Obituary of Dr. Joseph Christopher

Dad was born on June 1^st, 1933 in South India, near Chennai (formerly known as Madras).  He was the last born of 7 children.  He had 3 older brothers and 3 older sisters.  His father was an Anglican minister, and his mother a devoted wife and mother.  Dad had a happy but modest childhood with his family, and he grew to love learning about science, the natural world, geography and history.  As a young buy, he would look at the countries on the globe, and imagine which ones he would someday visit. During this time, he would often help his father in the Church with services and setting up the daily activities in the Church.  If you ever sat with him for any length of time, you would have been regaled with numerous fascinating stories, a great number of random facts and his uncanny memory for dates of various life experiences and historic events.  Dad loved history in all forms, and he keenly followed current world events and politics, yet he loved to share profound messages he stumbled upon or touching pictures and videos showing love and kindness. Put simply, he loved to learn, and he also loved to share that learning with others. Dad lived his life with love and kindness.

After studying very hard (under lamp light), he did well enough to be admitted into Medicine at the Madras Medical College at the age of 17.  He loved his education, and he honed his ability to heal and ease suffering – all in the service of the community. As a student, he also served in the National Cadet Corps as an Instructor of Physiology.  After he finished medicine, he worked and gained crucial knowledge and applied skills for a successful career.  During this time, he met the love of his life, Grace Highmoor at Madras General Hospital, (lovingly known as G.H.) Mom was a cheeky nurse from Trichy who definitely kept him on his toes. They married on May 4^th, 1960, and Andrew was born the next year, followed by Paul, Arun and Elsie, all in Dalmia, India.

Around the time Dad began working, he saw a promotional movie about Canada, and he thought it was a beautiful paradise.  After that, Dad and Mom decided that Canada would be a wonderful country to raise the family and build a new life! Initially, Dad came to Niagra on the Lake, Ontario, to start work in 1966, and 5 months later, the rest of the family followed – Grace + 4 kids.  Mark was born in 1967 in Ontario.  Because Dad eventually wanted his own medical practice and there was an opportunity in a village called New Germany in Nova Scotia; the family moved to the South Shore of Nova Scotia in 1967.  Ada was born in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, and as a child, she would say “I’m the only real Canadian in the family!”    

In 1969, Dad opened his own family medical practice in the basement of our newly built home.  Unfortunately, not long after building the practice and the new house, 2 yr. old Mark became very ill and passed away after a short illness – a very difficult and heart wrenching loss for the whole family.  We made it through this difficult time due to the love and support from our church and community who all offered help and support.  New Germany is a truly remarkable community: Small but mighty!

For the next 21 years, Dad and Mom raised 5 children and Dad cared for thousands of patients – he cared for all who needed his help and enjoyed every aspect of medicine, including births, illnesses, treatments, deaths – even house calls, many times travelling on very slippery and windy roads.  Dad actually spent time with each individual who sought his expertise, and patiently listened to their ailments, but also provided them with the best possible advice and treatment that he could.  He was truly dedicated to his patients and their wellbeing.  He saw his profession as a calling – a calling from God to help and to serve.

In addition to raising a large and sometimes boisterous family, we spent many summers at our family oasis, our cabin on Ponhook Lake where Dad loved to drive his little red speedboat and take our brothers water skiing.  We have many happy memories with family and friends visiting us there – swimming, boating, biking and hiking.  In 1985, Dad was initiated into the local Masonic Lodge and in 1990, he became the Master of the Lodge.  Dad was also among the first 3 Charter Members of the local Lions Club. These were formalized opportunities that allowed him to further support the community.

In 1990, Dad and Mom made the difficult decision to leave New Germany and they moved to Ottawa, where Dad joined the Canadian Government as a Medical Attache. At this time, he gave up his beloved country medical practice of 23 years with more than 3000 patients.  He then set off on an exciting chapter in life and was posted to Hong Kong, China (4 yrs.) where he was a Medical Attache, covering  the Pacific Rim and then Cairo, Egypt (2 yrs.) where he covered a number of middle eastern countries.  Dad and Mom  travelled a lot which they enjoyed very much – and they made friends everywhere they went.  This was an amazing accomplishment for a modest little boy from South India (as he often mused).  Both Dad and Mom were very proud to serve Canada, where they made a home and raised their family.

Dad retired in 1998, and after a few “bone chilling” winters in Ottawa, they moved to the Lower mainland, specifically Tsawwassen in 2004 to be closer to family.  Dad and Mom kept travelling as much as they could throughout their later life, and have visited at least 21 countries, including Burma, Fiji and even the Galapagos Islands!

Due to health complications which came later in life, their travelling slowed down, however, their family grew and they were very happy and proud to host and participate in numerous family gatherings, especially in Tsawwassen.  They have always been active members and dedicated supporters of their Church communities: St. David’s in Tsawwassen as well as St. John’s in the Wilderness in New Germany.  In the last 15 years, Dad experienced several health complications which impacted his mobility and created significant physical pain for him.  And although he experienced significant pain and uncertainty at times, he always had a smile on his face and was always willing to share a laugh or have a meaningful conversation with everyone he encountered. He was always so happy to see family members and friends, and learn about what was going on for them.  He was always able to share in and support both the good and challenging times.  He was one of a kind, and when he settled his beautiful gaze on you, it was all encompassing. And Mom was at his side at all times. Mom cooked her gourmet Indian food, which Dad loved.  Every day and night she cared for him as a true and loving life partner. Their love is one for the history books. Mom and Dad have always put Faith and Family at the heart of everything that they do and we, their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren carry this amazing legacy with us.  Dad’s life story is one full of humble service, relentless hope, optimism, joy and promise – and most of all - love and faith.

We Give Thanks and Celebrate the Life of an Amazing Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Cousin and Friend – Dad, we will NEVER forget what you have taught us, your faith, wisdom and love of life is forever imprinted upon us and we will carry it with us for the rest of our days. 

Thank You God for Blessing Us with such an amazing healer and teacher.  A man who saw beauty in the smallest of places – beauty in nature in all its forms and beauty in the human spirit.

Your Ever Loving Family,

Grace

Andrew, Darlene, Madison, Jenna

Paul, Abha, Nathaniel, Adam (Emily and Isla), Mark

Arun, Lisa, Adrian (Mary and Skyler), Jordan

Elsie, Julian

Ada, Jeff, Priya, Rajan

Mark (gone too soon, but never forgotten)

Click on this link for the: Livestream of Dr. Christopher's Memorial Service