It is with profound sadness that our family announces the passing of Christopher David McCrae on December 26, 2023 at the age of 50, following a prolonged and incredibly determined fight against cancer that began in 2008. Chris passed peacefully at home surrounded by the loves of his life; Cathy (nee Gobbi), his soulmate and loving wife of 23 years, and his cherished daughters Lauren and Rachel. He often said his family was his reason for living, and the ache of this loss will lay heaviest on their hearts. Chris was the beloved son of Janis and the late David McCrae (2022), and adored big brother to Karen, who grieve him deeply. He is fondly remembered by numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends. He is also predeceased by his in-laws Giovachino (2012) and Roma Gobbi (2017), and brother-in-law Lino Gobbi (2013). Lovingly dubbed the smarty pants of the family, Chris excelled in school and earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Waterloo. He went on to create a meaningful career, working a variety of roles at McNeil Consumer Healthcare, Engel Canada, and GlaxoSmithKline. He enjoyed the challenges work presented him and the opportunities to travel internationally, and forged lasting connections with many colleagues over the years. No connection proved more meant to be than the one he made at his first job out of university, where he met and fell in love with Cathy while they both worked at McNeil. For all the career successes, though, he would be the first to tell you that his proudest accomplishments were his two beautiful daughters. Chris and Cathy built a home in the Eramosa countryside and filled it with love and family – fatherhood was the role of his lifetime. In spite of any health challenges, Chris was a cheerleader at countless soccer games, tournaments, and school events, and was actively present in his daughters’ day-to-day life. There was no problem he couldn’t solve, and no challenge he wouldn’t undertake. Home was his comfort zone, and he took great care and pride in making sure everything and everyone in it was well taken care of. To know Chris was to know a man who was the embodiment of strength, but words fall short of accurately capturing just how deep his reserves ran. In a 15-year span, he would undergo five major surgeries to his head, endure multiple rounds of radiation and chemotherapy, and willingly step up to any and every clinical trial on offer, all with the hopes of creating more precious time with his family. He shared parts of his journey with us as eloquently as anyone could through his blog posts. As long as there was action to take, he took it, however daunting and uncertain the outcome might be, and he somehow managed to do it all without complaint. In his final weeks, he refused any pain medication and continued to the very end without showing any signs of distress. While cancer may have claimed his body, it could never touch his indomitable spirit or dissuade him from doing whatever he felt was necessary. The example he sets for all of us in finding courage in the face of adversity is awe-inspiring. There are countless things about you that we will miss, and our lives won’t ever be the same without you, Chris. You are our hero, and we will love you always and forever. The family would like to express our immense gratitude for the dedicated healthcare teams at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and Bayshore Home Health for caring for our Chris throughout his journey. A private cemetery service and burial will take place. Family and friends will be received at Barn Swallow Fields at Thatcher Farms, 5727 5th Line, Rockwood, on Friday, January 5, 2024 from 2pm to 5pm. Arrangements entrusted to WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL (519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com). As expressions of sympathy, donations can be made in Chris’ memory to Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. A tree will be planted in memory of Christopher D. McCrae in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.
