Dr. Christopher Roy Watkins PAGE

Chris passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at his home in Greenfield, on Friday, July 16, 2021, in his 76th year. Beloved husband of nearly 50 years to Mary-Jean (nee McKinnon); loved dad to Maggie Dunnett (Sean) and Connor (Jennifer Lovrics); cherished "Papa" to Liam and Ethan Dunnett and "Papa Dude" to Finnigan and Carter Page; dear brother to Patricia (Orlie) and Arthur (Deb); "Uncle Chris" to his nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his stepmother, Annie, and her family, as well as several cousins. He is predeceased by his father, Roy, and his mother, Ellen (Roe). "Sadness is not in dying, but in not having lived." Chris Page ("like in a book") was larger than life. Though we are deeply saddened by his early departure, we take some comfort in knowing that Chris lived a full and meaningful life. As an immigrant to Canada, he started with very little and built a wonderful life for so many people. Born in Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland, Chris was very proud of his heritage and everything his father did to make a better life for his family. They worked as farm hands throughout England during Chris's childhood years. The family came to Canada when Chris was 11. He graduated from Queen's Medical School in Kingston in 1972. Chris was a born physician. A wonderful physician. Few could match his clinical skills and ability to connect with a patient. His humility and ability to see everyone as a person, no matter what walk of life, endeared him to his patients. When people called him "Dr. Page", he'd politely respond with, "It's just Chris". Chris was an entrepreneur. He was involved in starting multiple businesses and medical practices, including urgent care clinics in Kitchener-Waterloo and drug rehabilitation clinics. His most successful venture, DriverCheck, whose purpose is to build a healthier and safer world, employs hundreds of wonderful people. No matter how successful his ventures were, he always said "It's just a good start". His thirst for life and growth was evident. Chris was a husband. He believed marriage is the foundation of a good life. And did Chris ever find the perfect partner in Mary-Jean. They balanced each other so well. They met in medical school and the love they shared for nearly 50 years was obvious every day. Chris was an adventurer. Motorcycles, planes, boats. In 1970, he drove his Yamaha Big Bear motorcycle from Kingston, Ontario to Victoria, BC. He had no place to sleep (unless you count the ditches on the side of the road), no change of clothes, and other than spare spark plugs, he went as is. That was Chris. But his true passion was his sailboat, LAJA, and Mary-Jean would often joke that LAJA was his one true love. "People will forget what you did and what you said, but they won't forget how you make them feel." Chris's greatest gift to the world was the impact he had on those around him. He often connected with people in deep and memorable ways, even after just having met them. His charm, wit, warmth, and down-to-earth nature made it easy to know him. Throw in a few cusses here and there, some classic Chris Page sayings, and that connection turned to an instant love of the man. Chris leaves a giant hole in the lives of those who knew and loved him. Cremation has taken place and a private family service was held with interment at Ayr Cemetery. A celebration of his life is being planned. Condolences and messages for the family are greatly appreciated and can be arranged through Wm Kipp Funeral Home at 519-632-8228. Donations can be made to Nature Conservancy of Canada, Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, or Grand River Regional Cancer Centre.