Christopher Jonathan WHITE

1971 - 2023

CHRISTOPHER JONATHAN WHITE Christopher "Chris" White passed away suddenly on December 29, 2023, at the age of 52, while vacationing in Costa Rica with his family. A devoted father, husband, son, brother and uncle, Chris will be missed dearly by wife, Janine (née Furey); children, Kathleen, Jane and James; mother, Jean Lee; half-sister, Lucy White (Lee Lamothe); and half-brother, Jamie White (Christine). Chris was predeceased by father, John J.L. White; and half-sister, Frances White (Al Jenkins). He will be fondly remembered by his extended family in Canada, United Kingdom, and the US; his friends and his colleagues. It was by mere hours and his mother's instinct that Chris was born in Toronto vs. Algonquin Park on August 1, 1971. Algonquin was a huge part of Chris's life, where he developed a love of canoe tripping, camping, campfires, music, horseshoes, dining on the dock, nighttime boat rides under the stars and just being outdoors. He brought those he cared about to the family's cottage on Canoe Lake to share a place that he loved and that naturally deepened connections without distraction. His love of the outdoors was further deepened through the seven summers spent at Camp Ponacka on Lake Baptiste. In typical fashion, Chris continued his connection to Ponacka for 44 years, keeping in touch with alumni and eventually sending son, James, continuing the tradition. Chris started Lakefield College School in 1983 and never really left. Since graduating, Chris demonstrated his commitment to 'The Grove' as an Alumnus, Board member, Trustee of 25 years and currently, parent. Lakefield was a frequent destination throughout the years for Board and Trustee meetings, homecomings, reunions, regattas, and even the christening of eldest daughter, Kathleen. Daughter, Jane, now attending Lakefield, has provided ever more opportunities to return to the place he cherished. Chris graduated from Lakefield College School in 1990, and went on to earn his BAHons, Political Science and Philosophy in 1994, his Bachelor of Journalism in 1996, both from University of King's College in Halifax, NS, and his MSc International Relations in 1997 from The London School of Economics. Chris had a distinguished career and was well respected and recognized in his field. But he worked to live; and he lived well. Chris spoke of the 'The Dash' between the dates of one's birth and death as representing that which matters most. He lived each day consciously, prioritizing his family and friends. Chris connected deeply with people, bringing together those for whom he cared, resulting in many becoming close friends themselves. It was important to him to do the right things - and to do things right. He will be remembered for his love of adventure and travel, especially as it involved Janine and his children. Chris lived his dash in an exemplary fashion. Chris taught his children to work hard, do what is right, try new things, explore the world, never underestimate themselves, and to always care for others. He encouraged them all in their own pursuits of sports, music and learning, and he took the greatest pride in their accomplishments. Chris adored his wife, Janine. He loved her with all his heart, and she loves him with all of hers. You don't have to look very far to see the man, the husband, and the father that Chris was. His legacy lives on in Kathleen, Jane and James, each of whom have inherited different and wonderful characteristics from their dad. Visitations will be held at Morley Bedford Funeral Home, 159 Eglinton Ave. W, Toronto, on Monday, January 8, 2024, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Clement's Anglican Church, 70 St. Clements Avenue, Toronto. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Friends of Algonquin Park (www.algonquinpark.on.ca/donate).