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CHENOWETH, Christopher Allan - Passed away Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at 57. Full of fun, bluster and bonhomie, he was a grand personality who inhabited a wonderful world of his own invention and then invited everyone into it. Friends, baseball, hockey, sports memorabilia, the fair sex, kids, the law, politics, journalism, the Grateful Dead and cha all figured among the favourite things of this good, generous "iron man" who was wise enough to never really grow up and sadly, to never grow old. He had opinions on everything and he was happy to share them. A first-rate employment and labour lawyer with many grateful clients at Kuretzky Vassos, he was also a former Toronto Star business journalist, alumnus of Lower Canada College, Queens University (Arts and Law) and Carleton University (Journalism) and member of the Toronto Lawn Tennis Club. Son of the late David and Clare Chenoweth, born in Toronto November 18, 1954 and predeceased by brothers Richard and David, he is mourned and will be deeply missed by surviving brothers Brian and John, loving nieces and nephews Caroline, Andrew, Joshua, Allison and Jordan, as well as Cailen, Monica and Angus, to whom he was godfather and mentor, along with many close friends of all ages in Toronto, Ottawa, Kingston, Montreal, New York and Washington, among others, as well as colleagues and professional associates. Donations can be made to Cedars Cancer Institute, 2155 rue Guy, Suite 900, Montreal H3H 2R9. A memorial celebration of his life will be held at the Toronto Lawn and Tennis Club, 44 Price Street, Toronto, on Sunday, October 28th from 2 - 5 p.m. Information 416-922-1105.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Big Fella and Mrs. Big Fella.
51 Entries
After seeing Brian Chenoweth's photo and posts on Facebook, I said to myself I wonder if this is any connection to the Chris I knew back LCC days in the 60's ? I then saw another of Brian's posts where he posted a family photo of his mother , father , Chris and himself recognizing Chris . I wrote to Brian and asked about Chris and he soon responded that he had passed . Sorry to hear , my condolences.
In the obituary, I came across a few names that used to hang out together at LCC , Bob Fenwick and Jim Henderson . Jim posted a photo presumably the graduation photo of 72 , if you still have this photo hanging around , Jim , can you send it to me, [email protected] , thanks . I know Chris is in it amongst many others that I knew while attending LCC . Chris was in Woods House, House Leagues Sports , grade 7 as I remember, great comradeship in those days .
Chris , nice to have met you in those days . RIP
Jim Little - West Island Montreal, Quebec
Jim Little
May 12, 2021
I first met Chris when he was my employment lawyer. I was a mess, on the brink of losing my job, ending my marriage of over 20 plus years, 4 small boys to raise and still morning the passing of my dad. You can imagine the job he had as me for a client. Well he dig in there, he wrote a letter to the university of my choosing, sadly not Queens. He made me feel alive and beautiful, that was no easy task!! He gave my boys his trading cards. Most of all, we spent hours talking politics that I had not done since my dad's passing. It brought such comfort and amazement. His views of Kennedy and Trudeau Sr. will remain with me for life! But most of all, his caring, his humour and laugh, and his love of everything life has to offer remains with me the most. Chris thank you for letting me into your world, it was a privilege. To his family, I am sorry for your loss. Lucy Briggs and sons Robert (1993), Michael (1995), David (1997), and Matthew (2000).
Lucy Briggs
January 30, 2019
Thanks Brian. Will definitely be there in spirit.
August 13, 2014
Dear Friends of the "Big Fella' ".
On Saturday September 6, 2014, 5pm, we will be laying Chris' ashes to rest at the Sandhill Cemetery. This is a beautiful place north of Kingston; Chris will be nearby his old best friend and comrade Ferg, as Chris requested. An informal lake-side celebration will follow. If you'd like more details, please just contact me ( [email protected]) - the Big Fella' will be pleased.
Brian Chenoweth
August 12, 2014
I met Chris during one of the biggest turning points in my life. He even attended my wedding and was a great mentor and friend for the short time we got to spend together (and that time wasn't cheap either;) but well worth it and nicknamed him my bulldog.
He was a talented writer, lawyer and in my opinion, the truest guardian of integrity. Chris once told me to be a politician, so I eventually listened to him at ChrisBlueman.com Thank you kind sir for everything, as I owe so much to you. I will strive to keep making you proud as you have made us.
Christopher Blueman
August 8, 2014
I was deeply saddened to learn of Chris' passing. He helped me with an employment issue about 9 years ago and I was going to refer him and found this. Although I was with him a short time for this issue he always stuck in my mind as a brilliant man and referred him to others. Jennifer
Jennifer
June 18, 2013
I was deeply saddened to hear of Chris' passing. We were friends during our days at Carleton University. Chris always struck me as a fine person. I had hoped to reconnect with him but now it is sadly too late. My sincere condolences to his family and many friends.
Peter Landey
May 19, 2013
I was shocked to learn of Chris' passing. I was looking him up to arrange a long overdue lunch after my own brush with cancer. I enjoyed the opportunities I had to talk with Chris and always left with a new way to view things, even if it was just something small.
I met Chris about 10 years ago when he helped me with an employment issue. He then referred me to several other excellent lawyers over the years. He had a way of finding the good people and sharing them with others.
I saw a reflection of Chris abilities and his personality a few years ago. He had helped me fight wrongful dismissal suit earlier, and the firm we were fighting had hired him to help them! I think that was Chris. Even if he was against you, you wanted him on your side.
David Canham
March 5, 2013
Big Fella' - you are really missed each day. I am always extremely proud to be your brother and to say you were truly great at living and making "life's rich tapestry". See you later Bro' - Boomer
Brian Chenoweth
January 23, 2013
Chris may not be with us physically any longer, but his "larger than life" persona will linger on in many memories.
I am truly saddened to hear of his passing.
My condolences to the Chenoweth family and friends.
I'm going to go find a Grateful Dead concert to listen to and remember spending time with him.
Eric Coyle
January 4, 2013
Farewell to a great, good, and foolish man. You will stay in my heart forever.
your "quirky" friend
November 7, 2012
Gave us a moniker. The three amigos. Taught us the reality of how the law is misused and how to right the wrongs. Set it right and became a great friend. Sushi lunches we will never forget and golf games that remain legendary. Greatly missed!!
Sean Morris
November 4, 2012
Thank you, Mr. Christopher Chenoweth,
In one day you gave me good advice and helped me...
You will be alive in our hearts, we will miss you...
Nikolai Popov
October 29, 2012
Bob Fenwick
October 28, 2012
An earlier message from Bev Place got me looking for some old photos. I located one picture with Chris and a lot of mutual friends from "Teen's Club" in our Dominion Douglas United Church Communion Class photo from May 1969 in Westmount.
Over the last few days a few of us have connected over 43 years later and identified everyone in the picture. We will all miss Chris. A copy of the photo and an associated list of the people has been posted in the Gallery.
Bob Fenwick
October 28, 2012
Chris was a wonderful person and friend. I will miss him greatly. May the memory of him be eternal.
Nicholas Xynnis
October 27, 2012
Chris my friend, my 'Rock', as some refer to you as 'Ironman'...because of your strength and endurance...I can't believe you are gone & I am still in shock. We have been friends for eleven years. A man full of passion, intelligence, wit, charm and fun. I will remember your kindness, wonderful cooking & entertaining, Raptor's games, baseball games and my visits to your office during lunch. Your sound advice and opinions on everything. Seems like only yesterday at your lovely Birthday Party at Jennifer's with your family & friends... My heart is heavy and I am missing you dearly. xo
Christine Bates
October 26, 2012
Chris and I met at Carleton University in the early 70's. Although we haven't been current in terms of our friendship over the past 15 years, I am struck with profound sadness at his passing. Just days after I got the 'all clear' from prostate cancer surgery I found out about my old friend...clearly the case of the inequality of life.
Chris was charismatic, animated, full of fun and had a natural curiosity about people and life. Reading some of the guest entries brings back many memories but also stimulated much regret at not being in his life for the past while.
Not only did he possess great people intelligence, he was also smart and true to himself. He was unconventional by choice and probably the funniest person I have ever known. The world inhabited by all of us who knew and loved him feels a lot more empty right now.
To quote a couple of his favorite lines, he would tell me, "Mike it's all just part of life's rich tapestry". Chris I wish you were still "by my side".
Rest in peace Ironman
Michael Fisher
Calgary, AB
October 26, 2012
Chris, like everything else about you, your death caught me off guard and left me reeling a little. I guess I just figured you were so much larger than life you had to be larger than death. I'm very glad I got the chance to know you over the last 10 years. Your friendship meant a great deal to me; you were the Super Friend I called when situations seemed scary. That being said, at least now I don't have to hear you gripe when I sell Nancy a Koufax card. Mahalo my friend, you are already missed.
Steve Edgar
October 26, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with Christopher Chenoweth's family, friends and all who will miss him very much.
Chris helped many of my clients, friends and family over the years. He wrote insightful expert reports for Family Law clients and helped colleagues, friends and family get Employment advice. Everyone commented how he listened and spoke with genuine warmth and caring.
I remember calling his office and leaving a voicemail on a holiday, expecting to hear back during the business week sometime. Instead Chris called me right away! On top of that, he immediately got his good friend, a lawyer who does another area of law, to help the person I referred–how sweet and thoughtful.
Chris was a gift to all who knew him.
Kerry Gearin
October 26, 2012
Dear Chenoweth Family,
Our sincere sympathies to all of you and his friends. Toronto Lawn staff who knew Chris well for all these years will miss his casual strut and boisterious hello and hugs, as if he was coming home from work to his family here. Truly a wonderful man who will be missed much.
TLTC staff of his time!
October 25, 2012
You would come into Legends and the lights would shine brighter! Your love of sport is what brought you into my world. When I took over and openned the store under the new name you were so happy for me. I cannot believe you are not going to come through my doors again.After all you have been through you deserved to shine your light on the rest of us for many more years. I will miss you my friend. I hope wherever you are you know how much your friendship meant to me! Thank you for letting me be your friend.
Glen Humenik
October 25, 2012
A kind, generous and unforgettable person. Chris was without artifice, a trait all to rare today. As a regular visitor to our home in New York, he was the eccentric "uncle" who taught the boys about life (at least the way he lived it), especially the importance of "sleeving" their sports trading cards. He charmed my parents, as well as my children, and he will live on in all of the wonderful (and sometimes unbelievable) Chris stories that we all share.
Chris, we always "liked the cut of your jib"
Leslie Newman
October 23, 2012
Thank you, Chris, for memorable moments in Montreal and for being the first to turn Kingston into my new home. I will miss your acerbic wit; I will miss you.
Kathleen Campbell
October 23, 2012
I would be forever 'grateful' to any one of Chris' friends or family who may have photos of Chris that they would be willing to share with me. If so , please contact me at [email protected].
October 20, 2012
Chris:
You were a best friend, from the first day we met in law school. Your friendship was viral – from me to my wife to my kids to my Mother to my Mother-in-law. All truly loved you. It was easy to see through the bluster and outrageousness to a truly modest, smart, genuine, kind and empathizing man.
You taught my boys to be irreverent and respectful at the same time. They loved trading baseball cards and insults with you. At the same time, there were lively discussions of ethics, politics and economics. Your visits to our humble abode were always anticipated with great excitement.
A day with you was always a delightful, if sometimes harrowing adventure. With your sudden passing, I shared stories with a good number, yet small fraction, of your friends. I realized how many incredible stories I had to tell; so many I could not tell them all.
When you visited, our house glowed with energy and warmth. Nobody could doubt your devotion and love of friends. It's hard to imagine we will no longer hear your bellow when you come to visit.
Our loss is Heaven's gain. I can just imagine St. Peter being greeted with a loud, “Big Fellaaaaaaaa! I like the cut of your Jib. I want you by my side at all times.” The 28 years I knew you were so much richer for our friendship. The Iron Man is gone, but never to be forgotten.
Love, Mark (“Mark-man”) Friedland. Big Fellaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
Mark Friedland
October 20, 2012
"So sorry to hear of Chris's passing. He served as my lawyer and left a lasting impression on me. May he rest in peace."
Joanne Madore
October 20, 2012
Deepest condolences to the family. I remember Chris and John fondly from Quebec City when we were all teenagers studying French
Beverly Goldfarb
October 19, 2012
Memories close to fifty years old flash by. Watching the Grey Cup at the Chenoweth home, eating cake full of coins; and a weekend at the cottage to name two. On the way up I managed to get car sick in the giant station wagon. Then Chris, Brian and I (and perhaps John) swam at night, silently ignoring Mrs. Chenoweth's calls. Did we all as little boys torment our mothers so? The swim was followed by a long session of arm punching, knuckles first. I think I will blame tendonitis of the shoulder on that night. They were good times, and they are good memories.
My sympathies to Brian and John, with Kindest regards,
Michael Reade
October 19, 2012
My deepest condolences to Chris' family and friends. Chris was a respected member of the Employment Law Bar and well known for his enthusiasm. He touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all.
Ronald Minken
October 18, 2012
I remember Chris well from law school at Queen's. Although we were not friends he was a memorable person among the many that were there during the 1980s. Very sad to hear of his passing WAY too soon
Wendy Oughtred
October 17, 2012
Chris was hired as my lawyer over twenty years ago. We became fast friends, sharing our passion for baseball, basketball, and our friendly rivalry of who was the better team, Toronto or Montreal...he would never admit to the obvious. We were also athletes in our own right playing squash in our younger years, at times Chris playing with a knee brace, he wouldn't let it get in the way of our game. Chris was so caring and generous to my wife, son and daughter. Chris was as large as life, opinionated, thoughtful, one of a kind. Being at a baseball game without you will never be the same. Good-bye my buddy, my bro and my best friend...you are sadly missed.
Gabe Cardinali
October 17, 2012
A passionate man who I came to know as a fellow research assistant on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Always enjoyed "engaged" political discussions with Chris.
Bhupinder Liddar
October 16, 2012
Although I did not know your brother,reading his obituary really gives you a vivid picture of him as a thoroughly awesome person. Hold on to those wonderful memories when times get tough....deepest sympathies
caroline kampitsis
October 16, 2012
Chris, I will never forget you. You did not go darkly my friend.
Grainne
October 16, 2012
I played with Chris and his brothers Brian and John almost every day all summer at the lake from age 6 or so to 11.For some reason, my clearest memory of Chris is running around the lawn in the sun playing "beer wars" i.e., squirting flat beer at each other from cans his Dad brought home from Molsen's. Bright blond hair and talking a mile a minute. Thanks for all your comments. It's facinating to hear about what a great man Chris turned out to be. My warmest wishes to Brian and John.
Susan Johnson
October 16, 2012
The Chenoweth Family was a huge part of my childhood and Chris the only member that I stayed in touch with over the years. Brian and John I will be there in thought if not in person on Saturday. Elizabeth Reade
Elizabeth Reade
October 16, 2012
I was in complete shock when my mother gave me the news of Chris' death. He was my Godfather and my Dads best friend from university. All I could think of was how many great memories I had with him. Times where he embarrassed me until I was beat red, made me laugh until my stomach hurt and treated me like a daughter of his own. Chris would give me advice on relationships such as not to play "tonsil hockey" on the first date, as well as career and education advice. Chris was loud and obnoxious, hilarious, witty, clever, very loving, and said whatever was on his mind. He was truly a unique character. He is going to be deeply missed by my family and all others who were lucky to have known him.
Monica Neal
October 16, 2012
Chris was my classmate (Queen's Law '87). He was definitely one of the most memorable characters in our year. Bright, funny, articulate, full of life, decent, caring, compassionate, fearless are just a few of the words that come to mind. Our 25th class reunion is this weekend and he will be sorely missed. As another member of the employment bar, we occasionally would be on opposite sides of a file. Despite our differences, he was unfailingly courteous and thoughtful and a great exemplar of "strive mightily, but eat and drink as friends." I will miss him deeply.
Neena Gupta
October 16, 2012
My sincere condolences to Brian and John for yet another loss in your family. I have fond memories of times spent in your family homes in Westmount and the Laurentians.
Lois Russell Wattam
October 16, 2012
Chris was one of the most memorable characters in our LCC Class of 1971 - a truly caring soul, a wonderfully inquisitive mind, a delicious sense of humor, and a powerful spirit that burned brightly over the years! He had a deep passion for everything in life, and his infectious personality touched everyone he met - including his energy while playing ball hockey with us out on the street! I am attaching one of the last photos I have of Chris, with our class members at the school for our 35th Reunion on Sept 29, 2006. You will be missed, Chris!
Jim Henderson
October 16, 2012
Here one minute, combatant, joking, irreverant & large as life, then gone just as quickly - in his sleep.
For that, those that knew & loved Chris will be thankful.
Hard to believe that such a strong life force could be silenced overnight.
I'm grateful to have known Chris over these last 40+ years & counted him among my friends. Hockey mate,legal advisor, fellow dead head & bon vivant - he'll be missed but definitely not forgotten.
RIP my friend.
Brock May
October 15, 2012
What a terrible shock. While helping me through an employment issue many years ago, we became friends. He was larger than life, with an opinion on just about everything, particularly his hate of "my Leafs"...lol. Although we lost touch, I thought of him many times over the years. A very sad loss of such a vibrant person.
Nancy Sprague
October 15, 2012
I was very sad to learn of Chris's death. Chris was a great help to me with an employment issue; he had a genuine concern about my well-being. Although I did not know Chris well, I certainly recognized that he was an exceptional human being with a compassion for others. My deepest condolences to his family and close friends.
October 15, 2012
Chris was by far one of the most unique individuals I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He has been a part of my family's life for many years now, and there is definitely a void now that he is gone. My father and Chris were very close friends and over time I had the opportunity to get to know him better myself. I am so thankful for my time with him. Whether we were eating sushi and talking hockey or politics, or he was guiding me through my own legal matters, or challenging my involvement in my union…Chris was always there for me. Chris taught me to always be myself and to never back down from the things I believe in. Chris taught me to say whatever I was thinking. Chris taught me to laugh at myself. Chris taught me how to stand up for my decisions and certainly helped me to explain my decisions as he drilled me with questions! Chris taught me to be strong. Chris taught me about what being a true friend is. Thank you Chris for being such a good friend to one of my best friends, my dad. Thank you Chris for leaving me with memories filled with good advice, debates, the odd swear word, and most of all laughter. I will miss you. XO
Shan Cardinali
October 15, 2012
Chris will be missed within the Employment Law Bar. My condolences go out to all of his family and friends. What a shame that we have lost him.
Stuart Rudner
October 15, 2012
A bright light has left the world and we are all the lesser for it. Rest in Peace my friend. My sympathies to all who loved him and mourn with me.
October 15, 2012
i am so sorry to hear of Chris's passing. Chris was my cousin and although I hadn't seen him for many years, I have fond memories of visiting him and enjoying his quirkiness and great sense of humor. Chris was his own person and he lived life to the fullest. It is a great loss for our family. I send my condolences to the rest of the family and to Chris's friends and colleagues.
Kelly Adams
October 15, 2012
Very sorry to read this. Chris helped me through some employment issues a year ago and was just a great help. Wow I am shocked and saddened. Condolences going out to his family and friends.
Stephanie
October 15, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Chris's death. While I haven't seen him in years I have many fond memories from back in our "Teen's Club" days at Dominion Douglas in Westmount. I still have pictures from those days should any family want scanned copies.
Bev Place Walkling
October 13, 2012
My heart and thoughts go out to all of Chris's friends and family. Many Memories if nights at Morris Island many years ago.
Campbell Hendery, Montreal
October 13, 2012
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