Obituary of Captain Charles Christopher Bashford

Charles Christopher Bashford passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at the age of 76 years. Christopher was born in Beuthen, Germany to Roderick and Marisa Bashford. He graduated from St. Paul’s School in London, England and then went to the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst. From 1948 to 1959 he was in the British Army where he was commissioned into the 17th/21st Lancers. He came to Calgary as an Exchange Officer in 1957 where he served with Lord Strathcona?s Horse until 1959. After leaving the army, he opened Bashford’s Antiques in 1959, with his first wife, Joanna Wilkinson, and as he said many thought it was a foolhardy plan for a “frontier town”, but he went on to become a well known Canadian Antique Dealer, and never regretted his decision. He was an avid hunter, and loved to walk and picnic in the country; occasionally bush-whacking through rough terrain (to the chagrin of his children). When in season, he collected mushrooms and bottles, and saskatoons, and generally liked to take in fresh air at all times of the year. Christopher loved a good party, and nothing could make him happier than to be surrounded by friends and family, tasty food and wine. Christopher was a member of the Canadian Antique Dealer’s Association; served on the Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board; Associate Curator of Decorative Arts, The Glenbow Museum; and was a Founding Member and a President of the Calgary Branch, International Wine and Food Society. Christopher is survived by his beloved wife, Jacqueline; three children, Lucy, Daphne (Richard), and Edward (Jen); three grandchildren, Hana, Theo, and Indigo; and younger brother Patrick Bashford of London, England. Funeral Services will be held at Christ Church Elbow Park (3602 – 8th Street S.W.) on Monday, June 6, 2005 at 4:00 p.m. with the Rev. Roy Darcus, Presider. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Handi-Bus Association, 231 – 37th Avenue N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 8J2 Telephone: (403) 276-8028. The family would like to thank the staff at the Beverly Centre who gave him such good care and did their best to keep him comfortable and in good humour to the end. In living memory of Christopher Bashford, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.