Christopher was sharp, resourceful, ambitious and determined. His professional achievements were many and varied. He was an entrepreneur who helmed his own companies in the oil and gas industry. He became extremely knowledgeable and experienced in corporate governance, and sat on a number of boards. Interspersed with this, he established an advertising agency, was a school board Trustee for the Rockyview School District, and put himself forward as a candidate for the Liberal Party in the southern Alberta riding of Crowfoot.
He had happy memories of his childhood summers spent at the family home at Windermere in Muskoka, canoeing, water skiing and sailing. After high school, he left for Europe in search of adventure and landed in St. Moritz, Switzerland where he became a ski patroller with Alpine Rescue. He told exciting stories of that time in his life, like tossing lit explosives from a helicopter while doing avalanche control, and racing down the mountain after a wild Après ski party. Later, sailing became his passion. He bought a beautiful schooner named Tina Christine, and spent years sailing her on the west coast of North America, at one point competing in the Annual Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race. More recently, Christopher joined a hunt or two with friends in Henley, England and always spoke glowingly of those experiences.
Christopher had an expansive imagination and curiosity about everything and everyone. He took any opportunity to learn, and was happiest when he was immersed in a new project, like trying his hand at building and running a cheese shop, or designing and renovating his beloved home in Maple Bay on Vancouver Island. He moved frequently throughout his life, and every time he was quick to put together a beautifully decorated home, ready to welcome visitors. He loved to host parties, especially when they involved meaningful conversations lasting into the early morning hours. He made lasting connections and was always surrounding himself with interesting and innovative people.
Christopher adored women. And they adored him. Until they didn’t. He was thrice married,
and his second wife, Patricia Gay, became his best friend and confidante, a relationship that
would last until the end of his life.
In recent years, Christopher faced some physical limitations that slowed life down considerably, but he took advantage of the quieter pace to enjoy time with family, especially his grandchildren who he loved immensely.
It is with heavy hearts that we lay Christopher to rest. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
Christopher is survived by his children and grandchildren: son Damian (wife Heather Lowen and children Kieran and Charlotte; daughter Lindsay (husband Angelo Carreira and children Oliver and Charlie); and daughter Jamie Lee Copeland; and by his brother Bryan D. Gay and his sister Sharon Drew. He is pre-deceased by his mother Patricia Bishop; father Hector Castleton Gay; and by his sister Leanne Gay. He will be particularly remembered by his ex-wife and closest friend, Patricia Gay.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hainstockedmonton.com for the Paton-Gay family.
If you are unable to come to the service, you are able to view the service via livestream at the link below:
https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1629430870131899
At the request of the bereaved family, it is asked that all guests follow social distancing guidelines as well as wearing a mask.
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