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Christoffer Carstanjen
Christoffer Carstanjen
Obituary
Guest Book
Christoffer Carstanjen Obituary
One of his nicknames was "Mr. Wonderful."
His uncle, Jan Carstanjen, said his nephew moved through life with a certain joy, relishing the chance to try new things. Christoffer Carstanjen, who lived in Turner Falls, Mass., was headed to California on vacation when his plane hit the World Trade Center.
"He was kind-hearted," his uncle said. "We're going to miss him very much."
Profile courtesy of THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE.
'Mr. Wonderful'
Humorist. Gardener. Motorcycle enthusiast. Philosopher. That is how Christoffer M. Carstanjen liked to be known. His nickname for himself was "Mr. Wonderful" and the line he most identified with was from the filmmaker Federico Fellini: "There is no end. There is no beginning. There is only the infinite passion of life."
These and other statements he posted on his personal Web site (www-unix.oit. umass.edu/ccarstan/default2.html).
"Listen and surround yourself with positive people," advised Mr. Carstanjen, who worked in the technology office at the University of Massachusetts. The proud owner of a 1998 Honda PC800, Mr. Carstanjen, 34, was aboard United Airlines Flight 175 en route to join other bikers for a ride up the California coast.
His to-do list for the future: "Build another home. More schooling in the evenings. (Never stop learning!) Start a college or a learning/living center for elders. Build that boat, then another one! Learn to sail."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Snowball, St. Pete, 1999
Bev Cowdrick
September 12, 2021
Snowball, St. Pete, 1999
Bev Cowdrick
September 12, 2021
Bev Cowdrick
September 12, 2021
I met Chris dancing at the Guiding Star Grange in Greenfield, Massachusetts. His exuberance was infectious. I moved to North Carolina in 1995 to help lead a learning/living center for elders, something he would have loved. In January, 1999 I was at Snowball, a dance weekend in St. Petersburg, Florida, and there he was! He rode his PC800 from New England to Florida in the middle of winter. In these photos, he's the cool guy in the cap, holding a beer and his hand of cards, living life to the fullest on a porch with friends in the Florida sun. Wherever you are, Chris, I know you're still making the most of it, filling your heart and the hearts of others.
Trish Newton
September 11, 2021
Thinking of you on the 20th anniversary of your passing. It still doesn´t seem possible that this happened to you. I will always remember your humor and the talks we had while working in the IT Dept. at NMH. Peace, friend.
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Cindy Roe
September 4, 2021
Remembering Christoffer on the 20th anniversary of 9/11....
Fran York
September 13, 2020
Rest in peace, Mr. Wonderful.
Bruce Freifeld
March 1, 2020
I was walking at the WTC Memorial today and saw a beautiful white flower over Christoffer's name. I never knew him, but took a pic of the flower and made it my profile pic. Later, I googled him and found he was a cool guy and motorcyclist, as am I (motorcyclist, not exactly cool!). They say 'never forget' so Happy Birthday Mr. Wonderful!
September 11, 2019
We remember him. Christoffer is not forgotten.
Never forget!
Peter Teague
September 14, 2015
Miss you!
Judy Whitcomb
September 13, 2015
I supported Christoffer's family when I was working for United back in 2001. While I didn't know Christoffer...in working with his wonderful family, I very quickly learned what an impact he had on the lives he touched. His family are compassionate and caring people...and are in my thoughts and prayers always.
Fran York
September 11, 2015
Remembering and missing you on this 14th anniversary and often. Rest in peace, Chris....
Kevin Collins
September 11, 2014
Miss you, buddy.
Del Newberry
July 11, 2012
This tragedy brought Americans together. I hope that in your honor we will once again pull together to heal our land. With the upcoming Presidential Election, the poor economy, etc. we sometimes forget the important things in life. May we take a lesson from 'Mr. Wonderful' and enjoy life. Love from Texas...
September 12, 2011
Yesterday I attended the memorial on my college campus. I picked up a candle holder, and Chrisoffer was one of three names on my holder. Even though I did not know him or his family, him & his family will always be in prayers. God Bless.
Chris Paige
September 11, 2011
We'll never forget your Santa hat, Chris!
Jon Shannon
September 11, 2011
Chris,
It's hard to believe that ten years have passed. You are still missed and remembered.
Polly, Chris & Jen at the New Year's Eve Dawn Dance, Northfield, MA 1996
Polly Sweet
September 10, 2011
I'm remembering Chris today and the great dances we shared in Greenfield. Chris knew my Dad Ralph who calls dances, and me since I was little. I looked forward to dancing with Chris because I knew he'd keep me laughing the whole time, and he'd swing so fast I felt like I would fly away. My heart goes out to Chris's family, may we always remember the good times we got to share with him.
September 9, 2011
today in Bridgeton, N.J. we were placing over 2,000 flags in honor of the heros who lost their lives that day and i placed a flag in honor of chris I did not know him at all but iwas very honored to do this. they also gave me a plaque with his name on it and mine as thecommemorator. my name is Debbie Williams and my e-mail is Delsea [email protected] just thought i would share this to anyone who knew him thank you and god bless
Peter Teague
September 9, 2011
Hi, Chris-
Thinking about you always...
We will NEVER forget!!
+Peter+
PC800
Bowlen Neil
September 8, 2011
Hey Chris Just thinking about you and our days at Paul Smith's, we had some good times!!
September 6, 2011
I knew Chris at NMH and often shared a laugh with him -- he knew everything about computers and I needed help! He always gave that help happily. He has been added to the prayer list here at the College of the Holy Cross. He will never be forgotten and is an example of what we should all strive to be. No one can ever dim Chris' light.
Arlie Corday
Bev Cowdrick
September 11, 2010
I am remembering Chris' playfulness today. We miss him on the dance floor and in our lives. Chris and Chris's family -- you are in my loving thoughts today.
~ Bev Cowdrick, Triangle Country Dancers, Durham, NC
Peggy Childers
September 11, 2010
To the family of Christoffer Carstanjen:
Christoffer gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our heroes of September 11 be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you.
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Jeri Evans
September 11, 2010
Remembering you today, Chris.
Suzanne Chinatti
September 10, 2010
Hey Bro!
..preparing to mark nine years since you've passed....
...maybe someday you can tell me: did you know in high school? ...your quote in our yearbook...
I'm with Ken Hill on this one...I think you're probably floating around us here and there, now and again, rolling your eyes at our idiocracies, narrow-mindedness, and tunnel vision...I bet it's MORE exasperating now...you being on The Other Side and all...having an even GREATER perspective!
...sorry brother...
...alls I can say is that many of us are doing the best we can...any help you can give us?
Anyways: ...always talk of "9/11" brings your fairhaired countenance to mind and recollections of your numerous truthful, unique insights in Homeroom and Study Hall conversations...and brings weight to my heart...tears to my eyes...knowing what the world lost in losing you...
The saying "only the good die young" is too truthful in your case...
Love always,
A high school chum and comrade-in-cynincal-verbal-arms-
Nadine K
August 8, 2010
Never Forgotten, Always Loved by your family and friends.
Kenneth Hill
July 11, 2009
I saw this guestbook for the first time the other day. I got really emotional.I
always tried to imagine what was going through Chris's mind. After watching the movie flight 93 and that strategy behind the operation. I knew Chris pretty well. He would have come up with some several satirical comments. Like Maybe they will fly us to Cuba, or I hope we don't fly to Iran, I gonna be really late. His hysterical satircal wit is missed. My mom called me two days after it happened. It hurt me deeply, to my soul.
Chris, I will never miss your clever sense of humor. You better be the first one in heaven that I meet.
Peter Teague
September 11, 2008
Seven years ago today...can you believe it? It still brings tears and always will. It's difficult to understand how and why it happened, and whether it will happen again. But just as the lights continue to shine in the night skies over New York City, Washington, and Shanksville, PA, the light and warmth for Christoffer and all the others that lost their lives seven years ago today, will continue to glow in our hearts forever.
We remember you...we miss you...we will never forget you.
Rest in peace.
Reflecting on 9/11,
+Peter+
You may continue to celebrate the life of Christoffer Carstanjen at:
http://pjbt.home.comcast.net/christoffercarstanjen.htm
Faith Bliga
August 17, 2008
Dear Mimi:
I can't believe I am just now learning of Christoffer's sad death at the hands of terorists. As a neighbor of yours for more than 20 years, my fondest memories of Chris as a little boy are when you came to visit Gilford Street. Your family has had so many tragedies over the years, I don't understand why God allows this to continue to happen. My brother Richard visited Mickey last year in Cape Cod and learned about Chris' passing. I relocated to Raleigh, NC in 1984 and live here with my husband Sam of 38 years, my two children Stephanie age 32 and Matthew age 35. We have been blessed with 3 beautiful grandchildren Peyton,6; Sammy,5 and Kennedy, 3. They are the age Chris and Jon were the last time I saw them. If you happen to see this note, please contact me at [email protected]. I would love to make contact again after all of these years. I miss Gilford Street...we had such wonderful memories. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Faith (Hagedus) Bliga
Doug Abraham
November 18, 2007
Happy Birthday!!!
Mark Renaud
September 14, 2007
I was thinking of Christoffer recently. We worked together at Northfield Mount Hermon and lost touch a bit after I left there in December 1999. I was glad to have the opportunity to get back together with him on September 8, 2001 at the Connecticut River Brewer's Festival, where we enjoyed many great beers and planned to get together again upon his return from California.
Now I'm working at UMASS and thinking how nice it would be to see his face on campus and hear his goofy laugh again.
You are missed, my friend.
Jeff O'Halloran
September 11, 2007
Thinking of you Chris. We lost touch after UMass, but you will never be forgotten.
Mike Worman
September 11, 2007
I worked in the UMASS OIT office with Chris. I waved and smiled plenty but never took the time to really get to know him.
I won't ever forget the feeling of horror and realization that hit me when I and a few other OIT staffers gathered to talk, and someone mentioned Christoffer's flight from Logan that morning. Our collective stunned silence lasted for minutes...one person had to leave to room without speaking.
Without ever sitting down to talk, Christoffer's smiling visage has become a face I will never forget. Sometimes it's funny how you can take one look at someone's face and immediately feel the warmth and life they gave. It is very clear to me by reading this and other tributes that Christoffer brought this warmth to everyone he met.
What was done to Christoffer was not fair, and perhaps life never is. What is clear is that even in death, Christoffer continues to lighten our path.
"There are stars whose radiance is visible on earth though they long have been extinct. There are people whose brilliance continues to light the world though they are no longer among the living. These lights are particularly brilliant when the night is dark. They light the way of humankind."
- Hannah Szenes
Lilo Harpur
September 11, 2007
Dear Chris,
I loved meeting you at NEFFA, Pinewoods, and the Marlboro "Home Tour". Your positive, cheerful, eclectic life, with so many talents, is an inspiration.
Patrick Whited
September 10, 2007
Hi Chris,
I kept and still read your last message from the Pacific Coast forum from time to time. I wish you had made that ride up Highway 1, I really do. You're not forgotten.
"Ok - what Greg doesn't know is that in 60 mins (9pm est.) I'm going to bed, then up at three a.m to go to Boston, then well, you know the rest.."
God bless. We will never forget.
P Tabbernor
June 15, 2007
In memory....
Chris, Carolyn & I among a group of Honda PC800 riders on 5/5/2001.
Stanley E. Rocklin, Ph.D.
May 24, 2007
On May 5, 2001, my late wife Carolyn, I, Tim Davies, Tom Fraser and seven other motorcyclists accompanied Christoffer “Chris” Carstanjen on a really great ride in the deep Virginia woods. Chris had traveled the furthest (from Massachusetts), and a few others had traveled a good many miles to go on that ride. Those who traveled from afar thought nothing of the long round trip to Virginia because of their love of riding.
Entering a national park, on that gloriously beautiful day, we stopped for the photo you see here. In the photo I am the little guy in the yellow t-shirt standing in front of Chris who also is wearing a yellow t-shirt. To my left is my late wife Carolyn with her thumb in my Levi belt loop.
As with the sad shock of losing our fellow motorcyclist, Chris, we never know what’s awaiting us at the next turn in the path of life….and so it came to pass that only 38 months after meeting Chris, my dear wife Carolyn fell ill with cancer and passed away Christmas Eve 2004 in our 37th year of marriage, skiing, world traveling, amateur radio operating, motorcycling (in short; living life with gusto).
Often I look at this photo and think how tragic it was that these two beloved people were taken away from us long ahead of their time.
I have read the laudatory entries in this book, and if I thought after just one day with him, that Chris were a bright and smiley guy who was funny and a pleasure to be with, now I know the "rest of the story": the profound depth and totally wide breadth of all these other testimonies to what a very wonderful young man he was in every aspect.
I just hope that Carolyn might chance on Chris if there's a heaven up there, and bum a ride on that PC800 of his. That'd make her very happy. God rest both their souls.
Now I am in my 70th year. I have since remarried, and don't ride much anymore. Of course I will never forget my beloved wife of 37 years, but I will always remember Christoffer Carstanjen as well.
Andrew Taylor
December 23, 2006
Chris, you were mentioned in class a little while ago by Don Stevens. I will always remember the last time i saw u, with my mom and brother bowling at your retirement party. I will remember to always do my own laundry. I miss you a lot and will never forget you. Rest in peace.
-Andrew Taylor
Kristine
October 27, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Dawn Sproules
September 22, 2006
My Deepest sympathy to the Carstanjen family.God Bless all of you.Christoffer sounds like such a wonderful person.Iam very sorry for your loss.
Jessica Marlies
September 11, 2006
Chris-
after the towers were hit I checked all the names from the towers where I had known so many people. I never thought to check the list from the planes until months later when I heard that you were on the second plane. I checked and rechecked, unable to believe that you were gone. The last time I saw you we danced at Neffa and had a good chat and I walked away thinking that we would drop in and out of each others lives for years to come. I was and am so sad that I won't see you again on or off the dance floor. My love to all who have lost you- and my regrets that I heard so late that I was not there at the time to help them to remember you.
Cathy - Lee Rizza
September 11, 2006
Chris;
You were wonderful to work with at Wesleyan University.We both worked for the same food service company. I know you are a busy person in heaven helping everyone.
Take Care Chris until we meet again.
Julia Carstanjen
September 9, 2006
Hi Chris, you still LIVE ON!!! We're sorry we missed the party in Brooklyn with your girlfriend a few months before you passed away, you know we had the baby thing going on, Grant was about 1 1/2 and Hope was about 6-7 months old, remember, we lived in the far reaches, not in NYC anymore, but, OH NO!!!! the burbs in CT, but I remember thinking, Brooklyn, that's only an hour drive... You know Bill helped about a week - I think (or less??) later at night in NYC after he went to a meeting for work, that was his way of helping. I gave free drinks and lunch, (they always wanted straight shots) to the grey ash covered rescue/clean-up, workers I saw in a pub near Ground Zero after going there a few days later (there was a great Irish place that served lunch that they liked) - and, of course, we laid down some flowers for you on one of the fences!!!! I still tell people how amazing your memorial service was, connecting bikers up with English folk dancers, I have to tell them about 3 times before they wrap their minds around it. Love you and we'll show Grant, Hope and Joy about you when they're older. Love you always, Julia, Bill, and kids
Tammie Powers
September 6, 2006
I graduated from High School with Chris, over the years we had lost touch. I was shocked to find out that he was on United Flight 175 and perished when it hit the Tower. I was doubly shocked to find out that Chris worked at UMASS and lived in Turners Falls, MA. I live in Colrain, MA, just 30 minutes from Turners Falls. Every year when the 9/11 anniversary approaches I feel a large pang of regret that not only did Chris perish on that plane, but I had not kept in touch with him to know that he only lived 30 minuntes from me.
Ross Blankenship
April 22, 2006
I remember vividly eating lunch and enjoying great conversation with Chris. He has the heart of gold and his memory will last forever.
NMH Alum '01
Krissta Burgess
October 9, 2003
I don't know Chris, but about 1 month ago my mom came to me with these bracelets of the victims of 9/11 and i looked through them, reading their information about where they lived and what job they did. For some reason, Chris's kept coming back into my mind as i looked at the rest of them...so i decided that this one had to be the one that i'd proudly wear and think of often. It wasn't until now that I wanted to know what kind of person he was. It wasn't a surprise at all from the things i've been reading, he sounded like a really "mr. wonderful". I'd like to tell his family and friends that i'm sorry for his loss. Rest In Peace Chris.
Krissta
age 24
Orlando, FL
Hannah McCarthy
September 11, 2003
on sept 5th, 2001, i arrived at the oit centre in umass to try and open an email account. had just arrived in the us, no idea of how american colleges worked... and there was a blonde guy with glasses who opened the door and smiled everytime i went through with another form that i should have filled in. i thought i'd never be done, and he kept telling me to stay in line! if i wanted anything done at all today! whew! he was so funny, and his face stuck with me; i thought, what a shame he's not working in every department at this crazy american college.
but the next time i went into the oit office, it was sept 15th, and there was only his picture on the wall.
i didn't know this man; i met him only once. but few people make any kind of impression the first time you meet them... and he did. even to complete strangers. my thoughts are with his family today. i am so sorry. may he rest peacefully.
Susie Stowbridge
September 10, 2003
Risen Angel
by Susie Stowbridge
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
two years
since our angel
moved to a better place
and left those still here
on earth
trying to explain our loss
healing as best as we could
without our Mr. Wonderful
two years
since our angel
rose to his eternal
place in our hearts
in our every thought
our angel has not left us
but instead
assumed a higher
place among us
and always will be there
just as he was here
for us all
on earth
Deb Hornbeck (Klindt)
September 24, 2002
It is with great sympothy that I send this tribute to the family of my fellow Paul Smith Alumni and friend. I graduated with Chris and spent 2 wonderful years getting to know him. He had a loving spirit and a great heart. I fondly remember our last College Reunion and sharing a wonderful night of dinner and conversation with you son. He will truly be missed by all of his friends at Paul Smiths.
I will never forget.
Deb Hornbeck (Klindt) TT87
Lisa Heaton
September 15, 2002
To Chris' family,
No one who ever met Chris will ever be able to forget him. His joy for life touched all who knew him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers, and I wish you peace and comfort during this time and always. Mary, Dan, and Julianne, your Thompson House family will always stand with you in love and support.
Mark Capper
September 13, 2002
We will never forget
Tom Fraser
September 11, 2002
Chris's Family,
Chris was indeed a special individual. It a rare chance that we can meet someone like him. We both shared a passion for a particular motorcyle we both ride. In fact, we hooked up a few times on a couple of rides and I had the pleasure of hosting him at my house. He was a friend to all and a great and wonderful person. Even though I didn't know him that long. I do miss his warmth and personality.
Carl N. Davignon
September 11, 2002
Chris's Family,
Chris was one of the many people I came in contact with on a daily basis at UMass.He had his table set up in the lobby,directing people who needed assistance with their computer needs.A smile,a "How May I Help You",and a mint even if they just happen to be passing through.I'd pass by several times through out the day.It didn't matter how many times I'd walk by,I'd get that smile,he'd offer me those mints and hold the door.Now the only thing that remains is his picture that hangs in the lobby a small memorial outside and memories.I'm sure many who pass by don't realize who this person was.Someday the picture might be gone,memorial grown over,but that's O.K.,we still have memories.There's times I pause by his picture,smile.Man,do I miss those mints.I pray...
Mary Alice Cedrone
September 6, 2002
My heart goes out to your family and friends. MAC UMass '82
Kathy Swaringen
June 12, 2002
On June 6. 2002 1 mile was walked to honor the life of Christoffer and all the family, friends and loved ones left behind. May you find some comfort in knowing that you do not grieve alone.
Christoffer, may you rest in peace now that you are watching the sunsets from you sailboat in heaven.
April 19, 2002
Hi I need your help you see I'm trying to make sure every family that lost a love one receive a homemade quilt. When I seen what happen I knew I had to do something so as I was crying and praying the Lord answered my prayers by telling me to make quilts for everyone. Not a very easy task especially when I really don't know where to start. I started making quilts and soon ask my friends and everyone in our wonderful country to help. Soon I had 1554 quilts ready to go. We took them to New York and hand deliver them to Pier 94 where the families wereon Dec 16,17, and 18. I know my job isn't done and I have to continue so I came across a list of all the victim and decided to see if maybe there friends or families could help me try and bring some comforter to the parents or spouse. If you need to check me out please do ask our Senator Harkin from Iowa phone number is 515-284-4574 and ask Dianne Liepa what my mission is with the Freedom Quilts. By the way my name is Betty Nielsen. I was on America 01 and Good Morning America. You can also call Good Morning America and ask for Catherine Upin one of ABC Productor to check the facts out. I'm trying to make sure and not miss anyone so please if you can help me by contact his beloved wife and telling her what I plan on doing she can email me or you can and let me know if it's okay. Right now I have made and collected 1174 and still working at making more. I need your help in order to completed my project. I hoping get all the families that lost a love one from the Sept 11 attacked and present them with a quilt. A quilt of love and comforter. I'm also thinking that maybe your senator from your state can line something up and I could bring quilts to hand over to the families. Please if you have any idea and would want to help me bring some comforter please talk to the families even the senator of your state and perhaps we can so something special. We here in Iowa want to show that it doesn't matter how far you are we are thinking of them and praying and we also want to give them a sign of comforter and love. What better way of showing that this country is great and that we care for one another. Thank you for listening.
Freedom Quilts
Betty Nielsen
13637 550th ST
Fonda Ia 50540
Susie Stowbridge
February 5, 2002
I first met Chris two years ago when I was first intoduced to the GEECS club, as inactive as they were. I never really had the chance to thoroughly embrace what I had before me. On the night of September 11, I thought that I had been spared the heart ache associated with the loss of someone in the tragedy. Unfortunately, I heard through friends that Chris had passed. A piece of my died with Chris that day. Since then, the GEECS club has almost been reborn as we strive to restore the club to how Chris would have wanted it. Now I find myself writing a page about him for our year book and the feelings of that night almost five months ago are flooding back. No one will ever be able to replace the place that Chris held in my heart and soul. He will be missed.
Lissa Perrin
January 15, 2002
I never met Christoffer but can tell by reading the entries here that I missed knowing a joyful, special human being. On Sept. 13,2001 I attended a prayer service here in Ann Arbor for the victims of the 9/11 tragedy. As we entered the church each person was given a slip of paper on which was written the name, age and hometown of a person who had been killed. Later in the service, each name was read aloud, as was the other information. When I heard Chris' name, age and Turner's Falls, MA, the trgedy became real to me in a new way. I grew up in Deerfield, went to NMH and had reasons to be in Turner's many times over the years. Each name was placed at the foot of the cross after it was spoken. At the end of the service we were invited to select a name to take home to pray for and remember, so I selected Christoffer's. I've been praying for him and for those who love him each night ever since, hoping that I could offer you some support and compassion in that way. It comforts me to to believe that life is changed, not taken away. In peace, Lissa
Michael Scarmack
January 15, 2002
Christoffer's family:
Having received a mercy bracelet on Christ-mas day, I now wear it daily, with rememberance. Our children pray with us daily. We offer to Christ our petition for your well being and solace. We have faith through your loved one, that Christ offers peace to you and bathes Christopher in blissful light.
Julia Balestracci
January 15, 2002
I loved dancing with Chris- have such fond memories of his welcoming exuberance at NEFFA and Pinewoods. It's rare to meet a Christoffer- someone with no pretense, so full of love, so aware of the simple, joyous pleasures of life. His death has greatly affected me. I have prayed, have had prayers said at church, have spoken of Chris at Quaker meeting. My heart goes out to his family. It gives me comfort to know his spirit is forever woven in the fabric of the dance community.
Teresa Jahn
January 12, 2002
We are deeply sorry for your loss of Christoffer. May his life and love live on in you. May the sorrow in your hearts be lightened by warm memories of times together. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Kearney Sheirich
January 5, 2002
To Chris's family:
As I am a fellow Paul Smiths College graduate (1959), Chris is in my prayers.
Sharon Tierra
January 1, 2002
Dear Family and Friends of Christoffer,
I am so sorry about the loss of Chris, one of the kindest people I had the privilege of meeting at the dances at the Guiding Star Grange in Greenfield.
Last night I was at the Grange for the New Year's Eve dance. It was one minute after midnight. I was sitting on the stage with a friend. I put my hands together and said to her, "let's pray for peace in the New Year" and then I looked up and saw the tribute to Chris on the wall. It was the first I knew of his death. I felt so sad and yet I felt him very close. To honor him, I promise to remember to be as kind to others as he was to me.
May his spirit be with you and comfort you always.
Love,
Sharon Tierra
Ernie Dowd
December 4, 2001
To Chris's family,
My family met your son at Yankee Candle in Deerfield. My wife and I & 2 daughters were smelling all the scents then some strange person (Chris) taps my wife on the shoulder and asks her to smell this one. That started a silly,fun
( and unfortunately) short friendship. He said that he was there to pick out a birthday gift for someone. What started out as a chance meeting turned into a fiendship that we will remember for ever!!Chris made an impression on us, the type that makes you know there are some very good people in this world. I keep a picture of Chris on my desk now to remind me that life is too short to take too seriously and to have fun in whatever I do.
Our Prayers are with you every day.
God Bless
Ed LaCoille
November 17, 2001
To his mother Mary: I'm so sorry - I just found out about Chris yesterday. Having only met him a couple of times I didn't know him personally but I sure know a lot about him from all your great stories. I hope you're doing well. You must have a new Email address because I've tried to reach you over this past year without luck. If you see this I'd really like to talk to you. God bless.
Elizabeth Orrell
October 12, 2001
Dear Chris
I was so thrilled to get the opportunity to connect with you months before your death. You have always been my chef hero and brother. Know that when I drag myself out of bed at 2 am to go to my pastry job...I think of you and pray that you might guid me in all that I bake! I am so blessed to have had your presence in my life and the life of my family. You will be greatly missed. Peace brother Chris...
Your Sister
Emo
Annie Garcia
October 5, 2001
To Chris's family,
I met Chris several years ago when he was dating my sister. We hadn't seen him for quite awhile, but our family has such fond memories of Chris. He came with my sister to our daughter's birthday party and entertained the kids by slurping gummy worms. I have truly silly pictures. Sending many prayers to you for the loss of such a wonderful person.
Barbara Dean
September 30, 2001
Chris - I learned more about you after your death than I had known in your life: the many sides to your wonderful personality, your many and varied interests, how many friends you had from so many different worlds - someone said at your memorial service last night that only you could have brought bikers and contradancers into the same room together! I have never seen (and probably never will again) Morris dancing danced in such a somber, serious, focused manner as it was yesterday before the memorial service. The Morris Dance community will never be the same without you. I will always remember you in your kit, grinning, dancing, joking with friends. Thank you for being a part of our lives.
September 29, 2001
Rest in peace. My prayers are with you and your family.
BARBARA BOLIN
September 28, 2001
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU ALL.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
CHRISTOFFER MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.
Eric Gouvin
September 21, 2001
Chris was a good soul. I remember him from his time at Northfield Mount Hermon School as a positive person who was very generous with his talents. There is some kind of cosmic irony at work that his life ended at the hands of a group that seems to be so opposite.
Brendan Smith
September 20, 2001
I met Christoffer at a contra dance in Concord, MA a couple of years ago and I was immediately drawn to his friendliness and warmth. Since then I've seen him many times, and I've always been impressed by his love of this world--of music, of dance, and of community. I'm terribly saddened by the death of someone so creative, gentle, and peace-loving as he.
Diane
September 19, 2001
Chris was truly a dear and fun soul. Both colleague and friend, he was part of the fabric of our lives. I could never have imagined such a horrific ending to his life.
Our fond memories of him make us laugh even in this time. Those memories are the only way we can cope with this loss at all. We think that's the best way to honor him--to remember the laughter and joy he brought to so many.
Once when Chris stayed with us he gave us a pottery casserole dish his father had made. It will stay in the center of our china cabinet to remind me that life is a gift and life is fragile.
We will never forget Chris. His death in such a violent way is unimagineable to us. I am only grateful to have known him--his whimsy, his striving, his gentle morris dancing self.
Love to Chris, his family, and friends.
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