Joyce Christina Laver (nee Seay)

Laver, Chris

Raise a glass to the Milky Way, that’s where I’ll be

 Joyce Christina Laver passed away peacefully in Huntsville with her husband Rob at her side Thursday February 25 after losing her 2 ½ year battle with pancreatic cancer.

 Chris is survived by her husband Rob; siblings Bill (Deb), Linda (Nigel) and Tim (Kelly). Cherished nieces and nephews Scott, Kristie, Jodie, Christopher, Nathan, Chelsea, Kelly, William, Jack and Andrew, as well as her many great-nieces and nephews.  Godmother to Jesse and Shelby. Deeply missed by her lifelong buddy Susan.

 Chris was born in Hawkesbury Ontario on October 22, 1954, daughter of the late Ronald and Joyce Seay (nee Hammond). Her early days were spent at the family farm, Seay’s Folly, in Grenville, Quebec visiting family and friends, riding horses, doing hay, swimming, BBQ’s and cross country skiing.

 Despite humble beginnings, Chris took modest pride in her career as a sales representative in the railcar leasing business. 20 years at General Electric Railcar, followed by 17 years at Dallas based Trinity Rail, retiring in 2020 as Senior Vice President of Sales. Chris broke many boundaries over those years, initially as one of the only women in the business and with Trinity Rail she established its first Canadian office and developed a nationwide customer base. She will be remembered for her mentorship, professionalism and friendship by clients and colleagues alike.

 Chris lived a full life.  Her interests were vast and varied and took her on some amazing journeys around the world.  Whether skiing in the Rockies, exploring France, Spain, Italy, Africa, touring the markets of Southeast Asia, or riding on the Orient Express, she was always up for adventure, and a glass of chardonnay!

 Above all, Chris was a people person.  She loved to entertain at their beautiful home, Chickadee Pines on the shores of Lake Vernon.  Witty, fun-loving, and generous, Chris was a wonderful hostess and a great friend.  The memories she and Rob created for so many won’t soon be forgotten. 

 Chris’ greatest love of all, though, was for her husband of 35 years.  To be with Chris and Rob was to be in the company of two people who were meant to be together.  They loved and supported each other so beautifully that it was easy just to bask in their glow. 

 Appreciation to the great care Chris received from Huntsville Drs. Lindsay Macmillan, Murat, Jindal, and Small. RVH Drs. Ng and Kamra. Jaime and the team at Closing the Gap as well as the entire team in the chemo unit in Huntsville Hospital.

 As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the Huntsville Hospital Foundation.

 Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will occur when we can all give each other a hug.

 Gone too soon, she will be missed by many.