À la mémoire de
Guy Patrick Christian
16 août 1947 –
12 novembre 2021
On November 12th, 2021, the world lost an incredible man. A Father, Grandfather, Loving Partner, Brother, and Good Friend to many. Guy died peacefully in his home next to his loving partner after succumbing to a battle with Liver Cancer, and complications with Diabetes, at the age of 74.
Born in Portsmouth England in 1947 to Gertrude (Trudy) and Bertram (Del) Dadswell, Guy grew up in post-World War 2 Britain. At the age of 14, Guy left school to start his ship-workers apprenticeship in Portsmouth Harbour. Over time, he would work on many significant ships (including Nelson’s HMS Victory) and later became a Marine Engineer. A revered job that required both technical skill and a love of the sea. He always spoke so highly of those days. He met and married his first wife, Bernadette, in England and had his first two children, James and Daniel there. He took his two young children to “Navy Days” each year where they’d enjoy fish and chips served in traditional newspaper. He would later reflect fondly on that time while in hospice with his third child, Nick by his side. He had a vast and impressive knowledge of his maritime and naval history and often spoke about his love for the sea and seaside.
In the early 1980s, Guy emigrated to Canada with Bernadette and their two children. He would later relocate to the East Coast for work where he met his second wife, Suzanne, before moving back to Ontario and having two more children with her in Ottawa and Mississauga, Nicholas, and Melissa. Guy was a proud and loving Father to all 4 children and despite being from two separate relationships they always considered themselves brothers and sisters. James, Dan, Nick, and Melissa always had one thing in common no matter what, and that was Dad.
Guy, based in Mississauga, Ontario, became a well-respected recruiter of Technical Engineers from all over the world. A natural leader, Guy was truly a special person to work with. He had a strong worth ethic, led by example, and always focused on keeping the morale high amongst his staff. Over his career, he would rise through the corporate ranks, and across several companies, to arrive at The Design Group Staffing Agency where he became Vice President of Operations for Eastern Canada. His larger-than-life personality and great storytelling combined with his hard work and kindness were all qualities that made his career such a success. A recent story from a colleague noted that Guy was staring out the window of his office admiring the outside world. A colleague asked Guy what he was thinking about, and he replied, “I am thinking about how beautiful life is.” Ever the optimist, this trait is passed on to everyone who had the pleasured opportunity to meet and talk with him.
Guy is celebrated by his loving partner, Liz Ditchburn, whom he adored. For the last 12 years, they shared a love that many people can only hope for. From traveling the world to building a life together with children, siblings, and friends, they truly celebrated each other and the love that can exist in the world between two people. Liz cared greatly for Guy up until his final moments in this world and was holding his hand when he passed away peacefully at home. Liz has four beautiful children, Jennifer, Tannia, Robbie, and Lisa who Guy loved immensely. They all cared deeply for Guy and spoke with such appreciation that these two found each other later in life.
As a young man Guy was adventurous, from the high seas to moving overseas, however, he remained close with his parents Trudy and Del. In fact, he brought his mother over to Canada every summer (as his father passed away when Guy was in his twenties) so she could spend time with her grandkids. As a father, Guy was loving, kind, and caring to his children James, Daniel, Nicholas, and Melissa. As a grandfather, he was generous and devoted to making time for his grandkids and attending as many sporting events as possible. Thankfully, he had many wonderful moments with his cherished grandkids, Oliver, Jocelyn, Tilia, and Cedar.
As a brother (or “Bruv”) he always cherished his big sister Barbara. He would often speak of how caring she was to him when they were younger. Even though she was 9 years older than him and had moved out of the house to become a nurse, she would come back from London often to visit him and celebrate birthdays and other events. She unfortunately only recently passed away in June of this year. Right up until her last day though, Guy would speak on the phone with her every single day to send love and connection – reciprocating the kindness she would always give him growing up and into their adult lives.
To all who knew Guy Christian as a Friend, he loved and cherished every relationship he had throughout his entire life. He lived in the moment, enjoyed the finer things, but more importantly sharing the finer things with all those around him. The world was a brighter place with his warmth and kindness. Whether it was a big bear hug, an always perfectly worded toast at the dinner table, a kind supportive message by mail or online, a pat on the back, a proper gripped handshake, that trademarked look before smiling, telling a proper Dad-joke, or words of encouragement at a business meeting, Guy always had something for the occasion to make you feel the best you possibly could.
Up to his last day, he praised the mantra of celebrating life, not mourning it. Truly celebrate every moment we have on this earth and share that love with everyone. I implore everyone reading this message to do just that, as that is what he did and what his family will remember deeply about him.
He will be missed by everyone who had the opportunity to meet him and share his wonderful presence. His ashes will be spread in Portsmouth Harbour, as was his request, in early 2022 by his four children. Here was one of his favourite quotes that he kept in the front room.
“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly.”
– Buddhist quote on Life and Death.
In response to his passing, we would ask that in lieu of flowers and gifts that a donation be made to one of these two charities to help others, and the families of those affected, in battling these diseases.
www.liver.ca – Donations will be made to help with finding cures and treatments for Liver Cancer.
www.diabetes.ca – Donations will be made to help with funding cures and treatments for Diabetes.
Signer le livre d’or
16 août 1947
12 novembre 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Guy Patrick Christian 16 août 1947
12 novembre 2021..
turner & porter funeral directors
Décès pour la Ville:Mississauga, Province: Ontario