THRING, Christopher

In Loving Memory of Christopher George Thring
It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Christopher George Thring, who passed away doing what he loved. Born on December 27, 1964, Chris grew up on his family’s dairy farm on the Fourth Line of Eramosa, where he developed a lifelong passion for farming, hard work, and love of rural life. In May of 1991 Chris and Kathy purchased their first farm together, beginning a journey built on determination, teamwork, and a shared dream. They were married in August of 1995 and spent the next three decades building not only a successful farming operation but a life they were proud of together. Over the years Chris and Kathy raised pigs, grew cash crops, and built a thriving hay business that exports hay across North America. While Kathy worked full-time off the farm, she played an essential role in the daily operation, taking on countless jobs and responsibilities. Together, through hard work and dedication, they built the farm into what it is today. Chris was a devoted husband to Kathy and an incredibly proud father to his two cherished daughters, Kate and Megan. His family was always his greatest accomplishment. Chris was deeply involved in every part of his daughters’ lives. He was always there to help Kate with her 4-H steers, driving her to countless fairs all over Ontario and the United States, pushing her to pursue what she loved. Although he often complained about her growing herd, he was always right beside her, lending a hand and encouraging her. Megan was her dad’s shadow, working alongside him on the farm every single day. They each had their own way of doing things - Chris had his way, Megan had hers - but somehow, they always made it work. Chris believed in Megan long before she always believed in herself. He encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone, supporting her in tractor pulling, 4-H crops club, and becoming a confident woman farmer in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Chris instilled an incredible work ethic in both Kate and Megan. He taught them that hard work, determination, and doing your best were values that would serve them throughout their lives. His lessons extended far beyond the farm and will remain with them forever. One of Chris’s proudest projects was building the family cottage from the ground up, creating a place where countless memories were made together. Farming often meant long hours and little free time, but whenever he had the opportunity there was nowhere he would rather be than at the cottage with his family. Chris was predeceased by his loving parents, Clifford and Joyce Thring, brothers-in-law Don Hayden, John McTavish and Gary Taylor. He is lovingly remembered by his sisters, Barb (Morris) Lavigne, Lorraine Hayden, and Brenda McTavish; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Jamie, Barb, and Wanda Taylor, his many nieces and nephews, his extended family, neighbours, and countless friends. Chris touched the lives of many. He was a mentor to young farmers, always willing to share his knowledge, lend a hand, or offer advice. He believed in helping others succeed and quietly made a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him. When the work slowed down, Chris enjoyed travelling with Kathy, snowmobiling with “the gang,” spending time at the cottage, being his girls’ number one cheerleader in hockey and the cattle ring, and relaxing with a Bud Light, Caesar, or a stiff glass of Wiser’s (aka sunshine juice) while sharing stories with family and friends. Chris will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his remarkable work ethic, his generosity, his quiet sense of humour, and his willingness to help anyone in need. He found his greatest joy on the farm, surrounded by the people he loved, and it is fitting that he spent his final moments doing what he loved most, makin’ hay while the sun shined. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the emergency responders, and the physicians, nurses, and staff at Groves Memorial Hospital, for their compassionate care and support during this difficult time. Chris’s legacy lives on in the family he adored, the farm he built, the values he passed on, and the many lives he influenced. He will be forever loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten. Cremation has taken place. In keeping with Chris’s wishes and the demands of the farming season, a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 25th at the Centre Wellington Sportsplex, 550 Belsyde Ave E, Fergus, ON from 1:00pm – 5:00pm. Words of Remembrance will be held at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Groves Memorial Hospital or Wellington 4-H would be greatly appreciated in Chris’s memory. So, the next time you raise a Bud Light or a Caesar, please raise a glass to Chris, share a story, and remember a life well lived!

“One good person can touch more hearts than we’ll ever know”.

Arrangements are entrusted to Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home. 

www.grahamgiddyfh.com