August 4th, 1940 - July 20th, 2023
Chris Stroud passed away at Margaret Bahen Hospice on July 20, 2023, a few weeks after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
If you spent any time around Chris Stroud, you quickly learned a few things. Wishing him a Merry Christmas? Not unless you fancied a stern look. Buying him a present? Even worse. And God forbid you make a fuss about him. Chris couldn't stand what he considered to be pretense.
He would not have wanted a flowery, sentimental obituary. But an obituary that wasn't really an obituary? One that served as official notice of his passing for his Executor- he could see the practicality of that.
And if it was out of place amongst the other tributes and remembrances? That wouldn't bother Chris one bit. He was a man who did things his own way.
Eighteen-year-old Chris, with no prospects, and almost no money, left the security of England for the unknown of Canada, setting a course of self-reliance.
He was the kind of man who wouldn’t dream of paying someone for a job he could do himself. And more often than not, he could.
Chris preferred solitary pursuits - running, cycling, roller blading, skate skiing. Later in life, his daily routine centered around walks with his border collie, Suzie through Scanlon Creek Conservation Area. And at 80, he realized a life-long aspiration - owning a Corvette. The thrill of his weekly drives never faded.
When family needed him, Chris was there. No questions, no hesitation. The deeper the need, the stronger his commitment. His unwavering support for our mother through her Alzheimer's battle was testament to this. But it was his three grandchildren who truly saw Chris at his finest. Their Grandpa, always there, always at his best.
Chris Stroud was predeceased by his wife, Sharon Stroud, in 2019. He is survived by his three children: Jacqueline Godman (née Stroud, married to Rob Godman), John (Laura Stewart) and Jim (Meghan Barnett) and his grandchildren, Chloe Godman, Hugh Godman and Violet Stroud. His sister is Marion Jarvie (née Stroud, married to Alex Jarvie).
A small family ceremony will be held in the coming weeks when we plant an oak tree in his memory.
We ask that donations in his name be made to Southlake Hospital or Margaret Bahen Hospice.
Arrangements entrusted to Roadhouse & Rose Funeral Home