AUGUSTINE, Christopher Ebenezer - (October 10, 1931 - January 20, 2021) -
Christopher Ebenezer Augustine, born on October 10, 1931 in Chennai, India, was a devout follower of Christ, eloquent writer and health enthusiast. After falling ill in early 2021, he was hospitalized and passed away at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto on January 20, 2021.
The family of Christopher Ebenezer Augustine would like to announce that Christopher went to be with the Lord on January 20, 2021.
He was the beloved father (Appa) of Thomas Augustine and Prabha Francis, cherished grandfather (Thatha) of Jeremy Augustine, Peter Augustine, Joshua Francis and the late Sarah Francis, great-grandfather of Gabriel Augustine, and dear father-in-law of Misbah Augustine and Pratap Francis.
Christopher was born on October 10, 1931 in Chennai, India to Ebenezer Santiago and Jeevanandhi. His strong Christian upbringing paved the way for his lifelong faith in God. As a young adult, he started his career as a teacher at Union Christian High School in Madurai, India. He later served as a Secretary of the YMCA, working with India’s National Council of YMCAs.
In March 1954, Christopher married Chandra Vedamani in Madurai. The couple was blessed with one son and one daughter, Thomas and Prabha. Christopher and Chandra were inseparable and remained happily married for 53 years until Chandra’s passing.
In 1972, Christopher emigrated to Canada, seeking a better life for his wife, children, and the generation to come. As a newcomer, he spent his early years working for Indian Immigrant Aid Services in Toronto, and he went on to work as a self-employed accountant.
Christopher spent many decades of his life as a devout Christian. During his lifetime, Chris selflessly served the Lord by volunteering at several organizations and displaying the love of Jesus Christ to all those he met. He spent his final years as a committed member of Stone Church. He also developed a passion for healthy living and spent his last years writing about health and wellness. He self-published two books on health and spirituality, Divinely Design for Our Healthy Living in March 2013 and Live Healthy & Love Life in May 2017.
Chris remained physically active up until his last few years of life. His hobbies included exercising, playing Sudoku, writing about his faith, and listening to hymns. He also had a green thumb and often incorporated his homegrown herbs and vegetables into his nutritious meals. Chris spent much of 2020 in exceptional health and regularly added health-related posts to his Facebook page, Healthy Living.
During the first week of 2021, Christopher developed a sudden case of pneumonia. He was admitted to St. Michael's Hospital on January 13, 2021. After showing improvements in his health during his first five days at St. Michael's, his health rapidly declined on January 18. On Wednesday, January 20 at 3:30 in the afternoon, Christopher passed away under the care of hospital staff.
The unexpected death of Christopher has left us all devastated. We are now grappling with the loss of our precious father, grandfather, great-grandfather, father-in-law, uncle and friend. Although we mourn for a moment, we ultimately rejoice because he left a great legacy behind. He was an incredible blessing to all who knew him during his 89 years of life. We take comfort in knowing that Christopher is now in his eternal home, rejoicing in the Lord’s presence today.
Finally, to all the friends, extended family, and church members who have reached out during this difficult time, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your love, support and prayers.
Arrangements are entrusted with Giffen-Mack funeral home, Scarborough chapel. The funeral service, set to take place on Tuesday, January 26 at 11am EST, will be private and invite only, yet live-streamed from the funeral home's website.
Following the service, Christopher will be laid to rest at St. Margaret’s in the Pines Cemetery in Scarborough.
To those who knew Christopher, the family encourages you to share his impact on your life.
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