Chris John Tobin

Family and assorted loved ones are aching with the loss of Chris Tobin who passed unexpectedly in early September. He was 61 years of age. Chris leaves behind his beloved sons Mark (Tanya) and Blair (Amy), brothers Ron, Keith (Elizabeth), Jerome (Vera), and sister Debbie (Jeff), and his beloved grandchildren Chris, Shiana, and Zackary. He also leaves behind Christine, his champion and defender and soul mate. Chris was predeceased by his mother Margaret, his father Phillip, and his sister Sandra. Chris was also predeceased by Gale, his ex-wife who gave him his beautiful family and who he always said was better to him than he deserved. And finally, he leaves behind numerous friends who adored his cotton socks, both in Newfoundland and in Alberta. Of special mention are his dear brother from another mother Danny and his girlfriend Kelly, along with his beloved friend and constant supporter Diane.

Chris was a man of great loyalty and love. He had a profound love and admiration for children and animals in particular. He always said that they are innocent and pure and he would have put himself in front of a freight train to save them. He also had a deep compassion for the vulnerable and marginalized in our society. He loathed injustice and was a true protector of all who could not protect themselves. He was a strong advocate for workers and fought hard to level the playing field for them in the face of greedy and unfair bosses. You would not want to cross Chris Tobin’s picket line, where he protected the workers he served with pride and passion. If you did cross, he’d “make the announcement” and everyone would hear it and you’d be a fool to return – most did not. It was a beautiful thing to witness and he gave comfort to, and helped many workers fight for a better life for themselves and their families.

Chris’ booming deep voice, his many sayings and phrases, and his salty language brought us all many laughs and comfort, and the cavernous hole he leaves behind in our worlds will eventually be filled with smiles, love, and fond memories by all who adored him because he deserves no less.

Be at peace, you beautiful man. We all hope that you now know just how much you were adored by so many. “Keep pushin’ and shovin’!’”

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Mustard Seed or the Bissel Centre.