Obituary
In Loving Memory
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Christopher Edward Cassidy on Wednesday, October 26, after a brief struggle with cancer.
Chris was born March 6, 1947, in Calgary to Cyril and Pearl Cassidy. He grew up in the West Hillhurst Community, with grandparents and aunts and uncles nearby. He attended Queen Elizabeth School, where he was an honour student, then studied at the University of Calgary, where he earned a Masters in Philosophy as well as a teaching certificate.
Chris taught in Calgary and the Drumheller area for a few years, then went on to other ventures which included landscaping, a correctional position at the penitentiary, and real estate. Eventually, he decided to concentrate on investment income properties and, always resourceful, learned to do much of the maintenance and repairs on his various properties himself. In 1985 he met his life-long partner, Brenda Markel, and she managed his Drumheller rental properties until they began wintering in BC. For many years, they alternated half a year each between Nanaimo and Drumheller, until 2012, when they moved to Nanaimo to live full time.
From an early age, Chris loved music. He received his first in a long line of guitars from an aunt at age 11 and later, he also taught himself the keyboard. He spent many enjoyable hours playing and singing with other musically minded friends, both in Alberta and BC and eventually, with Brenda on bass and vocals, they formed several groups who got together regularly for musical fun. Losing the ability to play music was one of the earliest and most devastating symptoms of his brain cancer.
Chris also loved a deal and regularly reviewed flyers and the internet to see what was on offer, what he or one of his friends might find valuable. He loved shopping for food, loved finding pies on sale, particularly peach pies which were his favorite, and loved sharing food with friends and family.
Chris had a quirky sense of humor with the ability to find absurdity in so many of life’s everyday situations. With his own unique form of creative writing, he often entertained friends and family with stories of two fictional characters, Donna and Wilbur, who were obviously inspired by Brenda and himself.
He is survived by his wife Brenda Markel and his brother Mark Cassidy and wife Gillian Owen. He was a generous, kind, patient man who will be missed by many and thought of lovingly and often.
As per his wishes, there will not be a memorial service.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Christopher Edward Cassidy March 6 1947 October 26 2022 (age 75)..
Telford, Toneff and Boyd Burial and Cremation Centres
Death notice for the town of: Nanaimo, Province: Colombie britanique