Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Dear Christiansen Family,
Along with the rest of Chris’s Brookside friends, I was very saddened to see the news that he had passed away. Chris was one of the first to warmly welcome me at Brookside and to introduce me to paddle. I’ll always fondly remember the many men’s night chats we had over the years. He always spoke so lovingly about his family.
When I shared the news of Chris’s passing with the rest of the guys, there was an outpouring of warm sentiment and memories that are a tribute to a truly wonderful friend.
Below is a compilation of some of the comments from Chris’s friends from Brookside, along with a link to a lovely tribute video by Paul Low.
We hope these thoughts and memories give you comfort in the days ahead. We’ll all miss him. May he rest in Peace.
Mark Lerch
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Chris was always a gentleman on the court and he clearly had very rich life of accomplishments and impact on others.
Randy Shea
Chris was indeed a fine gentleman and was one of the first members to extend his knowledge and help when I first started playing paddle. His obit illustrates the fullness of his life which we only knew a little about at Brookside, but always suspected.
Kim Marchese
Chris was a class gentleman on and off the courts. I enjoyed knowing and playing with him over the years. Rest in Peace Chris.
Neil Sullivan
Humble and kind are my memories of Christian....
Bill Huppert
Chris always had a smile and was always a pleasure to be around. Another wonderful Brooksider who will be missed greatly. So, so sorry to hear this sad news.
Mike Preziosi
Rest in Peace Chris.
Brian Ade
A great guy and a life well lived. I always enjoyed talking with Chris about his hometown York, PA.
Ray Palombi
Very sad. We were neighbors and friends in the Ramsey Golf and Country Club. He was my sponsor when I joined Brookside and partners on the infamous Brookside Paddle ladder. I marveled at his sailing exploits, valued his business expertise and advice and sought out his company whenever I could. As others have said, a true gentleman and someone who will be missed.
John Hodge
Chris was a quiet gentleman but would rumble with anyone on the court. Didn’t like to lose.
Russ Whiteman
I’ll never forget how welcome Chris made me feel when I first joined the club. He really went out of his way to include me, at my first Men’s Night, plus he was extremely interesting to talk to. I always enjoyed his spirit and warmth whenever I saw him.
Greg Zimmer
It’s really unfortunate that we lost a great gentleman during a time where we can’t celebrate his life. We should make a point to raise a glass when the time comes that we can get together again.
I played my first ever state paddle match with Chris. I faulted about 800 times. The fact that he didn’t hit me in the base of my skull with his paddle speaks to the man’s kindness and patience.
Jerry Salvi
I also remember Chris from the rare times I played paddle. Wonderful guy… We’ll all miss him.
Peter Morrow
A beautiful man – sad for us and especially his family. May he be in peace!!
Bill Prinzivalli
I always enjoyed hearing about his travels. He will be missed.
Doug Patrick
Chris was a wonderful human being, a rare breed.
Modeste Sobolta
Very sad news. He definitely was a great guy!!!!
Javier Sumavielle
Chris was a warm friendly individual. As others have said we only get a small glimpse of some of our friends from the short time we spend playing with or competing against them on the tennis or paddle courts. We really don’t always get a sense of the broader lives that they live. Reading about Chris was enlightening.
Bob Clark
Chris was the nicest guy on the court. A true gentleman.
Chris, RIP.
Tom McDermott
I knew Chris since I was 7 years old and Dave and I went to school and played ball together. He was a good man and left his mark. Rest in Peace.
Tom Flannery
Chris was a one of a kind one guy. Warm, friendly, and knowledgeable. He was on the Brookside "K" team that formed in 2004 and entered as Brookside's fourth team in the NJMPTA. That year, his record was 5-1 with Captain, Chip Burns. That year, the "K" team went on to win the pennant. Here is my tribute to Chris. He will be missed.
https://youtu.be/ts2DIFWr6Gw
Paul Low
To all who have responded to the sad news of the passing of Chris, the tributes all gave a glimpse as to how we, at Brookside, felt about this accomplished, sensitive and admired individual, who spent many years, with his wife Nancy, at our Club. Paul's sensitive video captured the many smiles Chris experienced with his time spent with all of you. It also captured the exaggerated continental grip Chris chose to grip both his paddle and tennis racquet. He accomplished much with it!
To Nancy and the rest of the Christiansen family: thank you for gracing our facility with your spirit, kind words for all and the happiness you always brought to Brookside. Chris is and will be missed.
Sandy Andrick
