Selwyn Christopher (“Chris”) Wilson

Selwyn Christopher (“Chris”) Wilson passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026, at the age of 88, following a brief battle with cancer.

Born in Ottawa, Ontario, Chris was predeceased by his parents, Norah Wilson (née Macoun) and Selwyn Wilson; his sister, Elizabeth (“Libby”) Wilson; his beloved wife, Marie Wilson (née Heighway); his dearly missed son, Ken Wilson; and his faithful walking companion, Ivy, the family dog, who passed away earlier this year.

He is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Sandra (“Sandy”) Moir; his granddaughter, Katherine (“Kate”) Moir; and his grandson, James Moir. His family was the centre of his life, and he took enormous pride in supporting and encouraging them in every stage of their lives.

Chris graduated from Queen’s University with a degree in Engineering in 1960. He began his career with the Ontario Department of Highways before returning to Ottawa in 1969 to join Transport Canada, where he worked until his retirement in 1992.

Above all, Chris was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, volunteer, and friend. He was unwavering in his support of his wife, Marie, throughout their marriage and especially during her courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis. As a father, he rarely missed an opportunity to lend a hand, volunteering for his children’s many activities and making family time a priority. He created lasting memories through family vacations to Alberta, New York City, Disney World in Florida, and countless summers at the family cottage on Kingsmere Lake.

The cottage was one of Chris’ happiest places. He generously gave his time to the community, serving as President of the community association and organizing the annual regatta for more than a decade. He was also a lifelong supporter of the Central Experimental Farm.

Golf was one of Chris’s lifelong passions. An adult member of the Royal Ottawa Golf Club since 1959, he became one of the club’s most respected and longest-serving members. A past Club Champion, he also holds the unique distinction of being the only recorded member to score back-to-back eagles on the 16th and 17th holes from the blue tees (while in his seventies!). He served the Club in numerous volunteer roles, including Club Captain (1999-2000), member of the Board of Directors, and, most recently, the Heritage Committee. Earlier this year, when he transitioned from Life-Golf to Life-Social membership, he was the Club’s longest continuously active golfing member.

Chris had a quick wit and a wonderfully dry, sometimes biting sense of humour that was never intended to diminish others. He could be delightfully stubborn, deeply loyal, and endlessly supportive of his family and friends. He loved taking his grandchildren to the theatre, sharing stories around the dinner table, and preserving the history of both his family and the Royal Ottawa Golf Club. He had an extraordinary memory and was often the person others turned to when they wanted to know how-or why— something had happened.

Chris leaves behind a legacy of quiet service, integrity, generosity, and love. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A private family service will be held. A celebration of Chris’s life will take place later this summer at the Royal Ottawa Golf Club.

The family extends its sincere thanks to the healthcare professionals who cared for Chris with compassion during his illness. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to a charity of your choice or to an organization supporting cancer care or Multiple Sclerosis research.