Christopher A Russell

It is with great sadness that I let you know that our dear friend, kindred soul, iRest Teacher, and counselor at the Brockton VA Center passed away January 31^st, as a result of sepsis that arose as he was dealing with pneumonia.

Chris and I had countless exchanges since our first meeting in 2008 at the Maria Stein, Ohio Level 1 Training. I loved Chris dearly and always looked forward to meeting and spending time with him at the various iRest trainings, workshops and retreats he attended over the years. We were always in contact, through monthly phone calls or emails exchanges since our first meeting. In every exchange we had, I enjoyed his great good humor and love of all things spiritual and worldly. Chris had a deep and profound understanding of how the nondual wisdom tradition seamlessly interwove with his deep love of the Christian teachings, Raymond Moody’s thought on near death experiences (which Chris shared through his own NDE’s), as well as Edgar Cayce’s writings. I have deep respect and gratitude for Chris’ great love of bringing iRest to his fellow veterans, and his work at the Brockton VA.

I will miss you dearly, Chris. You touched and opened my heart in ever deepening ways through our friendship. Your passing reminds me how short life is, and that we should always say, as you and I did, “I love you” when signing off to one another. You knew deeply that it is always love that is what’s most important in every encounter we have in life. I thank you for that profound understanding. I will miss you dearly.

Chris and I shared our love of many things, but one quote stands out that he and shared early on when we first met. For the last 45 years I have carried in my wallet a saying by Edgar Cayce, that I discovered, upon meeting Chris, that he, too, shared in common. With love and prayers to Chris, I’d like to share this simple but potent saying with you, as a way of remembering Chris.

“We ask for strength and God gives us difficulties, which make us strong. We plead for courage, and God gives us dangers to overcome. We ask for favors, and God gives us opportunities. We pray for happiness, and God gives us challenges to test our faith.” —Edgar Cayce

Love,

Christopher Russell was born in Ft. Benning, GA and spent his childhood exploring the world as an "Army Brat." At 18 years old, he joined the Army and went on to proudly serve his country in the Vietnam War. As a young man, Chris greatly enjoyed performing with the Bordeaux Dinner Theater in Fayetteville, NC. He married the love of his life, Susan, in 2003 and they spent many happy years together. As a couple, they were actively involved with First Christian Disciples of Christ Church. Chris took pleasure in singing with the choir and volunteering to help others. Chris wanted to dedicate his life to helping other veterans and went back to school for his Master's Degree in Social Work. He eagerly accepted a position with the Brockton VA Center and he and his wife moved to Stoughton, MA. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and the many veterans whose lives he touched. He will always be remembered for his kindness, selflessness and generosity.

Chris was the beloved husband of Susan P. Russell; loving step-father of Crystal Androsky and her husband Tony and Trisha Gray; wonderful grandfather to Aubrey, Sam and David DeMars and brother of Janet Warner. He was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia Arends, Col. Clyde R. Russell and Helen Robbins and his sister, Polly Russell.