Christopherson, John Francis
(His family and friends knew him as Chris)
January 29, 1918 - January 4, 2012
Chris died peacefully at the Nanaimo Seniors Village, January 4, 2012 with the dignity and grace that marked his life. He was 93. Chris Christopherson was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta, January 29, 1918, to parents John and Hilda Christopherson. He was always proud of his Danish and Norwegian roots, his homesteading grandparents and family coming from Scandinavia via Wisconsin to Alberta. Chris married Verna Bassett in Trenton, Ontario in 1944 before he went off to World War 2 in Europe. After the war, Chris and Verna moved to Red Deer, Alberta where he worked as a mechanic and then onto the family farm near Bow Island, Alberta when his step father passed away. Chris worked as a butcher with his business partner until retiring to Lantzville in 1976. A few homes later Chris and Verna finally moved to the Sharman Mobile Home Park in Nanaimo for several years. Chris moved into the Nanaimo Seniors Village in 2008.
Chris was predeceased by his parents, John and Hilda Christopherson; his step-father, Byron McDonnell, his loving wife of 57 years, Verna and sister, Ella Hubka (Otto). He is survived by sons, Byron (Sharlene), Robert (Peggy), and daughter, Joanne Whipps (Tom); grandchildren: Steven Whipps (Laura), Matthew Whipps, Alison Van Dyke (Michael) and Kaitlyn Christopherson; great grandchildren: Evan and Bryce Whipps, and Sadie and Leah Van Dyke.
Known for his good-natured charm and amiable demeanour, Chris enjoyed his family and many friends. A loyal husband to Verna, and caring and supportive father, grandfather and great grandfather, Chris will be dearly missed.
Many thanks to the kind and caring staff that looked after him at the Nanaimo Seniors Village.
Upon Chris’ request, there will be no service and the family will hold a celebration in his honour at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations may be made in his memory to the Nanaimo Hospital Foundation or a charity of choice.