Passed peacefully at Woods Park Care Centre in Barrie on Tuesday, November 5th 2019 in his 97th year. Survived by Jacqueline Challenger, his beloved life partner of 22 years. Predeceased by his wife of 35 years, Rosa (née LaVerdiere). Loving and beloved father of Christa (Wesley Fellows), Steven, Nicholas (Lynn Bayley) and Peter. Cherished grandfather of Seanna, Christopher, Brandon, Alexandre and great grandfather of Alexandra “Lexi” and Julian. Loved and respected by his extended family “The Challengers”, Ross (Heather), Gregory (Sandra), Cameron (Julie) and grandchildren Crystal, Sarah, Zachary, Emily, Dustin, Jessica and great granddaughter Mackenzie. Survived by his brother William “Curt” (Barbara) Spanis and predeceased by his sisters Helen Spanis and Sophia Conlon. Will be sadly missed by his many nephews, nieces and lifelong friends in the Barrie Area. Visitation will take place at the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St., Barrie on Thursday, November 7th, 2019 from 7 – 9 p.m. and on Friday, November 8th from 10:30 a.m. until the time we celebrate Chris’s life in the Chapel at 1 p.m. Following interment at Barrie Union Cemetery, guests are invited for a reception gathering and toast to Chris’s life and achievements in the Lounge. In lieu of flowers, donations to the War Amps, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre or the Mental Health Services would be greatly appreciated by the family. Online memories and condolences may be forwarded via www.steckleygooderham.com.
Chris was a veteran of the Royal Canadian Navy during WWII and served on the North Atlantic as a crew member of H.M.C.S. Brantford. His Commanding Officer offered him special training as a frogman and was sent to Florida then Halifax harbour to finish his training. He was on his way to the Pacific front from Vancouver when the war ended. After training in Kingston, he earned his commission as a Lieutenant (N) and became devoted to the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and Navy League of Canada. Chris was instrumental in the formation of the Sea Cadet Band in Barrie and the Sea Cadet Boathouse on Barrie’s waterfront. His many years of service to the corp earned him his Captain’s papers on retirement. He took pride in all of his “boys” and was thrilled when they excelled.
He was a very active member of the Trinity Anglican Church for more than 65 years. He started in the Junior choir as a boy, then Senior choir then after the war, he served as a sidesman then ran the Senior Sunday school while teaching the confirmation class there.
For 30 years, Chris acted as the Chief Building and Plumbing Inspector for the City of Barrie. He was the first with that title after Barrie became a city. That small department grew over the years and after the tornado hit, his crew numbered over 20 inspectors as the Ministry and Central Mortgage and Housing had sent help. From that occurance the building code was modified to add special rulings for roof clips and other safety measures that are still in place today. Chris served as President of the Ontario Building Officials Association and together with other local area inspectors, opened the Simcoe County Chapter to help all inspectors grow their skills and try to standardize all the townships to the same excellence level. He also taught both the Building and Plumbing courses at Georgian College’s continuing education department for many years.
The Veteran’s Club of Barrie also held a special place in his heart and he was a member for many years serving as President and Past President. He also volunteered with St John Ambulance for many years and pushed to have the young people trained in CPR and 1st aid.
Chris lived a long and active life. He loved to play snooker or golf. He really loved tinkering at the boathouse and spending time on the water surrounded by his family and friends. Everyone was always welcome. We believe he is dancing his way to the stars with the angels. Hope they can double time the jitterbug to keep up with him.