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1803 Quadra Street
Victoria, British Columbia
Christopher Lalonde Obituary
September 7, 1959 - May 8, 2023
Dr. Christopher Lalonde was an internationally recognized scientist based at the University of Victoria, whose research, which he presented widely, focused on the role of culture in reducing suicide risk among Indigenous youth. Dr. Lalonde earned many awards throughout his career, including most recently, a Lifetime Achievement Award from UVic and the Exceptional Service Award from the Jean Piaget Society.
Chris grew up in St. Catharines, Ontario, the eldest of five children. In his early 20s, he moved to Vancouver, where he found a passion for developmental psychology at the University of British Columbia. He married Laurie Chesworth in 1985 and they raised three children, as Chris earned his BA, MA and then PhD. He began his research and teaching career at UVic in 1998.
Chris wore many hats - most of them silly - in his personal life: devoted husband, father, uncle, and grandfather, trivia quiz master on family Zooms, tech adviser and loyal friend. He loved: watching his beloved Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Blue Jays, billiards and Euchre, nicknames and nonsense words. He was a masterful storyteller, who delighted children. His singing voice will be deeply missed, especially around campfires in Tofino, Penetang and Quinnville.
Chris died on May 8, 2023, due to complications of liver disease. He is survived by his wife Laurie, his son Riley (Kelsey), grandson Lukas, daughter Lise (Jordan Bell). Chris was predeceased by his first-born son Peter, and his parents Jerome and Theresa Lalonde. He leaves in mourning siblings: Ken, Lisa, Michelle and Doug; in-laws John Woulfe, Michelle Woulfe, André Picard, Tasha Menary, Peter and Anne Chesworth, Linda and Jim Nolan; and his nieces and nephews: Kelsey, Patrick, Zoé, Molly, Michael, Kieran, Emmet, Natalie, Anaïs, Raphaëlle, and Maeve, as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Indspire.ca For further service information, please email Condolences" target="_blank" class="obit-text-link">[email protected].
Condolences may be offered at www.sandsvictoria.ca
Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Lalonde
6 Entries
Manon Stassen
December 19, 2023
I only just found out about the passing of Mr Lalonde. I met his son Peter eleven years ago and I contacted Chris after hearing about his passing to tell about how wonderful Pete was. I am so sorry for your loss and I wish his family strenght in this difficult time.
Greg Kehoe
September 23, 2023
Chris was truly special. He was part of the Kehoe family through his mother. Chris will be be remembered for his fun loving inclusive spirit. Covid separated us but Chris had the unique ability to bring people together and be joyful. Thanks Chris, we will not forget you or our ability to bring people together.
Coleen rajotte
September 21, 2023
Sincere condolences . I interviewed Dr. LaLonde for the documentary, Back to Pikangikum
In-In Po
May 26, 2023
Chris was one of my supervisors at LE,NONET. His encouragement, generosity and kindness, during and after LE,NONET will not be forgotten. Thank you, thank you so much, Chris. You're one of LE,NONET's shining stars and I will not forget you.
Roger John
May 25, 2023
Hello, my name is Roger John, I'm Tslalhmec of the St'at'imc Nation. I worked with Chris on the LE,NONET Project at UVic. Chris was selfless, loyal and one of the funniest, humblest guys I've met. He was commitment to reconciliation before it was called reconciliation, "before it was cool" he would say. I remember when were applying for the grant for the Millennium Foundation, he said we should put out a sign "will work for $3.8 million". He was always humble and put Indigenous students at the front, never wanted credit or praise. The legacy of LE,NONET lives on and many of the students who participated in the program have gone on to become game changers in the Indigenous community, one is a professor at UVic, at least two are M.D.'s, I think Chris would be happy with that as his legacy as well as the lives his research helped to save. Rest well, Chris, you earned it my friend. Thank you to Chris' partner and children for sharing him with us. Kukwstumckacw/ Big Heart thank you.
Rita
May 24, 2023
Sorry for your loss. The world was a better place because of him.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Memorial Events
for Christopher Lalonde
Funeral services provided by:
Sands Funeral Chapel Cremation and Reception Centre- Victoria1803 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC V8T 4B8