Christopher Shaver
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Christopher (Chris) Adam Shaver, who passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026, at the age of 40.
Chris was born on October 4, 1985, in Richmond, British Columbia. From an early age, he possessed a quiet strength, unwavering determination, and deep sense of loyalty that would come to define the way he lived his life.
For the past decade, Chris built an adventurous life in Hay River, Northwest Territories, with his loving partner, Nicolina Minaskis who was the light of his life. Together they created a home filled with love, laughter, and adventure with her daughters Nevaeh and Alandra. Family meant everything to Chris, and he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to those he loved.
Chris built a successful career as a journeyman fabricator welder and contributed to many important projects across Canada and the North, including Vancouver Canada Line LRT, Stanton Territorial Hospital, the Ekati Mine, and Aurora Ford Hay River. He was hardworking, dependable, and took great pride in providing for his family.
Service to others was woven into every part of Chris’s life. He proudly served as a Combat Engineer with the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve, was a member of the Canadian Rangers Hay River Patrol, and volunteered as a firefighter with Hay River NWT Fire Department in his community. During the devastating floods and wildfires that forced the evacuation of Hay River, Chris stayed behind to help protect his community and support those in need. He never sought recognition or praise for his actions, helping others was simply who he was.
For more than 20 years, Chris lived with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN1), a rare and incurable cancer syndrome. Diagnosed at just 20 years old, he faced it with remarkable courage, resilience, and determination. Through every challenge, he continued to show up for his family, his work, and his community. He was a fighter, a survivor, and a warrior in every sense of the word.
Those who knew Chris will remember a man of the highest integrity and loyalty. He was gentle, kind, calm, and steady, a person people could always count on. He was often the first to offer help and the last to ask for anything in return. His quiet strength, generous heart, and unwavering dedication to those he loved left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
When he wasn’t working or serving his community, Chris found his greatest peace outdoors. He loved farming, fishing, sport shooting, motorcycles, snowmobiling, backcountry hiking, camping, ATV adventures, exploring the wilderness, comedy, music and traveling the world. He also had his grandfather’s and father’s musical talents and played the saxophone and trumpet. Some of his happiest moments were spent in nature, sharing adventures with family and friends. He also adored his dog, Luna, and his cat, Baby, who brought him comfort, joy and companionship. He loved his fur babies!
Chris was predeceased by his grandparents, Bruce Shaver, Ruth Shaver and Ross Brooks.
Chris leaves behind his beloved partner, Nicolina Minaskis, and her daughters, Nevaeh and Alandra. He is also survived by his mother, Deb Shaver (“Mama Bear”); his father, Vern Shaver (Mary-Jane); his sister, Jennifer Cooper (Andrew); Grandmother Joan Brooks, Mother-in-Law Ruth Jane Wright, his half-siblings, Devine, Sean, and Savannah; his nephews, Rowan and Avery Cooper; his close family friend, Jayden Drew; and many extended family members, friends, colleagues, fellow firefighters, Rangers, military brothers and sisters, and community members who will miss him deeply.
Chris’s life was a testament to courage, service, loyalty, and love. He faced every challenge with strength and never stopped putting others before himself. The impact he made on those around him will never be forgotten.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
His journey may have ended, but the strength, courage, and love he gave will continue to guide those who knew and loved him.