Bertram (Bert) Christie

Bertram (Bert) Christie was a beloved member of our community. His kindness, warmth, and gentle manner endeared him to all of those who were lucky enough to cross his path. Distinguished Agronomist. Active volunteer. Devoted husband. Kind and wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He died unexpectedly at QEH Charlottetown on the morning of May 20, 2026, at the age of 93.

Bert was born in Moorefield, Ontario to Alton and Olive Christie on March 22, 1933. He went from learning in a one room schoolhouse to earning his PhD, at the age of 25, in Crop Science. As a professor, he taught, researched, and supervised graduate studies at the University of Guelph where he met his wife, Ina. They were happily married in 1960. While on vacation together they discovered their love of Prince Edward Island. In 1989, Bert was given the opportunity to focus on research in Red Clover with Agriculture Canada in Charlottetown. They were thrilled to spend the next 31 years of their marriage together on the Island.

Bert maintained lasting friendships with students and colleagues throughout his career. His passion and efforts were recognized by both the University of Guelph, where he received the Distinguished Teaching award, and by the Canadian Society of Agronomy that honored him with the Distinguished Agronomist Award.

He was passionate about volunteering in his community at organizations including St John House in Stratford and Friends of the Farm in Charlottetown. His dedication earned him the honour of receiving the Janice Simmonds award from Friends of the Farm.

He believed that people were never too old to learn new things, and continued his passion for teaching well after retirement. He taught classes at Seniors college and later started Coffee and Conversations at the Haviland Club to help continue lifelong learning, building bonds, and reducing isolation within the Seniors community of Charlottetown. He invited guest speakers to share their diverse knowledge and stories, including his granddaughter who presented on engineering. Thanks to his distinguished efforts, the Haviland Club recognized him as a lifetime member. He avidly played Bridge for over a decade at the club, and most recently enjoyed playing Euchre. For Bert, the card games were more about connections, and he continued to make new friends at 93.

Loving husband of 61 years to Ina (McKinnon) Christie, who predeceased him by 5 years. Kind and loving father to Colin Christie (Carolyn), Glen Christie and Shona Wagner (Dave). Proud grandfather of Alexandra (Todd), Branwen, Arran and Bowen. Delighted great-grandfather of Kathryn and Samantha.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Haviland Club (2 Haviland Street, Charlottetown, PE) on June 7 from 1 pm to 5 pm and is open to all who knew him. In lieu of sending flowers, the family requests that you plant a flower or a tree and think of Bert.