Passed away on August 17th at the age of 85 at his Ottawa home surrounded by his family. Beloved and devoted husband of Silvia (née Heggli). Loving father to Oliver (Daniel Sadler) of Calgary, Alberta. Will be dearly remembered by many nieces, cousins, his extended Swiss family and many friends. Predeceased by his parents; Helen (née Thompson) and John Armstrong and his brother David.
Chris was Beaver Leader with Scouts Canada, amateur classical guitarist, excellent photographer and a pretty darn good woodworker. He met Silvia at a music appreciation course in 1970 and was a dedicated musician and chorister with many ensembles and choirs over the years. He was perhaps most proud of his 30 years as a member of the Tenor Section of the Canadian Centennial Choir, where he cherished the opportunity to sing for us all on Parliament Hill on Canada Day, and at countless concerts in the Ottawa Region over the years. He will be remembered by all with fondness and affection for his cheerful and quirky sense of humour.
Chris was born and raised in his cherished Sherwood Drive residence, he loved his neighbourhood and city. He was inspired by the arts, musical performance in particular, and attended concerts at the National Arts Centre for decades. He also proudly supported and attended his son Oliver's many professional exploits in theatre and live performance, in Ontario and Alberta.
Chris adored visiting Silvia's family in Switzerland several times since the 1970s, where he delighted and indulged in the rich food and Swiss cultural
traditions. He also loved visiting his family cottage at Marshall's Bay and smelling the pine trees. In his last few years he was able to spend joyful days travelling to
Gros Morne National Park, The Laurentians and the Rocky Mountains.
Chris, Silvia and Oliver are grateful for the caring and compassionate medical care he
received over the years, and particularly in the last few months. Our thanks to Dr. Douglas and the team from the Supportive and Palliative Care Program of the
Ottawa Hospital, and the many service providers who cared for Chris.
Out of respect for his wishes there will be no formal memorial service. In memory of
Chris, donations to the Canadian Centennial Choir will be appreciated
Livre de visiteurs
Anne Martin
Sarah Prospero
Remembering Chris with great love - his music, his laughter, his stories. We will miss his visits at Marshall's Bay each year, and will think of him always at the bay.
Claire Marshall
Chris was such a longstanding member of Centennial that I'm sure we will always hear his voice supporting the Tenor section. "The hour has come for sweet adieus...Here's to song; here's to time; here's to both with friends of mine; here's to friends who raise their voices high."
Margery Knewstubb
An insightful, thoughtful, artistic person... Sincere condolences to Silvia and Chris...
Marjorie Robertson
Dear Sylvia and Oliver,
Bless you for the loving care you gave Chris, enabling him to part in the cherished peaceful setting of his own home, among family and friends.
Chris was a dear, thoughtful and convivial man, much shaped by his deep knowledge and love of music.
Plato said, “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”
Thomas Carlyle said, “Music is well said to be the speech of angels.” I like to think of Chis having joined a new choir now with some of those engaging angels.
The Inuit have a proverb: “Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our dear ones shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.’
The annual Perseid meteor shower peaked on the nights of Aug. 12-13, 2025 but the meteor shower extends for weeks before and after its peak night. And, the waning moon creates darker skies as the week goes on, which is a big help to meteor viewing. It may not be too late in the coming nights to see a shooting star welcoming Chis.
Love,
Marjorie Robertson
Kathy & Chris Herzig
Dear Silvia and Family ,
We’re sorry for your loss of Chris!
Our sympathy to you courage and strength!
Barbara Carroll
My deepest condolences, Silvia and Oliver.
I am so saddened by the news of Chris’s passing.
Chris was always so kind and welcoming whenever we met.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Barbara
JP Davidson
Growing up a block away, Chris was always a positive presence in the neighbourhood - he was my beaver leader too! We're all feeling this loss and grateful he was with his family in the end.
Mark Christie
Rest in peace, cousin and friend. Silvia and Chris hosted me at Sherwood Drive many times over the years. So many fond memories, lots of laughs and, the occasional beverage. My condolences to you Silvia and Oliver.
Diana Tyndale
My sincere condolences to Silvia and Oliver and your extended family. I will remember Chris for his quiet intelligence and sense of humour, his many years with CCC, and his wonderful post-concert Christmas parties at your beautiful home. Love and sympathy.
So sad to hear that our cherished friend has gone. We will miss his welcome smile and mischievous sense of humour. Condolences to Silvia and Oliver.