I never had the chance to meet Christopher, but would like to express my sympathy to whole family. I know his father, Paul, professionally and only just heard the news today.

My deepest condolences and thoughts are with the Barran family. Chris has had an incredible influence on everyone fortunate enough to meet him and I am one of the lucky few who got to experience that bond with him through the Queen's Soccer program. 

I will always remember Chris as the funniest person in the room. I remember joining the team as a rookie and instantly recognizing that all the banter in the room ran through him. He was without a doubt the funniest guy on the team, and he provided enough whit and laughter to keep spirits up at all times. He set an amazing example for younger players because he always knew when to switch it on be serious about the collective goal. I will always have the greatest respect for Chris's contributions to the team in that regard. 

Chris was the guy that everyone wanted to be paired with in the off-season fitness challenges. If there was any sort of partner challenge, we would all be fighting over who gets to partner with Chris because we knew he would be flying up and down the stairs. That was a testament to his incredible work ethic. We all saw it in with respect to soccer, but we also knew he applied the same dedication to his studies. 

Chris was an exceptional teammate, friend and person. My heart goes out to the Barran family. 

Our most heartfelt sympathy to you both Paul and Judy, and to Ilona, to Alexa, to Michael, to Hannah and to the rest of the extended Barran family. We were so very sorry to hear the  news of Chris's passing. We have been thinking of you every day. Our deepest condolences to you at this sad time. 
Sending you our love and support,
Suzanne, Croft, Shelby and Sarah Michaelson 

I met Chris on my first day at École Pauline Johnson in grade 3, back when he was a small goofy kid in clothing that was way too large for him, and I was fortunate enough to go to school with him into our undergraduate studies. While he eventually grew out of (but likely never grew into) his baggy clothing, Chris remained one of the funniest and smartest people in the class when we were growing up. 

In first year university at Queen’s, we took all the same classes together and our friendship grew from there. Chris was an incredibly fun, kind, and loyal friend. He never failed to make me laugh, and could keep me on my toes with his quick wit. He was always willing to lend a hand, whether it be by helping to get my lunch after I was sick, or guiding our friends through complex physics and chemistry problems that seemed to come naturally to him. His work ethic and devotion to his studies and to soccer was inspirational, yet he still prioritized taking time to relax and goof off with his friends; for all those things and more, he will be greatly missed by myself and many others.

I want to send my deepest condolences to the Barran family and to Hannah. I hope that you can take comfort in seeing the many lives that he had a positive impact on, and know that his amazing spirit will always be remembered.

I was lucky enough to share the pitch with Chris for 3 years during our time with the Queen’s Men’s Soccer program. Not only was Chris a talented footballer, he was an irreplaceable teammate. As a team, we experienced many ups and downs together. It was during those low points that Chris would never let us go too long without smiling. His ability to lighten the room was truly unrivalled. 

Off the pitch, it was much of the same. A brilliant student who was able to balance varsity athletics and a rigorous course load while managing to always have a smile on his face. Chris had a positive impact on everyone he interacted with. He was a true role model. 

I feel privileged that I had the opportunity to know Chris. A talented athlete, a brilliant student, and a truly special human being. My condolences go out to the Barran family. Chris will never be forgotten.

I had the chance over the years to have met Chris in Vancouver when visiting Paul and Judith and most recently last fall when he was in Ottawa.  He was a wonderful young man. I enjoyed our wide ranging conversations about his recent Asian trip, his views on his time in Ottawa and politics, and the area of law  he was contemplating to practice in.  He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word and a reflection of the loving environment he grew up in.   To the Barran family and Hannah Thomson, please accept our deepest sympathies in hopes that time will somehow help assuage the sadness  to leave you with cherished and fond memories of the wonderful son, brother, and partner he was. 

Our deepest condolences on the loss of our beloved nephew/cousin Christopher. You will be so sadly missed by your cousins, uncles and aunts. You have lived a short but very full life and brought so much joy and laughter to everyone's hearts.  We are so very proud of all that you have accomplished and of the person that you were. We only wish we could be in Vancouver to gather with family at this time of sorrow. 
Love you forever and always in our thoughts,
Uncle Bruce, Aunt Anne and cousins Shawn and Matthew

I got to know Chris during my time playing soccer at Queen’s University. I was fortunate enough to be part of a culture and community with him which made us brothers of shared passion, experience and hard work. 

Chris suffered two serious injuries while playing with Queen's, one being a concussion caused by one of his friends and teammates during one of our practices. The injury, of course, prevented him from playing and training during a critical point in his athletic career. Chris could have been resentful towards his teammate, could have been self-pitying in his bad luck but of course that was not Chris. I remember discussing the issue with him amongst a few other teammates. When Chris gave his rendition of the injury I laughed to the point of tears.

To mourn a person like Chris seems oddly incomplete and shallow considering how positive and energetic he was. He had the uncanny ability to make a quip out of any conversation and it is exactly in a time of deep sorrow that we could all have benefited from Chris’ kindness and humour.  It is difficult to remember Chris without smiling, even now. 

My thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to his family and those closest to him. He will be remembered and honoured through all those who were lucky enough to have crossed paths with him.


I only met Chris briefly last summer in helping him set up house in Ottawa with our son Andrew. I was quite taken by his zest for life and engaging personality, and felt so pleased for Andrew to have such a great housemate. They had clearly already forged a durable bond from their time together at the UVic School of Law. 

We wish to extend our sincerest condolences to all of Chris's family as well as to Hannah as you live through this difficult loss. 

With deepest sympathy, 
Peter and Cheryl Tigchelaar 

I played with Chris on the Varsity Soccer team for my final two years at Queen's. He was an immensely dedicated player, with natural talent that eclipsed the abilities of many around him. 

Most memorable however was the way he wore his smile. I never saw it fade and indeed it glowed across the dressing room in a manner that lifted everyone to upbeat spirits, no matter the circumstance.

He was a genuinely benevolent human being and left a positive mark on us all. My deepest condolences to his family and close friends. He will never be forgotten.

Chris and I  shared many mutual law school friends, were on the Appeal Law Journal board of directors together and were Wilson Moot Respondent co-counsel.  
Before I got to know him, I'd heard from many that he was the hardest worker in their cohort, and yet, I felt like I always saw him in the student lounge eating enormous tupperware containers of pasta, relaxed and laughing his booming laugh. When I asked him about this, he said that his approach to school work was to come early and stay late at the library (with noise cancelling headphones) and treat breaks as real, sacred times. He likely never knew how impactful this was for me to hear.
We had communicated a bit since his diagnosis but on July 3rd, I reached out again in a fit of nervousness as  I was about to begin a clerkship, as he had one year prior. The subject of my email read: "I need your advice!!!"  I asked 13 questions about the Federal Court including "Do you have any nuggets of wisdom? What worked for you? What didn't? How much did you work? How formal did you dress? Was it fun? Nerve wracking? Should I prepare in some way?" In retrospect, I literally sent the email equivalent of a stressed chihuahua.
In classic Chris fashion, his prompt response was non-judgmental, kind, funny and complete with subheadings. 
In the final section titled "Other nuggets" he recommended that I leave dress clothes in my cubicle and bike in athletic gear so I wouldn't get as sweaty as he did.  He noted that once, he'd biked to work in every-day clothes and forgot to change when he arrived at work. He stayed in shorts and a T-shirt until 11AM. Imagine the craziness !
Later, I learned that his health was in rapid decline when he sent this email. It likely took him a lot of time and energy to respond. And so, our last correspondence is a very accurate reflection of him: self-sacrifice to help a friend in need - and to do so in a gentle, practical and hilarious way . 
Thank you for your advice, Chris. I really did need it.

I had the privilege of going to the same high school and law school as Chris. He went from being on the Principal's List every year in high school to being on the panel at virtually every law school careers event. While we may not have run in the same friend circle, I will always remember Chris as someone who was incredibly smart, charismatic, and well-liked. 

In fact, Chris helped me in more ways than one during my job search process in law school. As a panelist, he was candid and hilarious in sharing his own experiences. As my mock interviewer, he offered me advice on how to relax and exude more confidence in my interviews. As a peer, he took the time to review and edit my cover letter, providing useful comments along the way. 

It's heartbreaking that Chris was taken so soon as he had an incredibly bright future ahead of him. My deepest condolences go out to the Barran family and Hannah, as well as everyone whose lives Chris has touched.

I had the pleasure of playing soccer with Chris first at NSPPP in Vancouver then at Queen's. When I read the line above about his "unparalleled sense of humour, both dry and goofy" I smiled.  This is exactly how I remember Chris. His comedy could swing from sarcasm to silliness ending with a laugh that would brighten the room. He was a great soccer player but more importantly he was a great teammate. I’m sad to know I won’t get to reconnect with Chris and I know that he will be deeply missed by the Queen’s soccer community. My thoughts are with his family.

Dylan


Chris and I spent a year together on the soccer team at Queen's. I remember him not only as a skilled and determined athlete but also as an all-around great guy - seemingly always positive, joking with those around him, and smiling. That's the type of person everyone wants to be surrounded by, and so I am extremely saddened to hear of this loss; my sincere condolences go out to Chris' family and closest friends. I feel lucky to forever call Chris a teammate.

It's hard to think of positive things to say about Chris that wouldn't seem incredibly cliched to someone who didn't know him. I suppose the reasons for the cliche is that they're universally understood as things people strive to be. This was Chris.

Chris was a universally loved and cherished individual by all those that he was able to touch and grace with support, a laugh, an impression or a quip. His athletic excellence took him to varsity sports and the highest of highs. His academic excellence took him to multiple degrees from great institutions. But his excellence in other ways less quantifiable are what stand out to me.

I was fortunate enough to know and grow close to Chris over three years with Queen's Men's Soccer and I know that he left an impact I'll always cherish and remember. The stories of his fun-loving and positive nature are endless and his memory will live on through stories, jokes and anecdotes  at every alumni gathering from here on out.

My deepest condolences to his family. 

I'll miss you, Barran.

I am so incredibly sad to hear about the loss of Chris. Chris was my mentee at Farris. I was a part of the team at the firm who interviewed him for a summer articling position. I knew right away that we had to have him at our firm. Chris was a ray of sunshine at Farris when he summered here. Not only was his work excellent, his attitude and willingness to help and learn was par none. He was hilarious and made the best of difficult situations. He was the star on our volleyball team that summer, and he beat the Farris lawyers record for the fastest time up the Grouse grind. We were all counting the days until he would join us back at the firm after his clerkship. My deepest condolences to Chris’ family, and to Hannah.  

Chris and I were classmates at UVic Law- we didn't become close friends, but I was always very happy to see him around Fraser, chat about pasta, and experience his sweet sense of humor and his smile.  He was a wonderfully warm person and definitely one of the characters who made that school feel like such a safe haven when I was far from home. I would have been happy to see Chris again someday, and it's very sad to know I won't- my heart goes out to his family and friends, whose grief at this shocking loss I don't think I can imagine. 

I always smile when I come across this photo in my phone, a snapshot from a night of jigging at Irish Times- I think I'll always be grateful that Chris danced into frame at just the right moment. 

I am deeply sorry for your loss. I coached Chris at Queen's University, and remember him not only as a student-athlete but as a truly remarkable human being. 

Chris' work ethic was second to none. He sought feedback from the coaching staff, always looking to improve upon his skills. That being said, what I admired most about Chris was his ability to bring teammates together through a good laugh, or by being there for them when they needed him most. 

I'm truly saddened to the core to hear of this tragic news. My prayers are with Chris, and all of you during this time. 

God bless. 

Chris Gencarelli

I knew of Chris before I met him in 2011… we shared the same dentist and word got out we both were going to Queen’s and would both play soccer. As I hoped we became good friends. We shared great memories at Queen’s through soccer and our shared experience with concussions. We bonded further over Christmas and summer breaks during which we would hike and play soccer together. Some of my fondest memories were the long hike chats about our lives, goals, and regrets. There were always laughs and also serious reflection. I will cherish these memories and continue to share all the Barran moments and stories that he is so famous for. He was a loyal and honest friend. I and many others will miss him dearly. 

My heart goes out to his family and Hannah. From our talks on our hikes he loved and was loved greatly by all of you. May the kind words help to ease the pain you are feeling. 

Chris’ positive impact on the world is continuing to be shared through stories, memories and by bringing people together. A special shout out to his loving family who was by his side and by his window throughout. I know you’re reading all of these messages!!!! Much love 💕 

Eliza 

While we didn’t get a chance to know Chris the way we would have liked, we were able to see him through the eyes that are most important to us, our daughter Hannah’s. Chris brought so much happiness into her life and made her think, laugh, and love. For that we are so incredibly grateful. Our thoughts are with Paul, Judith, Ilona, Alexa, Michael and Chris’ many friends in this difficult time.

Matt, Gaida, and Aiden Thomson



Chris and I didn’t start as the closest of friends. I had played for Mountain WFC for two years and switched to Coastal WFC. Chris was playing with my old team mates and in my old position. We talked trash, we tackled hard and we did not get along. I returned to Mountain the next year and expected a bit of awkwardness or tension at the beginning. I knew that’s how I would act in his position. It was the complete opposite, Chris was nothing but a genuine, kind, passionate teammate from day one.  Chris and I immediately became close friends. Characteristics like that are things I am still working on developing to this day. He was an incredibly talented soccer player but a better human. Rest In Peace Chris, I know we’ll play some footy again one day. 
Jake

I knew Chris from our time together at Queen’s, we were close friends from when we first stepped onto the soccer field in first year, and that friendship grew year by year as we lived in same house for the following three years. 

I think what drew me to Chris as a friend in the first place was his incredible energy and fun-loving attitude which he always carried with him in every interaction and with anyone he’d meet. On the soccer field, I would see him give absolutely everything for his teammates and coaches, working exceptionally hard in training, in the gym and in the off-season to better himself for the team.  In the academic world it was much of the same, and the incredible work-ethic was seen when he was studying at home, in the library or in the Ban Righ cafeteria (his favourite spot to study on campus). 

No matter what he was doing, hanging out and goofing off with friends, studying, or playing sports he was a person of the highest character and had an amazing spirit. I wish that we could have enjoyed each other’s company for longer and celebrated each other’s greatest moments. 

My condolences to the Barran family, we will all miss Chris dearly. 


I had the privilege of playing soccer with Chris at Queen's University and living with Chris for 3 years while at Queen's. I cannot express in words how much of an impact Chris had on my life and the greater Queen's soccer family. He was one of my first true friends at Queen's and was always able to light up a room, no matter the circumstances. He was loyal, a true friend, a comedian, could banter about almost anything, incredibly talented and smart, a role model to us all and had this ability to continuously pick himself up in the face of adversity. I will remember him for all of the small inconsequential moments and conversations we had that I truly looked forward to everyday. 

My deepest condolences go out to the Barran family. Chris will be deeply missed. 



I had the privilege and honour of serving as a Mentor to Chris as part of his participation in the WorkSafeBC Review Division summer internship program in 2017.  Chris sat opposite from me, which gave me the added opportunity to know him better as a person as well as a student. He was a pleasure to be around and to work with. He was not only very intelligent and talented with a great sense of humour, but a wonderful person. My condolences to the family, particularly Hannah who I also know. Chris will be missed by all of us. 

Losing Chris so young is a grievous loss.   His family and friends may be interested in what I wrote in a reference letter for Chris:

"Mr. Barran was a student in my Environmental Law Clinic course...  Mr. Barran is a brilliant and diligent student that I recommend highly. ..

In my Environmental Law Clinic course, Mr. Barran’s client was a Queen’s Counsel preparing major litigation on an extremely significant environmental issue.  This counsel asked Mr. Barran to produce a legal memo on the possibility of applying difficult points of law in a novel factual context.    

Mr. Barran conducted exemplary research on the issues.  He looked at the issues from all possible angles -- diving deep into the applicable case law for each angle.  His summaries of principles to be drawn from the relevant cases were meticulous, crisp and pertinent.  His analysis was incisive, nuanced and creative.  His writing was clear and concise.  

Mr. Barran was a self-starter, demonstrating great diligence, focus and organization.  He required little supervision in producing a memo that required very little editing or amendment.

The senior counsel that received Mr. Barran’s memo volunteered another positive commentary:

'I have to say Chris's work is both excellent and thought-provoking....'
    
On a personal level, Mr. Barran is cheerful, pleasant and easy to work with.  In class, he was a good team player, and helped build a friendly atmosphere conducive to constructive discussions.  He has excellent relationships with his peers, and appears to be highly respected within the student body.    

In sum, I highly recommend Mr. Barran, without reservation."

Today I will say a little prayer for Chris's family and friends.  

Chris left a deep imprint on UVicLaw, particularly in his generosity towards his classmates and our broader community.  It is heart-breaking that, amongst the many ways he will be missed,  he won't have the opportunity to bring his unique skills and way of being to the practice of law.  His contributions here will be long remembered.  Sending love and deep condolences to his family, friends and classmates, thinking of you all.

Chris worked with me as my law clerk at the Federal Court.  Tragically his term ended too soon when he was diagnosed with cancer.  In the short time together my initial observations when I interviewed Chris were affirmed.  My interview notes described him as assured, bright, articulate, well-rounded, and comfortable in his own skin.  I soon found that he also had a good sense of humour.  He often had a twinkle in his eyes.  In our interview. I told him that I had promised myself never again to hire a student from BC as twice my choice had ended up accepting a position with the BC Supreme Court.  He assured me that if I offered him a position, he would not accept a position with the Supreme Court.  After he started his clerkship, he told me that he had indeed been offered a position with the BC Court but as he had promised me, he rejected it.  Chris was a man of integrity.  My condolences to Chris’s family and to Hannah.

Justice Russel Zinn
Federal Court


I had the honor and pleasure of sitting in the cubicle next to Chris during the 2017 Intern program at WorkSafeBC.  I had the pleasure of hearing every dumb joke, or comment, he would make, and his incredible laughter after telling said dumb joke or comment!  I loved his laugh, and apparently, he loved mine too!  
You are at peace now and for that I am glad.  But the fact that you aren't of this world any longer, I am not glad.  
My heart goes to his family and I hope some day you find the strength to cope with your loss.
And Hannah, my heart  go out to you and I hope you, as well, find the strength to cope with your  loss.   Peace.

I met Chris when he was a rookie at Queen's and had the pleasure of playing with him during my last two years. Although his work ethic helped him become an excellent soccer player and overall athlete, his natural talent of brightening any room he walked into is something that cannot be taught or learned. He was one of the kindest, bubbliest, happiest, and most likable individuals I've ever had the privilege of knowing. I know the hearts of the entire Queen's soccer community goes out to his family during this difficult time. You will always be missed and never forgotten. 

I was fortunate to work with Christopher when he worked as a Review Officer Intern in the Review Division of WorkSafeBC in the summer of 2017.   He was intelligent, thoughtful, diligent, and made a huge contribution to the team and to the Review Division.  I feel very fortunate to have known him.  My deepest condolences to Christopher’s family on your loss, and my deepest condolences to Hanna.  Please feel free to reach out to any of us at the Review Division. 

I first met Chris when we were interns together at WorkSafeBC in the summer of 2017. We quickly became part of a tight-knit group that would share gossip over lunches and trade jokes and other musings with one another when our workday became dull. Despite having the strongest work ethic amongst us, Chris was always willing to join in on the shenanigans and his goofy laugh was a bright spot of many days in our office. Chris and I remained in touch after our summer at WorkSafe, and I watched his impressive legal career take shape over the years. 

Chris was an incredible young man who had such a positive impact on those around him. He spoke so fondly of his family and friends, and of his love for his partner Hannah. I will miss Chris dearly, especially his goofy laugh and his sense of humour. I am forever grateful that I had the opportunity to know him. My thoughts are with Chris' family, friends and loved ones in this difficult time. 

I would like to offer my deepest condolences to Chris' family and relatives. There is no word to describes the pain you feel over his loss. Luckily, there are the good memories that last forever. I had the privilege to briefly meet him at the Federal Court this year as we were both Law Clerks. I did not know him much but I will surely remember him as a genuine man, who was very reserved but also always smiling, friendly, and with a good sense of humour.  Sincerely, Viviane.

I was only granted 4 years of really knowing Chris through the Queen's team, but I couldn't fail to notice Chris's effect on me and the people who were lucky enough to be around him. I even had the privilege of living with him and a few of the other soccer guys for a year and I can't tell you how fun and goofy that year was.  It was rare that a serious thing would be said in that house and Chris made sure of it on many occasions(the best photo I have of this group is uploaded - it's rather blurry unfortunately). I truly looked forward to every interaction I had with him. He had a way of turning a phrase that everyone who knew him could appreciate and he could banter with the best. I'll miss knowing he was out there in the world spreading fun and laughter and I'll miss even more the possibility of connecting somewhere down the line. I'm so sorry to see him go so soon. 

I worked with Chris a few years ago when he was an intern at WorkSafeBC.  He was such as amazing person.  He spoke fondly of his siblings and I will always remember his wry smile and sense of humour.  He made a huge contribution to the intern program with his intelligence and team leadership.  Please accept my sincere condolences.  Hanna, how fortunate that you both found each other.  I am so sorry for your loss, please feel free to reach out to any of us on the team.  Take care.  Susan

I met Christopher when he interned with the Review Division in 2017. We had such a fun year with those kids!! I was lucky to be included in some of their adventures.  The group grew incredibly close. They were always hanging together, smiles on their faces, even though we gave them a lot of work.    Christopher brought his charm to the group.  He was incredibly easy going, social, bright, articulate and a talented decision maker.  He impressed so many.  My heart aches for Hannah who we met at the same time, and for his family. 
Take care, Brenda White

Christopher worked as a Review Officer Intern in the Review Division of WorkSafeBC in the summer of 2017.   He was smart, thoughtful and considerate.  It was an absolute pleasure working with him.  My deepest condolences to Christopher’s family on your loss. 

Susan Hynes, Chief Review Officer, WorkSafeBC

OBITUARY

Christopher Paul Barran

16 March, 1993 – 18 August, 2020

Hollyburn Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services