It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Christopher Dean Eklund (Big Chris) on March 25, 2026 at the age of 53 after a short but heroic battle with cancer.
Chris was born on September 19, 1972, in Fort St. John, BC to Len and Rose (nee Laboucane) Eklund. He attended Central Elementary School and Bert Bowes Middle School before graduating in 1991 from North Peace Secondary School. After graduation, Chris pursued a career in the oil and gas industry working as a Bulk Plant Operator at Schlumberger Oilfield Services, and later on as a hot shot driver for Ambitious Hotshot Ltd. Even though he spent his whole working life in oil and gas, he always said his favourite job was taking care of the buffalo when they got introduced up north. He would talk about fighting off the bear that ate the seat off his ATV, and the fence he and Dan Webster built to keep the buffalo contained. We all know how that worked out.
In 2016, Chris met Sheri Harty and they became inseparable. They married in July of 2019. Chris shared his love of the outdoors with Sheri, and they spent time camping, fishing, and going for rips in the side by side.
Chris was an avid backcountry recreationalist, being one of the founding members of the MOOSE ATV club. His passion for exploring the wild lands in the north came from his father who was one of the first river boaters to explore the Muskwa River and beyond, and much of his childhood was spent boating, camping, fishing and hunting.
Chris loved reading and his favourite genres were science fiction and fantasy, a trait passed on by his mother. It was from this that Chris developed his love for Star Wars and Star Trek. Chris also inherited his knack for cooking from his mom, who was one of the best camp cooks in the Peace.
Chris’ memory for facts and trivia were only exceeded by his wry wit and sense of humour. Sheri would often say that he had a whole set of encyclopedias in his head, he was so knowledgeable on so many subjects. He was a good friend to many, always ready with a new (or old) tale, often enjoyed over a cold beer next to a campfire.
Chris is survived by his loving wife Sheri, his two stepsons Brady and Kaden Parent, brother Lee Eklund, mother-in-law Madge Harty, brother and sister-in-law Mike and Treena Harty, nieces Keshia and Kylee Harty and his five fur buddies, Jake, Finn, Chopstix, Cheeto and Gimli, as well as a large circle of friends and relatives.
He was predeceased by his mother Rose in 2011, his father Len in 2021 and his father-in-law Mike Harty in 2024.
Chris was larger than life and his laugh and energy were only outmatched by the size of his heart. He will be missed by all who knew him.
The family would like to thank Dr. Wright and Dr. Gullason, as well as the many nurses from cancer care and home care who cared for Chris throughout his journey.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday April 4, 2026, from 2-5pm at the Fort St. John Royal Canadian Legion. Family and friends are welcome to attend to honor and celebrate Chris’ life.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation in Chris' memory to the Community Cancer Centre at the Fort St. John Hospital by clicking HERE, or to the Fort St. John and District Palliative Care Society by clicking HERE.
Family also asks that you consider donating blood at your local blood donation centre to help those in need.
“It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not weakness, that is life."
- Jean-Luc Picard