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Obituary of Christopher Joe Westmorland Poyser
POYSER, Christopher Joe Westmorland “Chief” – Peacefully with his family by his side, Christopher Poyser died at Trillium Villa on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 85 years. Beloved husband of the late Rosemary (nee George) 2021. Loving father of Katherine Anne Poyser, Sarnia, Marian Elizabeth Banovsky [Mike], Sarnia, John Christopher Poyser [Arwen], Vancouver Island and Mary Jo Robson [Dean], Vancouver Island. Loving grandfather of Michael David Kelch [Jasmine], Dustin Christopher Kelch [Lacey], Marie Cecile Mendonca [Ryan], Olivia Katherine Robson, Eric Christopher Robson, Griffen Barr and Makena Barr. Great-grandfather of Riley, Brooks, Jeyda, Isabella, Sadie, Jack and Calvin. Brother-in-law of Anne De Leenheer, Peterborough. Pre-deceased by his parents Josiah & Vivienne Poyser and his sister Molly Joe Purnell.
Chris was born and raised on the sunny island of Jamaica. Chris was no stranger to hard work as life on a rural dairy farm in the hills, Berry Hill, St. Mary’s, involved farm maintenance, animal husbandry, and (being the only son) the responsibility of 4 AM tractor runs to get the fresh milk to Ocho Rios refrigeration on time.
After their marriage on the weekend of Jamaica’s Emancipation Day, July 1962 – Chris & Rosie welcomed their first three children in short order.
Chris’ skill for tinkering and love of anything with a motor served him well. He supported his family by working for the island’s John Deere dealership and later managing banana and coconut estates. Weekends were reserved for deep sea fishing and no wave or storm could deter getting on the water with good friends like Raymond Lynn. Little Katherine, Marian and John quickly learned to stay out di’ way when the gaff was pulled and everyone heard Chris bellow “Draw Wide!”. The thrashing bill of a marlin is to be respected.
In 1975 – for the future of their children, Chris and Rosemary, pulled up stakes and emigrated to Sarnia, Ontario, residing next door to Rosemary’s sister, Mary Elaine and Bob Hayward and the family matriarch, Delores “Dolly” George. To this day, the core families from Willa Drive are still close friends, many attending Chris’ 85th birthday celebration last June.
And anyone familiar with Jamaicans knows we don’t travel light. When Chris and family packed to leave the country, Chris carefully constructed a crate from cedar and mahogany to protect his beloved Blue Marlin, fishing rods, treasured furniture and his father’s lathe. And like any good Jamaican, we don’t throw anything out. 50 years later, neighbours are still using those tools and wood to craft treasures. The marlin is proudly mounted on the wall in his granddaughter, Marie’s home. The love and storied legacy will continue on for future generations.
At 43, Chris became a father again for the fourth time when Mary Jo was welcomed into the family. Not to be left out, Mary Jo proclaimed herself an honourary Jamaican, and that was just fine.
Once Chris was settled running his business, Hayward’s Carpet & Upholstery, in the 80’s, he purchased his beloved fishing boat, Kismet. Chris was a longtime, respected member of the Bluewater Anglers and the spring Salmon Derby was the highlight of his year. His unmistakable Jamaican accent was always evident on the CB radio fishing chatter and being on the water was truly his Happy Place.
Losing Rosemary in 2021 understandably was a defining time in Chris’ life but he kept an open door policy and friends were always welcome any time to stop by for a cold Lakeport, to borrow whatever tool they needed from his garage or just to visit.
During his final two years at Trillium Villa, it was not uncommon to get a busy signal on his phone for hours at a time as he kept in close touch with treasured family, childhood friends and old neighbours. Nothing brought Chris more pleasure than sharing memories of life in Jamaica, discussing current political affairs and especially… the weather .
The family is not fully able to express the extent of our gratitude to the team at Trillium Villa for their exemplary and loving care of our father. Their compassionate and dedicated team brought Chris an instant extended family and active community. (Imagine, at 85, for the first time in his life, Chris was participating in what he called “gym class”. And as it was his way, Chris made friends easily. He and his puzzle buddies, Les and Bud, quickly became known as “the Three Musketeers”.)
In Chris’ final days at Trillium Villa, Cindy Sledgers, Dr. O’Mahony and Dr. Kim also assisted with his medical care. The family gratefully appreciates their compassionate ministry.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at the McKenzie & Blundy Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 431 Christina St. N. on Friday, March 21st at 11 AM Eastern. Visitation 1 hour prior and a luncheon to follow at Sitara, Point Edward location. The celebration will be live-streamed. To view please register at event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=7b228364-1146-4267-aadd-db6ba33f85dc (to register please cut and paste the link into your browser). Interment to follow at Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Bluewater Anglers would be appreciated www.bluewateranglers.com/donate. Messages of condolence & memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com.
1939 2025
mckenzie-blundy funeral home & cremation centre
Death notice for the town of: Sarnia, Province: Ontario
death notice Christopher
Joe Westmorland
Poyser 1939 2025
obituaries notice Christopher
Joe Westmorland
Poyser 1939 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Christopher
Joe Westmorland
Poyser 1939 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
