CARNAN, Christopher Bruce was born April 20, 1947 in Virginia, and spent much of his life here. However, this belies the adventure of his much-too-short time on this planet. He died on June 6, 2009. He was special ordered by his mother, a blue-eyed baby boy, following two older sisters, Alice and Val. His late father, Charles Walter Carnan Jr., was an Episcopal priest. His mother, Emily Brown Carnan, was a teacher who passed her love of family to her "baby child." In childhood, Bruce displayed a special affinity for animals that enriched his and his family's lives. Bruce wandered through many academic paths and careers, but settled on becoming a self-employed finish carpenter. His true calling was as the at-home, full time parent to his three daughters. He adored his children and each girl carries special attributes from him - Clare's indomitable spirit, Bess' optimistic world view and Maggie's open heart. Bruce's love of nature, that developed early in his life, led to a six week trip across the country - a highlight of his life. This love of nature reflected his spirituality, which was expressed in a sense of inter-connectedness to the world around him and a belief that we are all woven together in a beautiful tapestry. Volleyball played a very important role in his life, and the Richmond Volleyball Club is where he met the love of his life, Nancy. Bruce played volleyball for 20 plus years, and his time with the prestigious teams, Road Kill and G.R.O.G., remain the stuff of legends. Toy trains and riding classic trains were also much loved hobbies, and led to further adventures across the country. The core quality that defined Bruce was his essential kindness and strength. Bruce was the first one to pick up the chain saw after the hurricane and cut up the tree that had fallen across the road. He was often the first one called if someone in the neighborhood needed help. He chose playing with his children over any other activity. He was a rock of strength for his family and community. We will be celebrating his life on Thursday, June 11, at the West Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 11020 West Broad Street, Glen Allen, Va. 23060. Family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m., with the memorial service beginning at 2 p.m. Please honor him by considering a donation to one of his favorite charities: Massey Cancer Center Patient Resource Libraries, P. O. Box 980037, 401 College Street, Richmond, Va. 23298; The Heifer Foundation, The Food Bank of Central Virginia; or the Wildlife Center of Virginia.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
