Christopher L. Brown

Christopher Lee Brown, 66, of Ashburnham, MA. passed away peacefully on January 4, 2024 at Spaulding Hospital in Cambridge, MA.

Christopher Lee Brown was born in Pontiac, Michigan on March 12, 1957, a son of the late Arnold Lee and Beatrice (Smith) Brown.

Christopher is survived by his sister, Eileen Brown Gorss, and her husband Jim Gorss of Harvard, MA; nieces: Anna Blais; and Carolyn Gorss; and great-niece, Aspen Blais. Christopher was preceded in death by his father, mother, and sister, Deborah Anne (Brown) Young.

Growing up in Orchard Lake, Michigan, Christopher enjoyed lake activities with his friends: water skiing, fishing, boating and camping on the Clinton River and downhill skiing in northern Michigan. He attended Our Lady of Refuge Elementary school where he played football.

When Christopher was 12, he traveled to Colorado with his dad to participate in his first deer hunt at Uncle Malcolm's ranch. It was memorable in many ways. He was introduced to the magic of the vast western canyons and buttes, the comradery of the men at camp and the respect for the animals taken in the hunt. After finding the sun bleached skulls on the butte, Chris was inspired to collect mammal skulls. This unusual hobby led to his nickname of "road kill” later in life!

Christopher was tall and lanky, perfectly suited for strength and speed. He particularly loved speed skating, downhill skiing and backpacking. Remarkably, Christopher even ran in the Boston Marathon three times, deciding to participate spontaneously without any training. His determination carried him through each race successfully.

Christopher's high school years were at the Holy Cross Abby School in Canyon City, Colorado. He played football and participated in many pranks and weekend campfires. His fellow Abby “Bear brothers' were life-long friends and a support to him in his final months.

After high school, he spent a year at home in Michigan, helping to care for his Grandma Madeline Smith. Then he headed to the U of Montana in Missoula. After 2 years, he transferred to Montana State University in Bozeman, graduating with a degree in Landscape Design and Architecture.

Christopher enjoyed working various outdoor jobs, including landscaping and building houses in Harvard, MA.  He started a business Norsemann Landscaping in Clinton, MA and worked for others too. After an injury, he returned to school, earning a degree from Fitchburg State College 2001 in Computer Science.  He took a position at Staples. Christopher worked in several stores and his final position was as inventory analyst.  He loved working with the younger staff, joking and sharing his wry humor and life lessons!

Friends remember him for his wisdom, honesty, integrity, and good nature. He loved to build campfires and stay up with the stars! Christopher loved to talk, and was knowledgeable about many topics, He always left a friend or acquaintance with a smile or chuckle.

Christopher suffered from progressive COPD.  With great courage and hope, he underwent a double lung transplant June 3, 2023 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He was hospitalized at BWH ICU or Spaulding for 7 months.  After soul searching and with faith, Christopher made a decision to stop dialysis and life sustaining treatment. Christopher was able to share love with family and friends (near and far) before passing.

The family is grateful to the dedicated medical teams and care-givers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston MA and Spaulding Hospital in Cambridge, MA. who cared for him with compassion on his journey.

Christopher loved dogs. Donations can be made to your favorite animal shelter, in his memory.

A celebration of life will be planned for the Spring 2024.

Badger Funeral Home- Littleton, has assisted with the arrangements.