OBITUARIES

BETTIS, Christopher Alan
1949 - 2002
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Chris, at Burnaby General Hospital on the evening of March 31, 2002, from cancer. He was cremated at the Vancouver Crematorium at 11 a.m. on April 16, 2002.
A memorial service will be held at Lighthouse Marine Park on April 28 at 2 p.m. You are invited to attend.

Chris was born in Manhattan, New York on November 23, 1949, adopted and raised by two loving parents, Elaine and LeRoy Bettis. He is survived by his mother and great friend, Elaine Bettis.

Aware of what he was diagnosed with, Chris in inimitable Chris fashion, fought a courageous battle. He did not deny his illness and what it meant. His immediate reaction on being diagnosed was, “Well, this too is a trip that I must understand.” His spiritual resources, which brought him through many difficulties in life were, as always, with him. Throughout his illness, as was his character, he managed his own affairs, including moving homes, preparing his boat for the summer and planning a trip to the tropics, whilst taking up a new interest, jewelry making, despite failing eyesight and diabetes. As he put it, “First thing, take care of business!”

Beside being a stubborn man, Chris was a determined one, always a man of action, always matter of fact. He always believed in the power of one. Chris embraced all that he did with characteristic optimism and enthusiasm. He packed a great deal into his life. Educated both in the United States and Canada, both countries which he considered home, he was a man of many accomplishments: musician, songwriter, teacher, film maker, writer, fisherman, skipper, carpenter, mechanic, welder, farmer, gardener, tree planter, industrial worker. He was adept at all the things he interested himself in.

A sincere and responsible person, he had friends from all walks of life who mourn his passing. Chris enjoyed the open road, but he loved the river and the open sea the most. During the latter stages of his illness, he talked often of getting back on his boat and heading out to sea.

His friends remember and gratefully treasure his memory. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice..

BACK TO TOP