CHURLA, Christopher Grant (Moose) Chris was born in Coleman, Alberta on December 25, 1959 and passed away on October 3, 2008 at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton after complications from open heart surgery. He passed away peacefully. Chris and his family moved to Ponoka in 1967 where Chris went to school and spent his teenage years. Chris had odd jobs growing up where everyone took advantage of his strength, such as loading trailers with bales and railroad ties and even lifting roof trusses up to the guys while in house construction. Who needed a crane when they had Chris?! Finally, at the age of 17, Chris found a job that he loved - Garbage. He worked in the industry for 31 years and loved every minute of it. There wasn't a town or a city that didn't sparkle after the whirl-wind of Chris Churla went down their back alleys. Chris worked approximately 25 years in Ponoka and during that time he also worked in Penhold. Then, in 2003, Chris was transferred to Camrose for the next 6 years. The waste industry will never find another Chris Churla. He was one of a kind, a great ambassador for the industry with a caring attitude, excellent work ethic, dedication and pride for his work. In 2000, Chris moved to Wetaskiwin to make his home with Audrey and her family. Chris will be greatly missed by his family, friends and customers. Chris always went the extra mile. Chris is survived by his wife Audrey Bannister, her sons Brent and Jeff and grandson Jesse; his two beloved dogs Baby and Sammi; sister Wendy (Roger) Verquin of Hinton Page, Jade, Ira, Guy & Jewels; brother Brent Churla of Westlock, his daughter Sheena and sister in-law Janet Churla; sister Lori (Leonard) Thompson of Meadow Lake, SK Matt (Stacey), Samantha, Chad, Rod & Triena; sister Darleen (Robert) Wozney of Red Deer, Amanda (John) & Jennifer (Troy); sister Sherri (Sam) Rideout of Red Deer, Sammy Jr. (Regeana) & Angela (Chris); Cathy's daughter Shauna (Bryan) Molander; aunt Georgie (Ray) Selinger of Abbotsford B.C.; cousins Shane, Mark & Rusty; as well as many grand-nieces, grand-nephews and other relatives. Chris was predeceased by his mother Shirley Churla, father Edward Churla, sister Cathy Churla, uncle Fred Churla, grand-niece Patricia Ann Gabel, and beloved pet Cuddles. A Funeral Service for Chris will be held at the Ponoka Funeral Home (5115-50th Avenue) at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2008. The Interment Service will follow at Forest Home Cemetery. Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta. Arrangements Entrusted To Ponoka Funeral Home ~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home ~ 403-783-3122