KEITH ALEXANDER CHRISTIE MD, FRCPC

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KEITH ALEXANDER CHRISTIE MD, FRCPC After a long, happy, and productive life Keith died peacefully at home with his wife Norma by his side on Thanksgiving Day, October 9, 2017. He was born in Winnipeg on September 5, 1928, the second of four sons, born to George Llewellyn Christie and Kathleen Arbuckle. He grew up in Oakville, Manitoba then went to Winnipeg to attend university. He did undergraduate studies at United College, now University of Winnipeg, and then transferred to University of Manitoba. He obtained his MSc and was employed as a biochemist at The Winnipeg Children's Hospital. His experience there showed him his true calling and he returned to the university enrolling in the Medical School. He received his Medical degree in 1957 and decided to specialise in Paediatrics. He trained at The Winnipeg Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children in London, England. He returned to Winnipeg in 1962 and joined The Winnipeg Clinic where he practiced paediatrics until 1998. He was on Staff at the Children's Hospital and was an associate professor at the University of Manitoba. He was loved by his little patients and their families and was well respected by the many medical students he mentored. Above all he will be remembered for his medical acumen, his patience and kindness, and his infectious laugh. This September he was pleased to be able to join his classmates in celebrating the 60th anniversary of their graduation from the medical school class of 1957. He was an accomplished pianist and singer. While a medical student he helped form and conduct a male voice choir, The Lennox Bell Singers. On his return from England he joined the Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir and in his retirement belonged to The University of Manitoba Bison Men's Chorus. He always played piano for the Children's Hospital Christmas party. He was a long-time supporter of the Arts and a fan of the Blue Bombers. In his spare time Keith could be found in his yard weeding, clipping, and generally keeping everything pristine. The backyard was the scene of many gatherings... Christie family get-togethers, pre and post wedding celebrations, school pals dropping by for a swim and staying for supper...all were welcome. When his children were young, summers were spent at Lake Florence, Winnitoba where we swam, boated, and played board games by coal oil lamps and roasted marshmallows over a wood fire. On Sundays, Keith played the piano or pump organ for the lake community hymn sing. As the family grew up we progressed to long distance trips across Canada, the U.S., and Europe. During his year in London, Keith was bitten by the travel bug and he imparted this to his children. When the children left the nest Keith and Norma spread their wings and took off to travel the globe. Keith was the most wonderful husband, dad, and grandpa. He was devoted to his family and proud of them all and especially grateful for the joy his grandchildren brought to his life. He will be deeply missed and forever loved by his wife of 52 years, Norma, his son Mark Andrew (Charlene O'Neill) and their children Mikaela, Matisse, and Cole, his daughter Lisa (Gary Page) and their son William, and his son Stephen John (Sandra Kosowan) and their children Sara and Alexander. He is also survived by his brothers Harold, Roy, and Murray and their families. The family is grateful for the care given by Dr. Prenovault and the home care teams provided by the WRHA who made it possible for Keith to remain at home. Cremation has taken place and the family will bid a private farewell. If friends wish, donations may be made to honour Keith's memory to The Salvation Army, The Winnipeg Children's Hospital, or any charity devoted to children's causes.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 14, 2017