Christopher Gordon Erskine

66, of Wellesley, MA, died Saturday, November 6, 2004, at the Newton-Wellesley Hospital. He was born in Wellesley on June 26, 1938, son of Wilbur Artell Erskine and Barbara Hodgson Erskine. He is survived by his wife Bonney Erskine of Wellesley; two sisters, Virginia E. Harrison of Ft. Collins, CO, Jane R. Erskine of Augusta, Maine; a brother Stephen C. Erskine of Auburn, NY; one niece Kathryn D. Harrison of Ft. Collins, CO; and numerous cousins. Mr. Erskine graduated from Wellesley High School in 1956. He attended the University of Maine in Orono and Northeastern University. Subsequently, he enlisted in the US Navy, serving two tours of duty abroad. For most of his career, Mr. Erskine was involved in the field of public transportation. In 1973, he joined the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority, working on rapid transit vehicle procurement, inspection, and engineering projects, until his retirement in 1996. During his childhood, Mr. Erskine and his siblings spent their summers in Maine. It was here that he developed a life-long interest in and appreciation of the outdoors, nature, and the environment. In his adult years, he was a committed advocate for wildlife and wetland preservation. He was a knowledgeable and avid bird watcher and a long-time member of the Massachusetts Audubon Society and the Nature Conservancy. A private ceremony was held at the Congregational Church in Wellesley. Interment will be in Alna, Maine. Donations in memory of Mr. Erskine may be made to the Massachusetts Audubon Society in Lincoln, MA George F. Doherty & Sons Wellesley, MA 781-235-4100