Richard Christian Poate
“Chris”
May 12, 1954- May 24, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our loving husband, father and papa, Chris Poate.
Chris is predeceased by his mother Effie Alice Poate (nee Gunderson), father Lawrence Charles Poate, brother George Lawrence Poate, nephew Arthur Lawrence Fairclough, uncle George Alvin Poate, cousin Edward Wesley Poate and best friends Mark Havnes and Thomas MacFarlane.
He is survived by his loving wife of almost 42 years Carole Rose Poate (nee Richardson), son Chad Christian Poate, daughter-in-law Amanda Rae Poate (nee Wilwand), grandson Everett Christian Poate and beloved dog, Birdi. He is also survived by his sister Rolayne Fairclough (John Evans), sister-in-law Shirley Poate, sister-in-law Anne Sweeney, sister-in-law Kathy Ross (Dana), brother-in-law Robert “Bob” Richardson (Joan), sister-in-law Michelle Richardson-Wilkie (Matt), brother-in-law Michael Richardson (Janice) and brother-in-law Jae Elvish. He is survived by nieces and nephews Tanya Toulou (Allan), Alicia Bryie (Adam), Danny Poate (Metra), James Sweeney (Paula), Thomas “Bo” Sweeney (Carol), Robert Sweeney (Kim), Deanna Ross (Alvin), Daley Ross, Aaron Ross (Jennifer), Shauna Burton (Brent), Josh Elvish, Danny Richardson (Kay-dee), Samantha Richardson, Alex Richardson (Cherish), Kylene Richardson (Andrew) and several great nieces and nephews, cousins and close family friends.
Chris was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was the youngest of three children born to Effie and Larry. Chris was named after his maternal grandfather, Levi Christian Gunderson. He attended Wasatch Elementary, Bryant Junior High, East High School and continued his education at Utah State University studying forestry. He grew up spending weekends with his family going up the mountains, having breakfast in the canyons. This started his love for the outdoors. He loved hiking and rock climbing and skiing in the winter. He played the saxophone in the school band. As a teen he spent his weekends working at Albertson’s grocery store.
In the early 1970’s Chris and his best friend Mark took a trip to Canada for hiking and rock climbing. He fell in love with the beauty of Northwestern Ontario and decided to make it home. In 1979 Chris met Carole, and they were married on June 25, 1983, in Kenora, ON. Their only child, son Chad was born in November 1984. Chris was a family man through and through. His son Chad was his pride and joy. He took great pride in the fact that Chad chose to follow in his footsteps and pursue a career in carpentry. He loved to tell stories of the family trips he, Carole and Chad took over the years. He looked forward to every family gathering and holiday dinner. He loved his summers on Lake of the Woods on his pontoon boat. His favourite days were days spent with his family sitting on the beach enjoying the sun and company. His boat days were made even better the with the addition of Chris’ favourite person, grandson Everett in 2023. He looked forward to this summer making more memories together. Although their time together was cut short, the memories will live on forever.
Chris started his carpentry career in Keewatin, ON and he received his red seal certification. He started a business in partnership with Jim Philipchuk in the early 1990’s. They continued to work together for several years until Chris started his own business with Carole; Chris Poate’s Finishing Touch. Chris took great pride in his work and was a meticulous finishing carpenter. He did amazing custom finishing work at Minaki Lodge and was very proud of that. He completely renovated his family home. There isn’t a corner of the house he hasn’t touched. He worked on many boathouses on Lake of the Woods, government buildings and countless properties in Kenora and the surrounding area. He enjoyed his carpentry business and craft until the day he died.
Chris was a member of many local organizations and churches including Shriners, Kenora Construction Association, Chamber of Commerce, St. James Anglican Church, Water of Life Family Church and Salvation Army. Chris was a 32nd degree Mason and active member of the Pequonga Lodge No. 44. He took immense pride carrying on his family tradition of being a member.
Chris was a talented musician. He played saxophone in the stage band, the band Steel Toe and he played at church throughout the years. He was also a very talented singer and loved to sing. Chris enjoyed long road trips in his motorhome with Carole and Birdi. They traveled across Canada and the USA visiting family and seeing many popular attractions. He was an avid history buff and loved to travel to locations with historical significance.
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die”- Thomas Campbell
As per Chris’ request, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral service. The family plans to have a celebration of life later this summer out on the lake.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to It’s a Dog’s Life or any charity of your choosing in memory of Chris. The family would like the thank first responders for their quick response and efforts and Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre for their care and management of interment.