CHRISTOPHER ELLIS WOOTTEN

Christopher Ellis Wootten died peacefully in his sleep, early Wednesday morning, January 29, 2025, during a one-night stay at Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver, BC. For people who knew him or had simply met him, his wide smile and boyish dimples, warm and friendly, conveyed how he made people feel so special. Chris was born on August 23, 1943, to a long-time Vancouver family. He had a charmed Canadian childhood with ample social relationships, close proximity to his schools, was active at team sports at the original Prince of Wales (although often overshadowed by his older brother, Flip), and spent summers at Savary Island at a time when only a small group of Vancouverites knew of this very special island's existence. He made milestones in life seem easy to the rest of us: he was valedictorian of his high school, organizer of rock bands at UBC, and recipient of a Harvard MBA. Chris founded the Vancouver East Cultural Centre, still a beloved Vancouver institution after 50 years. He held key leadership roles at many important arts organizations in Vancouver – the type of vulnerable groups that needed someone like Chris and his enormous passion. He was not motivated by money, but his natural talent led him to roles such as organizing the entertainment for Expo 86 when he was only 40 years old (including hiring an unusual, small-time Quebec troupe, the then little-known Cirque du Soleil), head of programming at the Vancouver Children's Festival (an enduring jewel for Vancouver families), head of the Vancouver Playhouse, Associate Director of the Vancouver Art Gallery, and producer of the internationally successful theatre production, "Billy Bishop Goes to War." Chris was happy with his professional achievements, but he didn't dwell on them. What mattered were the people - the wonderful tapestry of talented people flowing through Vancouver in the 1970s through to today. He helped to bridge the artistic cultural community with the stability of government grants and the business community - a rare combination to achieve. Along the way, he made innumerable real connections with people. He lived for 14 wonderful years with his MDS blood disorder after he was told that five-six years might be expected. He had many happy and peaceful summers on Gambier Island, as well as adventures throughout BC's spectacular inner coast on their beloved 36-foot teak boat, the Riot IV. In the last year and a half, he began to be significantly slowed by the disease but none of us ever gave up hope. Chris was predeceased by parents, Roberta and Phillip Wootten; and is survived by his truly beloved wife and partner of 62 years, Elizabeth; as well as his profound love of family: children, Ed (Ann), Nathan (Bev), Chuck (Erika) and Sarah (Andrew); grandchildren, Alexander, Grace, Bennett and Izaak; brother, Phillip (Judy) and family in Toronto; and cousins, Roberta, Buz and Susan. The family will host a private function to celebrate his life. For those so inclined, you may consider a donation to Cancer Care at LGH, the Ancient Forest Alliance or the Savary Island Land Trust. He touched so many lives, made his community a better place and for people who knew him - his light is still inside us.