Chris Raynsford Memorial Guest Book

In Memory of Chris Raynsford

It is with heavy hearts that we learned of the tragic and brutal death of our dear friend Chris. His smile, warmth, hugs, and his beautiful voice will be sorely missed, but not forgotten. ~ Danni & Christopher

To Chris and his many friends: Chris, may your eternal rest be peaceful unlike your violent and tragic death. May you feel comforted and loved now that you are away from this world of hate. Keep on making beautiful music and let your heart sing to all the ears that need to hear your important message of love and hope. For even though I did not know you, I feel I have connected somehow, not only through what I have read/seen/heard from the media, but also through the Dog and Pony Karaoke patron/friend association too. From various comments I have read, I have realized that you had a positive affect on the people who's lives you touched....but now you, through your passing, I am sure you will actually be changing the society in which we live for the better. God Bless Chris in his new journey and his many friends and family who are grieving their loss. take care, ~ debbie

Chris, You were a wonderful man you had a flair for life and always had the biggest smile on your face. You always went out of your way to to say hi and have a conversation with me. You will be sadly missed by the senseless tragedy that should have never happened!! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time, I express my deepest sympathies and regret!! You were very loved Chris, you will live in my memory always! ~ DJ Jungle Jen

It's weird you know? I mean, Chris and I knew each other on the basic chit chat level, I'd see him at CP, say "hi", etc. I always left with the impression that he was a good guy. There's that word again: was. I can't get used to that. He was a nice guy, someone who I enjoyed talking to, and it's going to be weird not to see him anymore.

We will miss you. You were fabulous to work with and I will remember you forever. Whenever I hear "Electric Blues" I'll think of you. Dann Oickle PS - If I ever find that wig I'll burn it for you.

I want to thank each and every one of you that have paid tribute to my brother. He was a genuine and kind person who lived in the shadow of death for many years,as many do with AIDS,but never let it dampen his spirit and enjoyment of life.His unique sense of humour, which sometimes bordered on bad taste,always made me laugh. We will have his memorial service on Monday at 11AM in Shallow Lake and I know all your thoughts will be with my family at that time as Mine are with all of you at your services. I wish I could have known all the people that made his life THE most enjoyable it had been in years.He treasured each and every one of you. Go out and have a "smart little cocktail"(as he would say) for him and take his positive spirit into your own hearts. Love don't hate, ~ Neil Raynsford brother and friend

I am sorry to hear of your loss. In my culture it is important to talk with those who have "gone home", don't forget to chat with him when ever you need to. I will be thinking of you and your friend. Love, ~ Valerie

Dearest Chris; If only you could hear all of out thoughts, but then again, maybe you can. You taught me a lot, and we shared tears of happiness, sadness, and joy together. Chris, you brought & influenced many ideas and values to our very own lives, and that, my friend will live on forever, as you will, in our hearts. To this day, whenever I hear Linda Eder, I still vision you lip-syncing or miming "Vienna" and how you played it over and over again. One of the many things that you opened up my eyes, and at the same time always kept me entertained. You will be missed, and never forgotten. Love always, ~ Mikey

Please express to his family my sincere regret that this has happened. To his friends, PLEASE warn them to use a Safety Net Program to protect themselves. If you can find it, I would like you to play "A Time for Us" sung Johnny Mathis. ~ Marquis deSade

I have just read the wonderful tributes to our son, Christopher (Chris). Peter and I cannot thank you enough for all the outpouring of love to us, and Neil his brother. We will never know until we meet Jesus why these things happen, but our hope is that through all this tragity, love will come to those of you who need it most. At his service of Celibration on Monday, Chris will be heard singing his song from Jesus Christ Superstar and we will remember the most wonderful, kind and loving son he was. May God bless you all and again THANKYOU FOR YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ~ Anne and Peter Raynsford

Hi Crisco, We will miss seeing you at C.P. Love to you. ~ Claude & Bryan xoxox

I'd like to take the time to say goodbye to a guy who should of never left us the way it happened Chris some of us might of known you from centre town pub. It does seem strange going there and you not there to great us with your smile Take care Chris and God bless. Hopefully our prayers will be answered soon. ~ Bill

All my prayers are with all of you....

My heart goes out to all of his family and friends... ~ Fran

People still do care and my heart goes out to all of you who had the fortune of knowing Chris... I had not been so lucky. This is such a tragic and senseless loss. As I always tell my children... EVERYONE has a heart and feelings. EVERYONE is special in his or her own way. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. ~ Vanessa White Ottawa, Ontario

To the Family and Friends of Chris ... I am deeply saddened by this news. Rarely does anyone get the privledge of meeting a truly genuine personality like Chris Raynsford. We met only briefly, yet became good friends. He was Simon, and I Herod, in the Owen Sound production of Jesus Christ Superstar. We shared many poignant moments during this incredible production. I truly feel blessed for having known him. He will be missed. My prayers are with all his family and friends ... ~ Jay Peckham

Chris was part of our Friday night gang at CP. We all met every Friday night and looked forward to sharing stories with each other about our weeks, and Chris was no exception. I won't pretend that I knew Chris as well as others did, but he was a good friend, I loved him and I will miss him dreadfully. Friday nights aren't going to be the same without hearing Rachel and Chris sing the OSCVI cheer or having a discussion with him about how much his darn feet hurt being on them all day at work. This is a blow, not just to the gay community, but to the human race and Chris' death should not be in vain. To Mr. & Mrs. Raynsford & their family, no words can describe how very sorry I am for your loss and I grieve along with you. Kelly Beath

It saddens me to hear that this young man may have been betrayed by someone he thought he could trust that he supposedly met through the Internet. I met my husband-to-be four years ago on a chat room and moved to Iceland at 16 to be with him, when he was 19. We are still together and I am grateful that I was one of the lucky ones. I wouldn't advise anyone else though to seek and do what I have done, because Chris Raynford is a tragic example of what can do wrong. It scares me that I could have, in the past, be in Chris' place and where Chris has gone to. I never knew this young man, nor belong to such a community, but I am glad that such a person is not forgotten. For to be forgotten is worse than death itself. - "Some days the dragon wins".

Chris, you are forever in my heart, an amazing person. You persevered when times were hard (and you, my friend, had known your share of hard times). I will miss you and your passion for life which always came through in your music. Thank you for singing to me, to us, to all who came out with you week after week to share joy and pain, love and loss in song and friendship.

The last time I heard you sing, you sang "Bring Him Home" from Les Miserables. I felt your pain, hope, and joy as tears streamed down your face from the poignant melody & words:

"God on high
Hear my prayer
In my need
You have always been there
He is young
He’s afraid
Let him rest
Heaven blessed.
Bring him home
Bring him home
Bring him home.
He’s like the son I might have known
If God had granted me a son.
The summers die
One by one
How soon they fly
On and on
And I am old
And will be gone
Bring him peace
Bring him joy
He is young
He is only a boy.
You can take
You can give
Let him be
Let him live.
If I die, let me die
Let him live, bring him home
Bring him home
Bring him home."

Thank You Chris.
I hope you are now Home.

Chris, you were one of my dearest friends. You seemed to always know when I needed to hear your voice, love and kindness. You will be in my heart and thoughts the rest of my life. Always, your smile shone through your eyes and through your heart! We have all experienced a huge loss in our lives with you gone but heaven has indeed gained an Angel. Here's to your "fairy dust" forever, hugs and kisses, ~ Cindi

I met Chris about 10 years ago when I was coming out in Owen Sound. He was my first gay friend, and we met through his then sister in law Laurie. I'm sure Ann, Peter and Neil, as well as those who knew him back then can attest to, knowing and loving Chris was a full time job. Chris was very ill at that time, and at one point his body was shutting down from affects from HIV. I remember calling 911 after hearing Chris take a choking fit, only to find out he cruised the paramedics on the way to the hospital. This was Chris. I'm not surprised that he went out of this world with so much drama, but I am surprised at the way it happened. Chelsea, your uncle loves you very much, and has always been proud of you. Neil, Ann, and Peter, our love goes out to you. ~ Angus

Heya Chris! We're going to miss those trips to IKEA with you. Needing "just a few things" but always walking out with a huge bag of nick-nacks and we'll miss your phone calls keeping us up to date with your loves and life and always ending with "Luv ya guys!!" Chris, you're gone but not forgotten, you will always have a piece of our heart. Luv ya guy! ~ Bryan & Claude

Chris, I want to thank you for being you, for touching my life, and for being a wonderful friend. I will miss you -John

I didn't know Chris. His death is unfortunate and my thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family. It is so sad that we live in a society where one is victimized because of the way they live their life and who they love. This is such a tragic and unfortunate loss for the whole community.

Chris, I knew you such a short time, but what a gift that time was. Your silliness, your laughter, your unconditional acceptance and love of everyone. I'm honoured to have earned a little part of that. Why do I think of you now, arranging for an all-star version of a Heavenly "Les Mis" ...? :) Til we meet again, my friend. ~ Tonia S.

One more time, Chris....Razzle Dazzle, Siss boom bah, Owen Sound Collegiate, Rah, Rah, Rah! One-two-three, who are we? We are THE BEST of the O.S.C. Are we in it? Well I should smile, we've been in it for a long, long while....yaaaay, OS! I'll always remember your smile, your irrepressible good nature and good humour. I'm going to miss you, so very much. In hindsight, I realize you taught me to smile even when I don't feel like it...to make others feel special even when I feel plain....to give love and affection even when I crave it. Thank you for these gifts and the countless times you made me laugh....Fridays at CP will never be the same...

The brightest lights don't always shine the longest.....

Nicole,Todd& Hayden Mills We miss you already! You've taken a piece of our hearts with you and left such great memories. We will remember you every day of our lives, keeping you close as you watch over us as I know you are. I will always remember your laughter and your smile. Your hugs always filled with love and sicerety. I could always count on them every time we met. Our family will never be the same. You have opened our eyes and made us want to hold onto each other a little closer. I told everyone that I loved them the other day, because of you I will tell them every time I see them. We love you Chris! I LOVE YOU !!!! I'll talk to you in my prayers! God bless!

Chris, I never knew you as well as I'd liked but I'm so glad we met I think about you often, especially in the quiet of the night. Know you are not alone. Know you were not alone.

Close you eyes and surrender to your darkest dreams. Leave all thoughts of the world you knew before. Close your eyes, let your spirit start to soar, And you'll live as you've never lived before. I never knew you before this happened, but what I do know is that the world will never be the same because you've gone. Deepest sympathies to friends and family and all who are profoundly affected by this tragic loss of life. vcp

To the family and friends of Chris, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. ~ Tena van't Foort

What can I say that hasn't already been said.... I've known Chris since high school at the OSCVI, some 17 years now. My foundest memory of him was in our theater arts class and the production we did that toured the local schools and made it's way to the INFAMOUS MacLean Hunter community channel. It was known as "THE BOOZE PLAY". I remember Chris saying "This is the first step on my climb to stardom". Years later there was a pilgrimage out of Owen Sound. Our small group slowly moved to Ottawa, with Chris being the last to follow. It's comforting to know that was truly happiest here. There were good times and bad times and needless to say DRAMA,DRAMA,DRAMA...but that was Christopher! : ) . To Mr & Mrs Raynsford and brother Neil and family, my thoughts are with you. You'll be missed Chris. ~ Danny S

I knew Chris from karaoke and from CP's but that is a far as that went. Still the news of his death has hit home in a harsh way. My condolenses to his entire family and my prayers are with you always. Sincerely, ~ Grant Renshaw

When you meet someone like Chris at mutual crossroads in life, he leaves a permanent tattoo in your heart, of love, encouragement, and deep friendship. I promise to pay it forward. As Ghandi so simply but profoundly said, "be the change you want to see in the world". Thank you Chris, I will never forget you. See you next time around...you'll know me, I'll be the one with the daisies in my hair... ~ Lori Jean Hodge

Chris, even though we haven't seen you in a while, we love you and our prayers are with you and your family. May you rest in peace, our thoughts will be with you eternaly. ~ Michael and Paul. God Bless!

Well it's Christmas morning 2002 at 6:22am! MERRY CHRISTMAS Chris wherever you are, you are in our hearts! You will live on for ever, thru us. We miss you dearly, your smile, your sense of humour, your every way! It's been a few weeks since you were taken away from us, and it seems like years, already. You will never know how much you are missed. We knew Chris for almost the entire 4 years he lived in Ottawa. From the R.B.G to Polo to C.P, we were there for you. C.P will never be the same on Friday nights again, without seeing you for a SMART cocktail! (as he always put it). Chris had the spice of life, which at better times, we all wish we had. He was care free, fun loving, and always willing to help out another human being. If we could all be like Chris for a small amount of time, what a better place, this would be. He was taken away from us, because of that, for being kind and generous. (what a shame) and that is why you will never, never be forgotten. For as simple as it may be, we have learned a heavy lesson in life. and with that, we thank you so very much Chris! (we salute you) You are in our thoughts over this holiday season Chris, and every day there after. Just to see your smiling face again, would be the best present, any one could give us. The gift was your friendship, and we (Denis and Brad) will cherish that for ever. You were a true friend Chris! We love you. Till we meet again.....You are not alone, and you were and are loved, so very much. ~ Brad and Denis Fm Ottawa xoxoxoxox

I was so sad. The evil men can do. ~Tony, Stockholm Sweden

It gives me great hope to see this website and the responses from people to know that there is still love in this world. It is a terrible thing to lose such a wonderful human being for such senseless reasons. Chris will always be remembered for his wonderful caring heart and outgoing spirit. God Bless ~ Joshua

CRIS YOU WERE A TRUE FRIEND ,YOUR CALLS CHEERED US UP. YOU SENSE OF HUMOR HELPED THIS SHY GIRL TO BLOSSOM WHEN TIME WERE HARD. YOUR SMILE WARMED A ROOM OF STRANGERS. WE WILL TRUELY MISS YOU . LUVYA ~ BRENDA & NANCY

Chris, I know you're hearing me now, and everytime I think of you. I miss you calling me up to tell me about your "adventures" in life. No person will ever fill YOUR place in my heart. You always cracked me up. We never had bad times, always GREAT. I will remember those times. I know you would want that. Heather, Julie, Hane and your other "girl" friends miss you too. We laugh ALOT when we think back to the good old days. I miss you so much, so does Todd, but I miss you with a smile on my face. Are there cocktails in heaven? I'm guessing you would have asked as soon as you got there? Until we meet agian....xoxo ~ Kimba