Chris Thurber
1957 ~ 2026

Chris Lyle Thurber left us on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Rose Garden Hospice, after a battle with brain cancer.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Bonnie Thurber (née Barlow); his children, Sherri (Darcy Wykes) Austin and children, Aiden & Kylar, Dale Thurber (Richelle) and children, Persephone and Sophia, Regan (Jeremy Legault) and children, Hayden and Carter, Chelsey (Warren Bishop) and child, Jake, Jordan Thurber and children, Levi and Victoria; his sisters, Kim (Lawrence Schell), Lynne Thurber; his brothers-in-law, Duane Barlow (Lisa), Kelly Barlow (Anne), Jason Barlow (April); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Lyle Thurber and Wilma Hill; his grandmother, Dorothy Thurber; his grandparents, Ivy and James Smee.

Chris will be remembered as someone who valued his independence, worked hard, who truly loved the open road and the outdoors. He spent much of his life behind the wheel, building a long career in trucking that took him all across North America. From the Yukon, Nashville, and California to roads throughout Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan; he saw places many people only dream of. The northern routes of Saskatchewan, especially the drives to the mines, and the ice roads he traveled year after year meant the most to him.

For 20 years, Chris owned and operated his own trucks, something he took a lot of pride in. he wasn’t someone who backed down from a challenge. In fact, he was often the one others relied on when things got tough. He was incredibly resourceful, able to fix just about anything with whatever was on hand, sometimes just duct tape and wire. He helped other drivers when they needed it and, more than once, managed to get a truck out of the north without needing a tow. His determination and problem solving were a big part of what made him who he was. Whether he was working on his trucks or maintaining his boat, quad, or side by side, he valued doing things on his own.

Outside of work, Chris found real peace in the outdoors. Camping and fishing weren’t just hobbies. He felt most at home by the quiet, rocky lakes of the north. He shared that love with his family, traveling across Canada on camping trips and later, hiking adventures throughout Alberta.

He was a devoted Father and Papa. With a playful spirit he was a big kid at heart, bringing laughter and lightness into our home and reminding us not to take life too seriously. Embracing his role as Papa with joy whether he was playing games, telling stories, or loading as many grandkids as he could fit into his side by side.

Whether you knew him as Chris, Dad, Papa, or Friend, his memory will live on in all who knew him and he will be deeply missed. Online condolences may be left at https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/riverpark/obituaries/chris-thurber/159314.html . Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of River Park Funeral Home, (306) 764-2727, Colette Harnett, Funeral Director.

• Date : 2026-04-13
• Location : Prince Albert, SK