In memory of

Christopher Andre De Ville

April 5, 1964 -  June 14, 2024


Christopher Andre De Ville, born April 5, 1964, in Toronto, Ontario, passed away peacefully at the age of 60, surrounded by loved ones, following a courageous 18-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Cherished son of Douglas and Mary De Ville and beloved brother to Cheryl (Fred Gallagher), Brian (Janet Eastwood), Dawn, and sister-in-law Ellen Eastwood. Chris was also a dear uncle to Paddy Gallagher, Jonathan Gallagher (Courtney Sweeney), Cayla Forbes (Brendan), and the late Rebecca De Ville Sykes.

Chris graduated from Northview Heights Secondary School in 1983 before going on to Toronto’s Ryerson University, where he studied Radio and Television Arts (RTA) from 1983 to 1986. His professional journey included many years at the English School of Canada, where he found his true calling as an ESL teacher and rose through the ranks to become Lead Instructor.

Prior to teaching, Chris worked as a guide at Toronto Tours and in several well-loved Toronto restaurants, including Tabulē, Piazza Manna, Bombay Gardens, Sunshine’s and Canada’s Wonderland, where he was a server when the park first opened to the public in 1981.

Chris had a deep passion for music, especially House and British Invasion, and was an accomplished DJ. His love for travel took him to India, Thailand, Korea, Laos, Cambodia, England, Wales, France, Japan, St. Lucia, Puerto Rico, the Eastern Caribbean and across North America. He was a big fan of Asian and South Asian cuisine and had a voracious appetite for baked goods and all things brunch.

Chris also loved strolling through Graffiti Alley and Kensington Market, where he spent hours exploring and enjoying the vibrant culture. A huge fan of SCTV and The Simpsons, Chris was renowned for his dry wit and fanatical devotion to accuracy in spelling and grammar.

Chris will be deeply missed by his loving friends, admiring colleagues, grateful students, and his long-time partner and constant companion, Christian Mejorada. Many thanks to Dr. Jennifer Knox and the Oncology team at Princess Margaret Hospital, Dr. Ali Sheeraz, Dr. Andrea Weiss and the hardworking nursing staff at Toronto General Hospital Acute Oncology for their compassionate care and ongoing support throughout Chris’s challenging illness.

A celebration of Chris’s life will be held on April 27th 2025, from 2-4 pm at Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre, 375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto.

Donations in Chris’s memory can be made to Big Brothers/Big Sisters Toronto, where he devoted many years as a caring mentor and friend (https://bbbstoronto.com/ways-to-give/donate/) or to The Wallace McCain Centre for Pancreatic Cancer at Princess Margaret Hospital (https://supportthepmcf.ca/ui/DonateNow/donations/start).

Guestbook 

(5 of 7)

Tracey Smith (Cousin)

Entered July 20, 2024 from Bala

Lacking words to properly express the grief and trauma we are all enduring with your passing, I can only try to hint at how empty and bereft we're all feeling. It hurts too much to say much more.
Knowing you, I know you wouldn't want that, I know you'd want us to lift our heads into the light rather than suffer in these dark depths. And sometimes, when I close my eyes, I can hear you laugh, hear you say something funny and maybe put on some Radiohead to lighten things up.
In time, I'll laugh again but in the meanwhile, I'll try to take comfort that you're free now, in Heaven with those who've gone before. And when it's our turn, you'll be there with our beloveds, waiting to welcome us home.
Rest in Peace my dear, sweet cousin! You are so loved and so dearly missed.

Michele Ruicci (Friend)

Entered July 21, 2024 from Niagara Falls, Ontario

We shared so many wonderful and amazing moments. When I first move to Toronto, you were Toronto to me! Seeing the city through your eyes made me fall in love with the city. My first Cherry Beach party, Kensington Market, Graffiti Alley, too many restaurants to be name....so many firsts. Our shared love for house music and the many wonderful mixes you made me. Our shared love for travel, other cultures and people. The many ESC activities we took students on together. Games nights at yours. I always wanted to be your partner in trivial pursuit, as you always knew so much, about. ..so much! Your gentle, kind blue eyes, your generosity, your compassion, your inclusivity. You were so real and I always felt grounded around you. I remember the day you introduced me to Christian. We met at High Park during Cherry Blossom festival....you and Christian were standing down by the lake. Cherry blossom petals fluttered in the gentle breeze, and 10CC, "I'm not in love," was playing. As I approached you and Christian, you turned and smiled. You were so happy! The moment was ethereal and forever etched in my brain. I choose to remember you exactly as you were in that moment. Happy, full of life, fulfilled. You were always one of my best friends, and you were always there. I love you Chris DeVille. Until the next lifey friend.....

Geoff Robinson (Dear friend of 44 years)

Entered July 22, 2024 from Toronto

Chris was a major part of my life. Closer than family, he will always remain etched in my heart. We shared many of the same passions, but what I miss most is the laughter and joy we always had. No one will ever replace him. He was a beautiful human being and will be sorely missed forever.

Tamra Hires (Cousin)

Entered July 23, 2024 from OFallon, MO

Every interaction I had with Chris was kind and selfless. It is very apparent he was a wonderful friend to many. So very sorry for your loss, Christian and the De Ville family. Sending all of our love and our deepest condolences on such a tremendous loss. Sending you hopes of heart healing as you remember your fond memories together.

Love,
The Hires Family

Bruce and Eunice DeVille (Uncle and Aunt)

Entered July 24, 2024 from Weldon Spring, Missouri

Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day.
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
So loved, so missed, so very dear.

Sending our deepest sympathy to all who knew and loved Chris.

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