CHRISTOPHER HOPE BRANDS

It is with great sadness that the family of Christopher Brands announces his passing on December 20, 2025, following a long illness, just one day short of his 81st birthday. Chris died peacefully at home, surrounded by those closest to him. Born in England in 1944, Chris was the second son of Nursing Sister Constance Carr and Major Kenneth Brands. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Mount Allison University and went on to teach at and lead art departments in several Toronto secondary schools. He later completed a Master's degree in Fine Art in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Chris founded and successfully ran his graphic design firm, Art Variations, for many years before being recruited as Head of the Graphics Department for the City of Toronto, where he spent the remainder of his professional life with great satisfaction. A devoted and deeply loved brother, uncle, brother-in-law, son, partner, and friend, Chris was admired for his integrity, generosity, and quiet leadership. His brothers - Kenneth (m. Lili, née Starchev), Stewart, and Andrew (m. Pamela, née Redfern) - will miss his wisdom, steady counsel, and affection. Chris had a special gift with children and delighted in nurturing imagination and creativity. He was especially cherished as an uncle to his nephew, Christian Brands, and later shared that same joy with Christian's wife, Samantha Brands (née Bimm), and their children, Sophie and Rosabelle, including many treasured times in Georgian Bay and Mulmur. In later years, Chris travelled widely with his friend and partner, Paul Rice. He will be fondly remembered by his cousins, friends, nieces (Marianne, Samantha, Meaghan, Kendall and Courtney) and all who were fortunate enough to know him. Creativity lay at the heart of Chris' life. He continued to draw - observing, recording, and reflecting on the world and himself - right to the very end. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Chris' caregiver, Shawnee, for her kindness and devoted care during his final year. A private celebration of Chris' life will be held in the Spring 2026. For details or messages of condolence to the family, please contact getgo.chb@gmail.com.