Christopher Girard

Christopher Girard

Bow, NH -

It is with extreme sadness that the family of Christopher 'CJ' Girard, 39, announce his passing on March 1, 2025, at his home in Bow, NH after a brief illness.

He was born in Berlin, NH, on May 5, 1985. He attended St. Michael's School from Kindergarten to his 8th grade graduation. He then attended Berlin High School and was a graduate of the Class of 2003. He attended Plymouth State University and graduated in 2007 with a Degree in Graphic Design.

He was very active in his youth and enjoyed many activities. He was a Cub and Boy Scout with St Kieran's Troop 207, attaining the Rank of Life Scout. His father was his Scout Master. He enjoyed camping and hiking with his fellow scouts. He took Saxophone and Karate lessons. His dad taught him to ski at a very young age which he continued to enjoy and he shared the love for it with his wife and children. He was on the Cross Country & Track teams at Berlin High and as a Freshman, was a member of the 4 man relay team that broke the school record for the 4 x 8 race.

CJ was not a person to be idle. He had a strong work ethic and at times worked two jobs simultaneously. Whatever he had a passion for, he gave it his full attention. He had the drive to conquer any obstacle he faced.

CJ was disciplined to keep himself in good physical condition and did that in several ways, which included, working out and competing in CrossFit programs, staying active with his hobbies of riding his motorcycle, listening to Country music, skiing, fishing, hunting, boating and trying to keep up with his two beautiful children, who are involved in many sports.

He shared a passion for the Fire Service with his father, who was a Lt. with the Berlin Call Fire Dept. and upon his graduation from college he attended the N.H. Fire Academy in Concord. He was a Volunteer Fireman with the Milan & Bow NH Departments. His desire was to become a full time Firefighter. After working many non-fulfilling jobs, he acquired a full time position at Pease International Airport Fire and was there for several years. He then transferred to the Londonderry Fire Department for 2 yrs, but his ambition was to be on the Concord Fire Department, with the aspiration of operating Tower 1, and that wish came true in 2018 when he became a member of that department. In 2023, he became an operator of Tower 1. He was like a kid with a new toy!

CJ had a passion for the Honor Guard, this was important to him. He would travel to surrounding communities to honor his fallen firefighters. He was active in continuing his education, and received many certifications for his efforts. Also, following in his dad's footsteps, he was an active member of the Central N.H. Hazmat Team.

CJ had a wonderful sense of humor. He had a very quick mind for making a silly comment in any situation. He also had the ability to set up a prank on his fellow firefighters and to be patient while waiting for the pay off. He was never cruel with his humor because he was a kind soul.

He was a loving son, a Beloved husband, an exceptional father, a loyal friend, a caring and giving person. He was a humble man who unselfishly put those he loved ahead of himself. He was an outstanding fireman, who expected excellence of himself in his training and performance and held others to that same standard.

He was predeceased by his father, Richard Girard in 2014. He leaves behind the love of his life, his wife of 10 years, Shannon (Whitehead) Girard, his two beautiful children, son Greyson and daughter Camille. His mother Jolene (Jay) Girard of Berlin, his brother Corey Girard of Pembroke, his mother and father-in-law, Gayle and Lionel Tandy of Loudon, NH, his brother & sister-in-law, Shawn & Kate Whitehead of Holliston, MA and their two daughters, Riley and Emma, and a large extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins. He also leaves behind his Fire Family brothers and sisters and many friends.

There will be calling hours on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Bennett Funeral Home, 209 North Main St., Concord, NH. There will be a walk through for all Fire/Police personnel from 10am to 12pm, following that time will be from 1pm-3pm for family and friends.

A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday March 13, 2025, at 10 AM at Christ the King Parish, 72 South Main St., Concord, NH. Interment will be later in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, Donations in his memory may be made to the Concord FireFighters' Relief Association, 150 N. State St., Concord, NH 03301