in 2014. The dinner is now named after Seguin in his memory. 

“It will take an army of us in this room to have the same impact that Christopher had on our community. That was his superpower,” said Liebe.

Local philanthropist Ken Lepin, who’s donated millions of dollars to Thompson Rivers University, grew close to Seguin through their interactions. Lepin treated the 39-year-old as one of his own sons, remembering the deep conversations the two had about life. But more than anything, Lepin is fond of Seguin’s glowing presence. 

“When you walked into a room, you knew he was there and you were drawn to him,” said Lepin. “He had a wonderful gift of making people feel they had a new best friend.” 

“Chris loved people,” continued Lepin as he held back tears. “He could connect with anyone on a personal level in almost every circumstance. His genuine caring for others was written all over his face.”

The overwhelming theme of the service was Seguin’s loving nature and how everyone can learn from the full, enriching life he lived.

“We are all better because Christopher was part of our lives,” said friend Matt deFouw.