On the 5th March 2026, Christopher Bruce (Chris) Cowley died, he was 74. To me, my brother and my sister, he was Uncle Chris, one of our most favourite people in the world. We all loved Uncle Chris dearly and feel nothing but gratitude for the many wonderful memories we have of him and for the positive impact he had on us.
Uncle Chris has always been a part of our lives; our memories of him go back to when we can first remember anything.
So as a tribute to Uncle Chris, we would like to share some of our memories of him.
But first, Felicity, James and Jodi and Amy and I, would like to send our condolences and all our love to Auntie Jean, Chris and Sharon, Mandy and Mark, as well as to all Uncle Chris’ grandchildren and great-grand-children.
We send all our love to Mary Moody, Uncle Chris’ mum.
We send all our love to everyone grieving at this time.
We send all our love to the people who cared for Uncle Chris over the last few years and who treated him with the dignity he deserved.
We send all our love to Uncle Chris.
We always looked up to Uncle Chris and always looked forward to our visits to Ocean Grove.
Felicity remembers Uncle Chris as someone who always had an air of authority, whilst also being very funny and cheeky. She remembers when she was a kid, Uncle Chris took her and some other kids for a drive in his Ford GT, going really fast with the siren on, such a thrilling moment leaving Felice with a love for V8 cars ever since, and especially a love for Fords.
James remembers summers spent at Ocean Grove, getting into mischief with young Chris with Uncle Chris providing a positive influence and example of how a couple of young fellas should behave. A vivid and enduring memory James has is of a night when Uncle Chris drove him home to Geelong after a stay in Ocean Grove. The memory may have embellished a bit over the years; however, it involves a barney between Auntie Jean and Uncle Chris just before leaving, possibly the throwing of a pot plant, and a ride home in the GT where Uncle Chris may have blown off some steam via the accelerator pedal. Sitting up front watching the shaker as the engine tried in vain to tear itself out of the engine bay was an absolute hoot for a young car nut. Just one of many great memories. Fishing, going out in the boat, the beach buggy, real boys own adventure stuff.
Felice also recalls our family Christmas parties when Uncle Chris would play Santa, giving out the presents and having all of us in stitches. Also related to Christmas, Uncle Chris would always say when is ‘Eff ‘n I’ coming, meaning Auntie Effie and Auntie I. We didn’t get the joke until we were older.
Uncle Chris was a very kind man who always made you feel safe, comfortable and welcome whenever you were with him. James remembers when he and Jodi took a road trip down to Geelong and Ocean Grove before they were married. Uncle Chris took them on a fantastic tour along the Great Ocean Road, taking them to some great spots, including jumping up and down on London bridge. Great times.
Uncle Chris has made an indelible impact on all of us, and he lives on in our thoughts and memories.
Whenever we see a dune buggy, we think of Uncle Chris.
Whenever we see a XY GT, we think of Uncle Chris, especially if its dark green.
We remember being able to hear his GT coming from a suburb away.
Whenever I contemplate doing some plumbing work I think of Uncle Chris. Back in the day mum and dad bought a house in Cannes Court, it had these gas fired toilets that petrified me as a kid. Thanks to Uncle Chris our home was plumbed into the sewer, and I could do my business in peace. Although there was a small hiccup in the process when the trench caved in and had to be dug again.
Whenever I see a bottle of tequila I think of Uncle Chris. Uncle Chris taught me a great lesson in learning the limits of how much alcohol I can consume at mum and dads 25th wedding anniversary. He certainly taught me not to misplace my bravado.
Whenever we see volunteer firefighters on the TV or hear about their actions in protecting and caring for community, be they the CFA, CFS or RFS, and even the SES, all those first responders who put themselves in harm’s way to protect and care for others, we think of Uncle Chris. We are so proud of the work he did with the CFA.
Uncle Chris was a man with a tremendous heart who loved and cared for his family, friends and community. He was a man of great character and a natural leader who also made you laugh with his cheeky nature, reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously.
Thank you Uncle Chris for your love, care, example, values, generosity and spirit. Whilst we are sad that you have left us, we are happy you can now rest in peace.
Our memories of you will always bring a smile and a feeling of pride and gratitude and you will live in our hearts forever.
All our Love,
Felicity, James and Tim.
