It is with unbearable sadness that I announce the death of my darling wife, Christine Leacock. Affectionally called “my child bride” and “DFW” (Damn Fine Woman). She will forever be close to my heart and always in my thoughts. Chris was born on May 23, 1951 and died on August 23, 2024 from the ravages of ALS. She maintained her grace and dignity throughout her ordeal and never lost her sense of humour. Chris was predeceased by her father, Fredrick Leacock, and by her mother, Margaret Leacock and is survived by her brother Bruce who she loved very much. She was a wonderful stepmom to my children Dean (Peg), Stephen (Kirsten) and Emily (Andrew). Chris was a loving second mom to Sarah (Andrew), Matthew (Polly) and Andrew (Taylor). She dearly loved her grandchildren Frank, Lee, Nicholas, Benjamin, Wyatt, Henry, Riley and Brillon, who brought her a smile in the last week of her life. Her life was forever enriched because of the strong and loyal friendship of Bill, Moe, Art, Barb and Annie.
Chris was office manager for Bastion Theatre then moved from Victoria to Ottawa and Toronto where she was stage manager for a number of plays including Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, This Side of the Rockies, As Is and Trafford Tanzi. She moved back to Victoria after her mother had MS and when she died Chris decided to become a nurse and graduated in nursing from Camosun College. She spent some of her nursing career working at the Jubilee Hospital and then worked for the Federal Government as a medical adjudicator where she formed several deep friendships.
A heartfelt thank you for the care and kindness that Chris received from the doctors, nurses and volunteers at the Palliative Care Section of the Jubilee, Homecare and Hospice and in particular huge hugs for Rebecca and Janet. Thank you also to the friends who visited Chris while she was at home and in hospital and also to the same people who supported me during that time. Much love to you all. You were a rock star Annie.
Chris loved gardening and animals and during her lifetime had a pet pig, monkey, crow and many dogs and cats. She was the ultimate dog and cat whisperer. If there is a pet heaven, I know when Chris enters, she will see a lot of wagging tails and hear a lot of purring.
I will always love you honey and so will our dogs, Eddie and Riley.
No service by request. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Flowers gratefully declined but a donation in Chris’ name to the ALS Society of British Columbia or the Victoria Humane Society would be appreciated.
Condolences may be offered below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Ray and Barb Elford Sorry for your loss of Chris ,Murray. We always remember Chris from her days walking the dog in the neighbourhood, stopping at Casey’s and always having a kind word. She will be missed.
Ray & Barb Elford
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Mickey Kokura What a wonderful tribute. I’m so very sorry for your loss Mur. The best people always seem to leave us too soon. My heartfelt condolences, sending strength to you during this difficult time.
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Sharon and Peter Stoose-Johannknecht Murray, we are so very sorry to hear this sad news. What a lovely tribute. I will always remember how kind Chris was to Marc and Ben as children when we lived across the street. Their racket never bothered her and she always had time for a kind word. All of us send you and your family our heartfelt condolences during this terrible time. Know that you are in our thoughts and in our hearts. I’m sure the crows will miss her too.
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Margery Thomson I shall miss my roadside chats with Chris, her warmth, lively personality and always her wonderful smile and positive energy. I was much moved by your heartfelt tribute, Murray, and saddened for you and your family. Our block parties will not be the same without her. I will miss her. We will all miss her.
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Deb Foster My sincere, heartfelt condolences to all. I had the pleasure of working with Chris for awhile. Chris is a person that always had a smile on her face and kind words to say about other people. Chris had an amazing and cheerful sense of humour, and she made me feel better if I was having a rough day at work. Chris really made such a positive impact on so many peoples’ lives, and I know I won’t forget her laugh. ❤️
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Ann and Bob Higinbotham Murray…what a beautiful and loving obituary for Chris. She was such a wonderful woman – we remember her lovely garden, her animals, and her smile and fabulous sense of humour. She loved you so much…and had found herself an amazing partner to share life’s adventures. She will be missed! Ann & Bob
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Lisa Glenn Chris, you were infinitely funny and caring. I remember seeing you at the Seattle airport when I was travelling home from Chicago. I hate to fly and was upset. You took me under your wing and made sure I was okay. I will never forget your kindness.
I was so sad to hear of your passing. You were so full of life and should have had more time to live it..condolences to your family ❤️Lisa Glenn xxx
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Peg Serena I will miss Chris so much. She was a wonderful mother in law and friend, and Grandmother to our two kids. Rest in peace my lovely friend ! Love to you Mur always, Peg XOX
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Kirsten, Helen, Dushan Robek What a beautiful and loving tribute. Chris is most definitely smiling up there in the skies – knowing how very much she was loved and cherished by us all. Take very good care of yourself Mur – and we will see you soon.
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Moe What a beautiful obituary Mur. You captured the essence of our beautiful Chris and how dearly she was loved. When we first met in the late 60’s we started laughing and never stopped. I miss her terribly.
I am so sorry for your great loss and I’m sad for us all.
Love, Moe
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Stephen Perfectly worded Dad! Chris was an incredible woman and we were all extremely lucky to have her in our lives.
My condolences to you and your family Murray.
I had the pleasure of working with Chris for many years at CPP. We always had a lot of fun whether it was taking courses and seminars together or training staff.
Chris was a coach and mentor to many of her colleagues and had an endless supply of patience. She treated everyone with sensitivity and respect.
She was truly a bright light in the workplace and I was honoured to call her a friend.
She fought this disease with her same grace and dignity.
May you rest in peace, sweet Chris.
From Cecilia Waters