Obituary of Christopher Oddy

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Christopher "Chris" Arthur Oddy, who ‘shuffled off this mortal coil’ on Aug. 5, 2024, at the age of 86. Chris was an attentive husband, father, grandfather, and friend who lived a life full of contemplation, creativity, and adventure. Born on January 12, 1938, in London to Arthur Oddy and Dorothy Kyrle, Chris spent his formative years in England. His love for the outdoors was evident from a young age, leading him to spend countless hours hiking, biking around Europe, camping, and exploring the wilderness. This connection to nature remained a central part of his life, influencing his hobbies, work, and the values he instilled in his family. Chris was a man of many talents and interests. He studied Nursing and pursued a degree in Speech Therapy which led him to Canada shortly after his marriage to pursue a career in service and rehabilitation at the Glenrose Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta. An accomplished artist, Chris found joy in capturing the beauty of the natural world through his paintings and sketches. His works were often inspired by the landscapes he appreciated so deeply. His love for the earth was also evident in the vibrant garden he cultivated at his home, where he spent many peaceful hours tending to his plants and watching them flourish. Chris was also an avid reader, always eager to learn and explore new ideas. His love for books was lifelong, and his home library was a reflection of his wide-ranging interests—from nature and science to history, theology and literature. Chris’s curiosity and thirst for knowledge were contagious, and he enjoyed sharing his discoveries and engaging in intellectual discussions. Running was another passion that brought Chris immense joy. Whether jogging through the trails near his home or participating in local races and marathons, Chris found peace and a sense of freedom in every run. His dedication to staying active and healthy was an inspiration to those around him. Chris is survived by his wife of 57 years, Renate, his daughter Petra, and his six grandchildren, Arnika, Neil, Kelvin, Aida, Troy and Lee. Chris was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Dorothy Oddy, and his son, Mark. Chris will be remembered for his strong faith, his intellect, his oratory skills and his love for the natural world. His legacy lives on in the beauty he created, the knowledge he shared, and the lives he touched. A memorial service to celebrate Chris's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Parker Street Food Bank.