Christopher John Doyle

We are devastated to share the passing of our beloved Christopher Doyle, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother and friend. He is survived by his loving wife Erin, his children Zoe and Jude, his brothers Anthony, Tom and Ben and their families, his parents Chris and Angela and many dear and loyal friends. 

Chris was born in Melbourne, Australia in October 1980, the first of 4 boys. He relished his eldest brother role for his entire life, creating complex games of backyard cricket with his brothers, and continually updating the rules to his advantage as they played. This continued into adulthood. He spent his childhood years growing up in Launceston, Tasmania with his family, running and creating games in the paddocks behind the house. The family moved to Geelong, Victoria when Chris was in year 9, where Chris attended St Joseph’s College until he graduated. Chris’s innate athletic ability held him in good stead, where he quickly became mates with a large group of boys who played cricket and Australian Rules Football. Chris attended Deakin University after secondary school and studied journalism and public relations. He decided after obtaining his undergraduate degree that he would travel overseas before committing to a career. In 2002, Chris and his friend headed to the Philippines, to a dive resort his aunt and uncle owned. Chris obtained his Advanced Open Water diving certificate during his stay there. They continued on to Europe, where Chris travelled extensively until he arrived broke in London, England. He took a job working at the famed Shephard’s Bush Walkabout pub, living in the staff housing and working full time as a bartender and bar back. Everyone who lived and worked with him loved him. He was always the hardest working, was keenly observant, and had a quick, dry sense of humour. After a few months working, he decided to do one more trip around Eastern Europe on his own and return to London before booking a flight home to Australia. It was during his time when he returned to the London Walkabout, just before he booked his ticket home, that he met Erin, a new part time bartender who had been hired while he was travelling. Erin and Chris started dating almost immediately, and Chris postponed his trip home. They were married in Australia, at St Joseph’s College chapel, less than two years later. Once settled in Australia, Chris decided to change his career plan and began a carpentry apprenticeship, to work with his hands, and to hopefully one day run his own business. Their daughter Zoe was born shortly after and Chris completed his apprenticeship 4 years later. Chris continued to play footy every weekend for the Geelong West Cheetahs, and for a time, played alongside his brothers. Chris maintained his athleticism throughout his entire adult life, running most days and bodysurfing in the ocean as often as he could. Chris completed the Melbourne Marathon in 2010, an achievement he sort of trained for, but mostly just showed up.

In 2011, Chris and Erin decided to make the move to Canada and settle in Huntsville. Chris started with a small local builder, to learn the ropes and experience all of the nuances of building in the north. It was a steep learning curve but Chris was a quick study. He started his own business after only a couple of years, shortly after his son Jude was born. Chris’s work ethic was what earned him his returning clients. He built a business that was solid, local and honest. In the midst of the paperwork, client calls and 10 hour days on the job site, Chris trained for and completed 3 half Ironman triathlons, dozens of half marathons and fun runs. He was the strongest, fittest, healthiest person we knew.

In 2021, Chris was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) a terminal illness with no cure and no known cause. Chris was the strongest person we knew, and this diagnosis was a horrific blow to everyone who knew him. Chris handled it, as always, with practical level-headedness, strength and grace. This disease was relentless, but through it all, he was still him. He remained the quick-witted, supportive and loving man he always was. His parents, his brothers and his friends continued to show up for him through the years Chris had ALS, and he for them. Chris quickly stopped working, so he could focus on spending time with his family. He was so proud of Zoe and Jude and spent every day showing them what true strength looks like. On Wednesday, August 21st, Chris died peacefully at home. He was 43 years old. He knew, without a doubt, how much he was loved. We will miss him every day. 

A private family gathering will take place in the future to celebrate Chris’s life. 

Memorial donations can be made to ALS Canada, in Chris’s name at https://donate.als.ca/page/116715/donate/1