Dr. Christopher Paul Youé
1948-2018
With deep sorrow, Christopher Paul
Youé’s children, Ben and Emily, announce their
father’s death on November 27, 2018, surrounded by family,
after fighting a lengthy illness so courageously. Born on February 13,
1948 in Ilford Es, England, he made his way to Canada as a young
man to study at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova
Scotia.
Chris fashioned himself a renaissance
man; he was brilliant, funny, and an amazing musician, loyal and full
of energy. As his career evolved, he distinguished himself
academically with numerous publications and conference papers. He was
an exceptional orator who held the gift of reading his audience and
delivering his subject with flare, wisdom, and emotion. His dedication
to his students was unwavering, often going beyond the call of duty to
support them with care and compassion. Chris was committed to the
Canadian Association of African Studies, which produces the
Canadian Journal of African Studies. He served
for three decades on the Executive Board, including two terms as
President. He also served for 21 years as an editor of the Journal and
was Editor in Chief for five of those years. He was a man of principle
and social justice. If there was a cause worth fighting for, he was
“on it.” Stepping on a few toes never deterred him from what
he believed to be just. He was a much-loved professor of History at
Memorial University of Newfoundland for over 30 years. He was an
inspiration to his students and was acknowledged in
MacLean’s special university edition as
best loved professor. Chris also held strong ties to his beloved
England and would seek out any bar in any part of the world to catch a
game featuring his much-loved football team West Ham United.
Chris’ thirst for life was
unquenchable.
He was a world traveler, loved new
experiences, great wine and food. But mostly this “one of a
kind” man loved his family. His son Ben and his daughter Emily
rocked his world. His four gorgeous grandchildren, Kingston,
Esmé, Easton, and Winsloe, were his joy, and from whatever
part of the world he was exploring, he never missed an opportunity to
Skype. As his daughter’s home became quiet immediately
following his death, his eldest grandson 6-year-old Kingston said:
“I know he died Granny, but Grand Dad’s heart will live
with us forever.”
Dr. Christopher Paul Youé was
the son of the late Herbert John Youé and the late Elsie
May Youé (Beverley). He was predeceased by his brother
Anthony (Jean), and is survived by brother Stephen Mills (Susan) and
sister Deborah. Chris is also survived by his two children Benjamin
(Christina) and Emily (James) as well as his four gorgeous
grandchildren; Kingston, Esmé, Easton, and Winsloe. Many
cousins, nieces and nephews, and numerous friends that he cherished
also survive him.
The family would like to thank the
palliative care team in Amherst for their compassion and care for
Chris over the past three weeks
Arrangements are under the care and
guidance of Furlong~Jones Funeral Home,
70 Church Street, Amherst (902-667-8777). Celebration of
Chris Youé’s illustrious life is planned for next
summer in Amherst, Nova Scotia, with details to be circulated
widely.
Donations in memory of Chris may be made
to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Sharing of memories and condolences may
be sent to the family by visiting Christopher’s online memorial at
www.furlongjones.ca or throught the Furlong~Jones Funeral Home Facebook
Page.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Dr Christopher Paul Youe 19482018..
Death notice for the town of: Amherst, Province: Nova Scotia
Chris Youe told me many times there was no afterlife, however a few weeks ago I wrote and published an article, in which I was strangely compelled to extrapolate a historical analysis from Chris and during the last week of November I was thinking about Chris frequently and I only found out a few days later that Chris had passed. I never knew that Chris was even ill, yet I was thinking a lot about Chris in recent weeks and especially in late November. Chris must have been sending out vibes as he passed over to the other side and received his big surprise. Chris was an insightful prof and an understanding guy and when I heard Chris had passed I thought of an argument we had and my last words were I’m sorry and Chris said okay, have fun Chris up there and beyond and keep singing those songs (Forever History Department Christmas Party, December 2007)