Dr. Christopher Andrew Hawling, born in Nairobi, Kenya, on Jan. 1, 1954, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, after a short but heroic battle with glioblastoma.
Chris was the epitome of selflessness. He truly was that guy, the one who would do anything for anyone. He literally lived his life to serve and help others, always putting everyone else’s needs or wants before his own.
Chris was a devoted and loving son to Barbara (now in her 99th year) and the late Richard. He was a beloved son-in-law to Vivian and William Child and the late Jim Lowery. Chris was the most amazing, supportive and loving husband of 34 wonderful years to Patti and extremely proud and adoring father to, in his words, his greatest accomplishments, daughter Emily and son Andrew. He was also very excited to welcome daughter-in-law Heather into the family. Although purposely annoying at times (of course out of love), Chris was incredibly close to his sister Wanda (Restivo) and brother-in-law, Gord and doting uncle to Kate (Darius) and Ben. Often the recipient of lighthearted teasing, Chris knew he was a cherished brother-in-law to Jamie and Sandra Lowery and uncle to Nicholas (Amanda and Ava), Anthony (Jaimie), Sean (Sierra and Jackson), Christopher and Isabella. Despite his personal accomplishments, of which there were many, his favourite topic of conversation was his family, including the many four-legged fur babies, forever sharing photos and funny stories. He loved his family fervently. His passing has left a huge hole in all of our hearts.
When Chris first heard his diagnosis, he immediately knew that his time on this earth would soon be coming to an end. And like most people, he took time to reflect on the life he had lived. Although, of course, he wanted more time, he immediately proclaimed “I have had a great life and have no regrets!” Chris talked about always feeling loved and supported by his family and friends. He spoke often about how his mom and dad were his biggest cheerleaders, encouraging him to dream big and reach for the stars. Well, that is exactly what he did.
Chris was not only a brilliant electrical engineer (University of Toronto, class of 1976), he went on to earn an MBA (U of T, class of 1978), work in the power system operations division of Ontario Hydro (1978 to 1983) before following in the footsteps of his best friend, Dr. Gordon Okawara, and returning to school to study medicine (U of T, class of 1987) and finally specializing in anesthesiology (U of T/FRCPC, 1992).
Chris was blessed to have found himself in a profession that he absolutely loved. He often said that even if he won millions of dollars in a lottery, he would still go to work. First at the Wellesley Hospital in Toronto (1992 to 2000), but even more significantly, for the past 22 years (2000 to 2022) at the Scarborough Health Network (SHN), he provided excellent care to the thousands of patients who came through the doors.
Chris loved being part of the SHN family. Evidenced by the sheer number of colleagues who took the time to reach out, visit him at home or while in hospital, it was obvious that Chris was greatly loved and respected by everyone who was blessed to know him. A cool story: Chris’s practice was not confined to the hospital. In August 2016, he was part of the medical team assembled at the Metro Toronto Zoo, himself providing the anesthesia for abdominal surgery on the infamous gorilla matriarch, Josephine. It was an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience that Chris would never forget! He did not think this was the big deal that it was, he would jokingly say, “Phew! I am just happy that things went well and I will not go down in history as the guy who 'killed' this beloved primate.” It was just one example of the ever-present, unique and dry sense of humour that he was known for.
Chris left his mark on the world for sure. He was not only a gifted physician and devoted family man, but also an unwavering friend. He truly valued and was grateful for the many friendships he formed throughout his life. To know Chris was to love him and never forget him. He was the kind of guy you could count on for a helping hand, good advice, an intellectual conversation or just a good laugh.
It was not all work and no play for Chris. Although he never realized his lifelong dream of playing centre court in the finals at Wimbledon, he was a gifted tennis and squash player. He also enjoyed the great outdoors, taking any opportunity to swim, kayak, canoe, sail or scuba dive. Chris loved adventure, whether it was portaging through Algonquin Park, cross-country skiing in Northern Ontario or travelling the world and visiting most of the countries on his bucket list. He would tell you though that his favourite vacations by far were those he spent with his family.
Needless to say, Chris was caught off guard by his terminal diagnosis. Like most, he had big plans for his retirement, the so-called golden years, that would never be realized. His message to the world now would be this: Never take your life for granted. Live each day like it could be your last because you never know how long you have. If possible, don’t put off things you would like to do or accomplish. Make wonderful memories.
The family would like to thank those who have been involved in Chris’ care. First, to Dr. Das and the amazing neurosurgery team at St. Michael's for skillfully removing the bulk of “the beast” while maintaining essential function. Second, to Dr. Saghal, Dr. Perry, NP Inga Granovskay and the oncology team at the Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook Hospital for providing treatment options and care that extended his life. Third, to the York Region Palliative Care Team for their support at home, before finally being transferred to Hospice Vaughan where he received wonderful, compassionate care until the end.
In honouring Chris’ wishes, there will be no visitation nor funeral service. He will be cremated and his ashes distributed in locations that were near and dear to his heart. What Chris would really like is for everyone to celebrate his life with a DQ Blizzard! Yes. You read this correctly. They were his favourite treat right to the end and what a tribute it would be to raise a toast to him in this way. If you do, please share a photo along with a favourite memory at Chris's Everloved site or by email to BlizzardsForchris@gmail.com.
Although he never asked for anything and was not a man of pomp and circumstance, Chris would truly appreciate donations to the Scarborough Health Network, his home away from home, where his “second family” lives and works hard every day to ease pain and suffering. It's a place that never gets the credit due for all the great work that takes place within its hallowed walls.