My most prominent memories of my Uncle include examples of his kind soul. My earliest strong memory of him was Chris being incredibly kind to me when I was a child, having been on a visit to the London Planetarium - which was a thrilling experience, but also quite overwhelming to my young sensibilities. His reassuring smile and calm demeanour helped to make it a delightful memory of the wonder of the stars and our solar system, rather than one filled with dread. Combined with my Dad's penchant for various sci-fi TV shows (ones like Doctor Who and re-runs of original Star Trek that, when I was younger, had me cowering in the hallway at the door to our living room - because our sofa was pushed against a wall, so there was no hiding behind that!), Asimov novels and astronomy, it's lead to a lifelong love of the space opera genre, and indeed most science fiction dramas across a range of media. Knowing of Chris' passion for libraries - and learning that he was himself a gifted storyteller - I adore the role he played that day in stoking the imagination of my fledgling mind!
Many years later, when my fiancé's Mum was suddenly rushed to hospital, Chris and Mary opened their home to Rae without a second thought, providing a safe and stable environment from which to be able to be repeatedly at her mother's side. Being self employed retailers selling niche products, and ones who rarely can afford to take any time off, we hadn't managed to introduce Rae to my side of the family, so they'd never met her before this, but they still welcomed her with open arms, whilst I was stuck labouring at our shop. I will never, ever forget that immense kindness - it meant the world to me, and always will.
And more recently, when I felt able to embrace my true self and transition, I emailed Chris, Mary and Rachel to tell them my news and - because of some of the more toxic attitudes in our modern socio-political climate regarding non-binary genders and trans people - offer them the chance to (hopefully gently) reject me and sever ties if they held religous or ideological views that couldn't abhide me now... well, needless to say I had nothing to worry about! A little over an hour later, I received the most beautiful reply filled with empathy and acceptance. From that point forth all future correspondence used my preferred name and pronouns. It so perfectly aligns with the portrait of the loving soul Chris has that has been so delightful to see on display in Rachel and Mary's beautiful words and photos on here. I look forward to seeing more wonderful memories from other people whose lives were enriched by my Uncle. 💜
Our love to you all. xx
Thank you for sharing your lovely memories Bee ❤️ Dad loved all things space related... especially Brian Cox documentaries as a fellow Oldham Athletic supporter! The London Planetarium visit sounds like it was as much a treat for Dad and Uncle Howard as it was for you!