Image Credit: Facebook / Dan Hines

By Dylana Kneeshaw

CHRIS ROSE

‘A heart for inclusion’: Friends, colleagues pay tribute to Kamloops educator Chris Rose

Sep 25, 2025 | 6:57 PM

KAMLOOPS — Chris Rose, the namesake of the Chris Rose Therapy Centre for Autism, passed away at 89 years old this week. And those who worked with the longtime educator say he leaves behind a legacy of inclusion.

“I think of some of the stories with Chris and some of the challenges some of our parents have had and how in a three-piece suit, he would seem so approachable. And I think that’s Chris — just give with your heart, listen to what people have to say and connect with them. And that’s what Chris, I think, taught me,” says Wanda Eddy, the executive director of the Chris Rose Therapy Centre for Autism.

Rose worked as a teacher, then a principal, at several different schools in B.C., including Beattie Elementary in Kamloops, and he also became a trustee in the Kamloops-Thompson School District.

“His niche was special education and then he became a school trustee and I worked alongside him for a long period of time there,” explains former S.D. 73 trustee Ken Christian. “And he had, really, a soft but important voice there. He really made his points and was well-researched, and I think the district was better because of his time as a school trustee.”

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Even in retirement, Rose took on work to bolster education. He became the head of Giant Steps West, a program for children and youth with autism.

“It was actually Marg Spina who approached him at his retirement and said, ‘What are you going to do now?’ And he said, ‘I don’t know’, and she said, ‘What about coming back and rebuilding Giant Steps?’ So obviously in 2000 or 2002, when we had renamed the centre it was Chris Rose that we were going to name the centre after,” recalls Eddy. “He just really had a heart for inclusion.”

Colleagues of Chris Rose say his life’s work always had an element of thoughtfulness. And what a career it was. In 2008, Rose was honoured with the Pioneer Spirit Award by the City of Kamloops. In 2010, he was inducted to the Order of British Columbia, and in 2016 he received the OWL award from School District 73.

“There was just a certain style to Chris Rose that was unique and was kind. And I think his kindness and his commitment will be what I will remember,” adds Christian.

While the career accomplishments of Rose are held in high regard, longtime friend, Dan Hines says it’s the personal connections Rose made and the genuine character that will likely stick with people the most.

Hines describes how during a provincial election bid several years ago, Rose showed up in support of Hines and gave a meaningful speech at an early gathering of campaign supporters.

Hines says that moment taught him ‘what it meant to show up, and be part of making this society better’.

His passing marks an emotional loss for the centre, but Eddy says she is also reflecting on the fact that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of children who became thriving adults because of the work

“There are so many families that are thankful for what he gave and I know I’m very thankful. You know, he was a huge mentor for me but also I’m proud to call him my friend,” notes Eddy.