Archibald James Christie

JUNE 30, 1936 - APRIL 20, 2015

Archie passed away peacefully in the loving arms of his family in Vancouver on April 20, 2015 at 9:28am.

Devoted husband of 51 years to his loving wife Mimi.
Deeply loved father of daughter Kim, and twins Dana (Michelle) and Lynn.
Adored grandfather of Dawson and Jealise.
Steadfast brother who will be dearly missed by Sylvia (Harold), Rose-Marie (Barry) and Robert (Jeanette).

Of Scottish heritage, Archie was born and raised in Toronto, where he was an avid race car driver and skier. He met the love of his life, Mimi, at Mont Tremblant Ski Resort in Quebec, and often commented that from the moment he saw her, he knew she would be his wife. Sure enough, they were married in Toronto on August 10, 1963.

They moved to Pickering, Ontario shortly thereafter, and purchased their first home to start a family. He organized the neighbours and created a children's park on Frenchman's Bay for the benefit of his own children and the entire community. Since then, the park has been enjoyed by thousands of visitors and still stands as his legacy today.

In 1975 Archie joined Canadian Tire Corporation and began a long and successful career. His career spanned 35 years; he owned 5 Canadian Tire stores throughout Ontario and the Maritimes. He was nominated President of the Eastern Region Dealers' Association, and was warmly respected by his colleagues, staff and customers. Archie was a Maritimer at heart and truly loved family lobster dinners!

In 2007, Archie and Mimi retired to Gallagher's Canyon in Kelowna, and eventually moved to UBC to be closer to their 2 daughters residing in Vancouver.

Archie had many interests, including travelling the world, cars, golf, astronomy and a good mystery novel. He was an avid sportsman; enjoying boating, sailing and fishing. He enjoyed fine art and was himself a painter and a musician. Archie had a wonderful singing voice, and shone on stage performing with the Kentville Barbershop.

He gave generously to many charities, including the Okanagan Observatory - a project of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Archie generously donated start up funds and a huge telescope to the society. In addition, he donated a large world globe to the Kelowna Library, which now resides at the front entrance of the foyer for all to enjoy.

Archie also supported numerous youth sport initiatives, including Canadian Tire's Jumpstart program. He donated sporting goods to countless youth Hockey and Baseball teams across Canada over his lifetime to ensure the future of youth in Canada includes play and team spirit. He was also a lifetime member of the Shriners Organization and Masonic Lodges across Canada, giving generously of his time and energy.

Archie was a generous and caring man. He was a leader in his community and a valued advisor to countless friends, relatives and colleagues. His relationships and achievements are distinguished by the passion, commitment, integrity, sense of humour and honour that he brought to the world. He was warmly respected, and enriched the lives of all who were fortunate to know him.

Archie led a full and rewarding life, but above all, Archie was a devoted family man. How grateful and fortunate we all were to have him.

A private family celebration will be held on board a yacht, complete with traditional Scottish bag pipers to bid him a fond farewell.
The family will be commemorating a bench at Archie's favourite spot on the beach near his home for anyone who would like to sit with him and enjoy fish and chips on the beach.

WHEN TOMORROW STARTS WITHOUT ME
DON'T THINK WE'RE FAR APART
FOR EVERY TIME YOU THINK OF ME
I'M RIGHT HERE, IN YOUR HEART

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Cancer or Parkinson's research would be warmly received.