Obituary of Christopher Riggs

CHRISTOPHER GEOFFREY RIGGS Christopher died in the Palliative Care Unit at Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, on Wednesday, January 13, 2016, of lung cancer. Deeply bereaved by his death are his wife, Erica (nee Toews), his daughters, Julie Burn, Katie Riggs and Marion Riggs, his sons-in-law, Will Burn and Tom Bailey, and his grandchildren, Gavin, Simon, Thomas and Helena. Loved by many colleagues, friends and neighbours. Christopher was born in Hertford, England, during the Second World War, on March 21, 1942, the son of the late Joan and Geoffrey Riggs. He attended Highgate School until he immigrated to Canada in 1956, settling with his parents in Toronto. There he attended Upper Canada College and the University of Toronto (Trinity College). To help pay for his high school and university tuition, Christopher took a variety of jobs, including on the railway and in factories. Having seen labour strife first hand at work gave him insight into the world of labour relations in an organized environment and made his future career clear. He enrolled in Queen's University Law School with the intention of becoming a labour lawyer. Christopher was called to the bar in 1969. Early in his career, he became a founding member of Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie, now the leading labour, employment and administrative law firm in Canada. He was managing partner from 1994 to 2002, during which time he helped shape the direction of the firm. He loved all aspects of his practice at the firm. A skilled orator, he took particular interest in oral advocacy, appearing before numerous tribunals, all levels of court in Ontario, and the Supreme Court of Canada. He took great pride in his long-standing relationships with his colleagues, clients and fellow lawyers. Christopher was appointed Queen's Counsel, was a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and received an Honorary LL.D from the University of Guelph. Christopher enjoyed giving legal advice within the wider community where his skills were relevant. His legal expertise was often called upon within the community, for local charities, and among his friends and neighbours. Of particular note, he served his local Anglican parishes, the Church of the Redeemer (Toronto) and All Saints Anglican Church (Erin, Ontario). He also served as Vice Chancellor to the Anglican Diocese of Toronto (1992-2007) and as Chancellor of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario (2009-2015). In 2003, he was appointed an honorary lay canon of St. James Cathedral, Toronto. Over the last 30 years, he spent many weekends and vacations at a farm close to Orangeville. He loved to swim and play games with his family, read, garden, and repair the split-rail fences around the property. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES - NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. on Friday, January 22. His funeral will be held Saturday, January 23 at 1:30 p.m. in the CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER, 162 Bloor Street West, Toronto. Flowers are gratefully declined, with thanks. Those wishing to make a charitable contribution in Christopher's memory might consider the Palliative Care Unit at Princess Margaret Hospital. The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to all of the staff there, who cared for him with expertise and compassion.