Christian McPherson

Christian Tanner McPherson 1944-2012 PUTNEY, VT Idealist, dreamer, seeker of truth and love, and son of Mother Earth, Christian Tanner McPherson "Chris," 67, died February 6, 2012, as a result of injuries sustained in an accident at his home in Putney. Chris moved to Putney from Bandon, Ore. in October to join his "lady love," Janice Baldwin, and realize his dream of finding a life partner and community where they could create a meaningful, sustainable lifestyle. Although he was rooted in the West, his self-reliant, thrifty, and resourceful nature and his progressive values, found a compatible home in Vermont where he savored the local food movement, the rich musical life, and the orchards and hills nearby. A second generation San Diegan, Chris was born Chris Lee Fulkerson on April 3, 1944, changing his name later to honor his Scottish heritage and reflect his interest in tanning buckskin. He graduated from San Diego State with a degree in Social Sciences and life-long interests in American History, the environment, and spiritual pursuits. Chris tried on different professions but found his true calling in the practice and teaching of Aikido, which he began in 1973. He was a student of the legendary T.K. Chiba Sensei, achieving the rank of 5th dan. Locally, he practiced with the River Valley Aikido Center in Brattleboro where he was valued for his clear, strong approach and thoughtful care of fellow practitioners. An unconventional individual, Chris marched to his own drum eschewing wealth or status, often at odds with the world and friends. Nevertheless, he sought to align his life with his values of respect for the land and for others. Closely connected to the earth since childhood, he was saddened by its ongoing degradation but continued to relish time in the outdoors. In pursuit of his values, Chris was at different times a skillful sailor, wise woodsman, 18th c. reenactor, intuitive masseuse, natural musician and whistler, crafter of fine furniture, steward of the land, barterer of services, a good listener, and always a keeper of friends. With his sunny personality, open heart, and generous hugs, Chris invited friendship. His unexpected death is deep loss to his many friends and students in Vermont as well as on the West Coast. Chris was propelled by his dreams and died with many still unrealized but his friends and loved ones know that he lived his dream of loving well and acting intentionally. Besides his life partner, Janice Baldwin, Chris is survived by his son, Scott, daughter-in-law Dori, grandsons Alden, Kellen, and Greyson Andrunas of Huntington Beach, Calif. He also leaves his former wife and "forever friend," Debra D. Johnson, of North Bend, Ore. His parents, Glenn A. Fulkerson and Helen Fulkerson Shipp predeceased him. On May 5th, at 10 a.m., the River Valley Aikido Center, Brattleboro, will host a memorial practice. A Celebration of Life will follow at 2:00 pm at the Putney Friends Meeting House.