Born, Winnipeg, April 24, 1946, died of metastatic liver cancer, Victoria, March 11, 2013.
Predeceased by his mother Norma in 2008. Survived by wife Keltie Zubko, son Cadeyrn, daughter Kalonica, sisters Jane Christie and Myna Cryderman, brother Neil, father Douglas, and the extended Zubko family.
Doug graduated with a double major in political science and philosophy from the University of Winnipeg in 1967. He moved to Vancouver where he graduated in law from UBC in 1970. He has lived in Victoria, B.C. since 1970, where he has maintained a sole proprietorship law practice in an age of large legal corporations, occupying a humble office the size of two parking spaces across from the courthouse. His practice initially focused on criminal law, but he later developed a deeply passionate interest in freedom of expression and civil liberties. Throughout his life as a lawyer, he embodied the true spirit of “pro bono publico” often representing clients of little means to ensure they had a voice. He was a born defense lawyer, brilliant cross-examiner, and tenacious arguer.
As Canada’s most prolific defender of free speech, he appeared in the Supreme Court of Canada for this issue more times than any other counsel in Canada, to date.
He defended the landmark cases of Keegstra, Zundel, Malcolm Ross, John Ross Taylor, Canadian Liberty Net, and Finta, all before the Supreme Court of Canada. Doug also appeared in the Old Bailey and the Court of Appeal in London, England, and throughout Canada in all levels of court, and his family spent much time seeing him off and greeting him at airports.
His wife Keltie worked with him as his legal assistant during the years before the children were born and together they worked on the case of which Doug was proudest. As defense counsel in Canada’s only war crimes trial (the Finta case), he took part in court proceedings for the defense in Hungary, Israel and Canada. After a 2 year investigation, millions of prosecution dollars and a 9 month trial, the accused was acquitted without calling evidence, in less than 2 hours on the basis of Doug’s cross examination. After the crown’s appeal to the Supreme Court, he was successful in having the law severely restricted and it has never been used again.
Up until the time of his death, he continued to advise clients around the world on publication and free speech issues. Two and a half weeks before he died, he was struggling to finish a jury trial, fighting pain and nausea, but true to his aim, he still wanted to finish the trial to the best of his ability. He deeply regretted to the end that he was leaving his clients unrepresented by his illness and death.
During the 1990’s he built a reputation as a major inspirational speaker for freedom, travelling the world speaking about its importance.
In 1978, he created a political movement called the Western Canada Concept, for the Independence of Western Canada. As the major advocate of Western Canadian independence, he spoke in 100’s of meetings in most little towns and cities of Western Canada, on talk shows, to schools and universities, and widely varied associations. For example, in July of 1981, he gave 36 speeches in 30 days, travelling throughout BC and Alberta, advocating Western Canadian separation. He ran in many provincial and federal elections, always taking the opportunity to express his political opinions.
Cadeyrn and Kalonica will greatly miss his ever-present guidance, encouragement, love and support as well as the spirited arguments he delighted in starting around the table at meals. Keltie is profoundly grateful for the great joy (amid the challenges) of life and work with him for 32 years. He was a kind and humorous man who gave freely all that he had of his wisdom, his fighting spirit, his off-the-wall solutions and his love of beauty. In memory of Doug, and in lieu of flowers, we ask simply that you do as he always tried to do: pass on any kindness shown to you, to someone else.
Prayers will be held at McCall’s Downtown, Johnson and Vancouver Streets at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 14th. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Andrews Cathedral, 10 a.m., Friday, March 15th, with private interment to follow. There will be a reception at the Laurel Point Inn, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. All those who wish to share their memories or who were moved by his life, are welcome. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
28 Responses
Dear Keltie, from our family to yours we would like to offer our love and sympathy at this sad time. We saw Doug regularly and regarded him as a true friend, we enjoyed his humour, and he always shared a hug and a smile. He helped our son Mike out a few times, he didn’t have to, but did because he had a kind heart, it didn’t matter how busy he was with other cases he found time. We will miss him deeply, as you will. We will be thinking of you, he will live on in the wonderful memories we all have.
Love Hazel Ray and Family
I was very saddened to learn of Doug Christie’s passing. His departure was untimely for a man with so much to offer and live for.
Doug was my legal counsel, having faithfully and diligently represented me on many issues that affected my rights. His tenacity and spirit were an inspiration to me through difficult times and never once did I think anyone could have better represented me. Thank you Doug!
Doug was also my friend; a relationship kindled from sharing the podium at numerous overseas speaking engagements. I recall the passion with which Doug delivered his messages about protecting human rights and the importance of fighting for freedom from oppression. He often included in his presentations bites from his movie favourite, Braveheart, to dramatize the importance of his message.
Apart from the professional side of our relationship, I distinctly recall the numerous occasions I had to meet with Doug where we shared stories and ideas, future plans and respective philosophies while navigating the streets and alleyways of distant towns and cities. This is where I really got to know Doug, the man, and for this I will be forever enriched. Thanks for the opportunity and experience Doug!
I’ve read many blogs about Doug, some complimentary, but some not. Those who spoke kindly of Doug apparently knew and understood the man; his capabilities, his passions, his beliefs. For those who criticized him I can only say they didn’t know or understand him at all and preferred to paint him with the same brush that they did with many of his clients. Such blindness is their loss and knowing Doug as good as I did I know such criticism would only roll off him like water off a duck’s back and motivate him even more to do the job that he felt compelled to do. If they had only taken the time…
I extend my sincere condolences Keltie and family. Their sense of loss must be great. I know this because he often told me how much he loved his family.
Thanks again for everything Doug, but most of all thanks for being my friend. I will miss you.
With deep respect and admiration,
Cameron McEwen,
Hong Kong, S.A.R., China
“The wound is the place where the Light enters you…” by Rumi
I didn’t know Doug personally, but it was impossible to not hear of him and what he represented. Can’t say I always agreed with him, but he did open my eyes and heart, and that is always a precious gift.
Keltie,
Sitting here at work reading all of the condolences and thinking how lucky I am to have met you and Doug. I will miss his smiling face and his way of making me smile no matter what was going on in my life. You both have changed my life. I will always remember Doug fondly and I do hope that you will continue to visit us at SCP. My thoughts are with you all, especially your children, who I know were his light and his future. He will live on in the lives of anyone he has touched.
With continued thoughts of you all, Robin
Douglas Christie was a great man. Although I only got to meet him on a few occassions, you could see the great man that he was. I was shocked by his sudden loss. If nothing else he was supposed to be around a few months longer. I am so sorry to see him go. Words cannot express my gratitude nor my appreciation for his commitment to our movement and our race.
My deepest sympathies to his wife Keltie, son Cadeyrn, daughter Kalonica, sisters Jane Christie and Myna Cryderman, brother Neil, and father Douglas,
He was my comrade and he is deeply missed.
May Yahweh Bless.
Douglas
It was an honour meeting with speaking and seeing you practicing your craft in my defense. All the best to Keltie, Cadeyrn and Kalonica at this time.
“When it comes to my own turn to lay my weapons down, I shall do so with thankfulness and fatigue, and whatever be my destiny afterward, I shall be glad to lie down with my fathers in honor. It is human at least, if not divine.”
Dear Keltie and family,
Although we can’t be there in person our thoughts and love are with you and your family at this sad time. Doug was a giant of a man who will be remembered with love and admiration long after his detractors fade into the wilderness. We feel so grateful to have had the privilege to know him and to be a small part of the large battle he fought for the rights of Canadians to hold and express opinions freely.
My heartfelt sympathies go out to You Keltie and your son Cadeyrn and daughter Kalonica. I have been reading various internet comments and condolences on the passing of Doug and I am amazed at the impact he has made on the lives of so many. A true sign of a life well lived and legacy to admire. …….Once again sorry for your loss but his memory will last forever. From myself and the rest of the guys at Cine…..God Bless.
Brian Dornan.
Keltie, Cadeyrn, Kalonica, and family,
I was very sorry to learn of Doug’s passing and extend my condolences to all of you.
I first met Doug at the Wilkinson Road jail in 1977 while we were both waiting to see clients. Over the ensuing years I would occasionally encounter Doug at the courthouse and we would chat about the state of the world, the justice system, etc.
I always admired and respected Doug for his courage and integrity in defending those shunned and hated by many members of our society regardless of whether such disapprobation was warranted. For so acting with the integrity that he did and not ducking such clients as many lawyers would, Doug was subjected to much opproprium, death threats, vandalism and various vilifications by shallow-minded and cowardly individuals who clearly had no understanding of what freedom consisted of.
Doug was the kind of person who deserved a monument but did not need one; his reward was in doing what he believed to be the right thing. There are very few like him and the world is a much lesser place with his departure.
I will be attending the mass tomorrow morning but regret I will not be able to attend the reception. If there is anything I can do to assist you during this difficult period, please call me at 250-478-1731.
Mel Hunt
Doug Christie was an undeniable force within the lives of all those he touched, including mine. I feel privileged to have known Doug as well as I did. His tenacity, his moral ethics, his friendship will be missed. His death, like his life has had an effect on my entire family even those that did not have the honour to meet him. My thoughts are with Keltie, Caderyn, Kalonica and the entire family at this time.