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CHRIS ALLNUTT Obituary

Chris died peacefully on September 21, 2025, in his family's Victoria garden in the arms of his wife of 51 years, Jean Greatbatch, and their 35-year-old son, Patrick Greatbatch. He was surrounded by loved ones while the birds sang, and the wind sighed through the trees. He will be missed by many, especially wife, Jean; his mother-in-law, Joan; their son, Patrick, and his husband, Erin Sparks; in-laws, Sheilagh and Gary Sparks; and siblings, Susann, Sara, and David. Chris met Jean Greatbatch at the University of Toronto in 1974, while they were student activists. After Chris married his soulmate, his life became full of the wonders of love, adventure, travel, good food and fine wine. The birth of their son completed the circle of happiness. Chris Allnutt was an honourable, compassionate, and gentle man who spent his life trying to make the world a better place. He was a brilliant strategist in campaigns for social justice and the environment. Chris' career highlights included leading the Hospital Employees Union (HEU) in their fight for decent wages, job security, and working conditions. He was instrumental in the fight against privatization of health care. Chris later worked as the spokesperson and lead strategist for environmental groups in the negotiations that saved the Great Bear Rainforest. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Greenpeace Canada in Chris' memory.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Globe and Mail from Oct. 4 to Oct. 8, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for CHRIS ALLNUTT

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6 Entries

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Kyle, Brenda & the Seymour team

Planted Trees

Jens Wieting

October 12, 2025

Chris was a one of the most wonderful humans I got to work and spend time with, a great colleague, friend and mentor. He was a remarkable man with a unique way to steer things forward in a steady, principled and reassuring way and never sought the spotlight. Sending positive energy to his wife Jean and his son Patrick.

Lisa Matthaus

October 7, 2025

I'm so appreciative of the time I got to work with Chris, and learned so much from his quiet but determined leadership (among a group of people not easy to lead). Later in life his love of travel and delight in the world were joyous to watch unfold. My deepest condolences to Jean and his family.

Amanda

October 6, 2025

Chris was a wonderful and supportive coworker who believed and acted to raise everyone around him.

Valerie Langer

October 4, 2025

Chris was not only an excellent strategist he was a fabulous mentor and a deeply compassionate human being. He was a determined person but had such a gentle way about him - encouraging discourse and risk-taking, open to radically new ideas but ensuring that we were grounding our thinking with good data and pathways to outcomes. For all the seriousness of our work it was easy to make Chris laugh. He was always ready to enjoy the moment. I loved working with him,
loved our friendship and am so lucky our paths intersected.

My heart goes out to the love of his life, Jean and his talented son Patrick. What a great person you had in your family. I am so sorry you lost him way too soon.

Sharon Kurtz

October 4, 2025

Chris was one of the best humans I have ever known.

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Memorial Events
for CHRIS ALLNUTT

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.