Christopher Andre Mortimer, Jr

Christopher Andre Mortimer, Jr., 53, passed away on June 8, 2023. His memorial service was held on June 28th at Holy Family Catholic Church, Robinson Rd. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHPAbaXqILs) His funeral service was held on June 30th at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, West Hill St. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMqF6uz3oJk)    For expressions of sympathy: To wife Monika Badillo Mortimer & children in California, email monikabadillo@yahoo.com  Monetary memorial tributes for travel/support may be sent to the same email address via Zelle.  To the Mortimer family in Nassau, email pmpmorders4@gmail.com

Christopher Andre Mortimer, Jr., born March 24, 1970 on the island of New Providence, Commonwealth of the Bahamas, passed away on June 8, 2023. Chris obtained his primary education at Xavier’s Lower School and his secondary education at St Augustineʼs College in Nassau, Bahamas. After high school, Chris furthered his education at Xavier University of Louisiana from 1987 to 1992 where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Music. From 1992 to 1994 he attended the University of Miami where he obtained his Master’s Degree in Music Business and Industry.

After achieving his graduate degree, Chris returned home and entered public service as an officer at the Ministry of Youth Sports And Culture. During his five year tenure, he was charged with many duties, most notable of which was his assistance in the drafting of the Copyright Act of the Bahamas, the administration of the Junkanoo parades and other cultural events and television programs.

In 1999, following his dream of motion pictures and film, Chris formed the independent movie theater company Galleria Cinemas and ultimately led the consolidation of the film industry through the buyout of multiple cinemas. In 2008, Chris expanded his pursuits to the restaurant business opening of Bennigan's Grill and Tavern and later on, Outback Steakhouse.

Chris was involved in many pursuits with the express goal of creating opportunities for Bahamian content creators in the fields of film and music to make their mark on the world stage. Through his directorships on two Los Angeles Based recorded music affiliations, he helped many talented Bahamians access international distribution through the world’s number one distribution company, Universal Music and Video Distribution. He has also served as Executive Producer on the first Bahamian film to Premier at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival, “Rain” which was written and directed by a young Bahamian woman. 

Chris was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church. He served as President of the Parish Council and was the organist and director of the Junior Choir. Chris acknowledged his parents as instilling in him the powerful desire to strive for his dreams with persistence, passion and dedication rooted in love of God and country, faith and humility.

In 2008, Chris met his wife, Monika Badillo in Turks & Caicos. Chris and Monika married in 2013 with his son, Christopher Ethan Mortimer III, from a previous marriage. They went on to have two more children, Noah Valentino Mortimer in 2013 and Natalia Valentina Mortimer in 2017.

Chris was predeceased by his father Christopher Alexander Mortimer, Sr. He is survived by his wife, Monika Badillo Mortimer, his three beloved children Christopher Ethan Mortimer III, Noah Valentino Mortimer, and Natalia Valentina Mortimer; his mother, Mary Louise Mortimer, brothers, Michael Mortimer and Gilbert Kemp, sisters, Dr. Renée and Paulette Mortimer, father-in-law, Manuel Badillo, Sr., mother-in-law, Maria Elena Badillo, brothers in-law, Marlo Badillo and wife Laura, and Manuel Badillo, Jr. and wife Clementina, and nieces and nephews: Shaunessa and Quincy Sabie, Kyanna and Alexa Mortimer, David Aguilera, Isaiah and Emma Badillo as well as aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of other relatives and friends.