1986 – 2025

It is with profound sadness that we share this obituary of Christopher Vella, cherished son of Daniel J. Vella, who passed away on Sunday, August 23rd in a tragic horse accident in Aspen, Colorado. Living at the prime of his life with such happiness, gone so early, an immense loss to the surviving Vella family & friends.

Christopher was a very accomplished horseman since a very young age of his life. He mentored many with his incredible knowledge and skills, and always so personable. Whatever Chris tackled in life, he gave it his all with wit, determination, passion and perseverance. Chris followed his dad’s footsteps becoming a Thoroughbred Trainer and was a pivotal factor in the development & success of many young thoroughbreds under his father with DJV Racing at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto.

Christopher always had somewhat of an independent restless spirit, taking breaks from the racing industry to explore other opportunities through travel and work in Ocala, Florida and various parts of the country. He loved to work thoroughbreds for various operations, attending the thoroughbred sales, managing horse farms and even had quite the knowledge and green thumb in landscaping. By far, the last few years proved to be the happiest for Chris where he began working as a Wrangler at various resorts in the USA. It was a perfect mix of his passions honing in on his professional abilities. It saddens us to think his life was cut so short doing what he loved the most; however, there is some comfort knowing that he left us in a comfortable place finding peace within himself.

A poem written by Christopher at an early age:

‘SAIL’
Sail away upon a wave
A ship of hope casts today
Carried by a wind that can’t be escaped
With a tide of bygone left in its wake
A journey towards a ray of light
Having to be made with no map for sight
A placid sea brings a new start
But as the ocean comes alive, the ship must find its heart
Waves of restraint crash the bow
On charge to stop a salient vow
Caught in a storm then blinded by a mist
The ship was lost in a great abyss
Sunlight through the clouds, a hole in the sky
The vessel grows wings and learns how to fly
A banner of destiny out in the clear
Soaring through the heavens holding no fear
At mast a gaze that eyes will see
The life inside that’s nearly free
A coast line in view with timing just right
Being guided by a deep impression that holds on tight
Suspense on the rise, emotions running fast
A sigh of relief, port of call at last
A voyage at end with the next soon to depart
An expedition of the world, a venture of the heart
Sail away upon a wave
A ship of hope casts today
~ Christopher Vella: 1986-2025

Rest in peace ‘Big Guy’. We love you.

Donations in Christopher’s honor can be made to the following:

LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society (longrunretirement.com/donate-now)

Mountain Valley Horse Rescue (mountainvalleyhorserescue.salsalabs.org/donationsinmemoryofchris)

Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com

Offer Condolence for the family of Christopher William Vella

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