His impact and enduring strength has been felt around the sporting world, but Chris Snow had the greatest influence at home.
As tributes continue to pour in for Snow – who was an assistant general manager and vice-president of data & analytics with the Calgary Flames – those who knew and loved him are remembering a man who lived life to the fullest, no matter what the obstacles.
The 42-year-old died of complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which he was diagnosed with in 2019. At the time doctors told him he would likely only have one year left to live.
A “Snowy Strong” campaign has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for ALS research.
Snow met his wife, Kelsie, when they were sports journalists with the Boston Globe newspaper and they wed in 2007. They have a son, Cohen, and a daughter, Willa.
“Today we hugged Chris for the last time and said goodbye as he went to give four people the gift of life by donating his kidneys, liver and lungs,” said Kelsie via social media on Saturday, Sept. 30th.
“We are deeply broken and deeply proud. In life and in death, Chris never stopped giving. We walk forward with his light guiding us.”
Here are just a few of the statements of remembrance for Snow:
“Through his journey, Chris became a true inspiration for all who knew him and an incredible advocate for everyone affected by ALS. We will never replace a person like Chris; we simply pay tribute to him by moving forward with the same passion that he brought to his life each day.”
Calgary Flames General Manager Craig Conroy
“The National Hockey League family is deeply saddened by the passing of Calgary Flames Assistant General Manager Chris Snow, a remarkable man whose courageous and relentless battle with ALS has been an inspiration to so many. An innovative student of our game with an expertise in data analysis, Chris supervised the creation and build out of the Flames’ analytics department and was influential in all facets of the Club’s Hockey Operations decision-making. First and foremost, however, he was a beloved husband to Kelsie, a devoted dad to Cohen and Willa, and a friend to everyone in hockey fortunate enough to have met him. The Snows’ willingness to share the trials and triumphs of Chris’s lengthy ALS journey has inspired so many and profoundly increased awareness of the need to find a cure for this debilitating disease. The NHL sends its most sincere condolences to the Snow family, the Calgary Flames organization and all who were touched by this special person.”
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman
“I am devastated with the loss of our dear friend and colleague Chris Snow. ‘Snowy’ was a true example of strength, courage, grit, and compassion. Beyond being an exceptional colleague, he was a cherished friend who deeply impacted our lives. His intellect was matched only by his incredible kindness, thoughtfulness, and unwavering love and devotion to his family and friends. Chris inspired us all as he faced the relentless battle with ALS head-on, refusing to let it define him or derail his spirit. On behalf of my family and the Toronto Maple Leafs organization, we send our thoughts and prayers to his beloved wife Kelsie, his son Cohen, and his daughter Willa during this unimaginably difficult time. May they find comfort in known Chris’s legacy of love and strength will forever endure.”
Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend Chris Snow. As an executive, media member, husband and father he represented so much of what it means to be an inspiration to all of us. We send our love to the entire Snow family.”
Boston Red Sox organization social media post
“It is with profound sadness that we recognize the passing of Chris Snow, who showed strength, courage, & resilience in the face of living with ALS. His advocacy for research & willingness to share his story touched countless lives. Our thoughts are with his family & loved ones.”
ALS Canada social media statement
“I was so upset, and I thought maybe if I had your help, we could make a moment … if we could all unite together, if there’s something we could send to him, he definitely deserved it. And his wife and two great, amazing kids, they certainly deserve it. This is for Chris.”
Pearl Jam singer-songwriter Eddie Vedder, who dedicated the song “Just Breathe” to Snow at the Ohana Festival in California