In Memory of Christopher Newton-Carter

Here is a eulogy from Chris' memorial service in the fall of 2001:

Chris Newton-Carter was a man rich in the values and blessings that good people everywhere strive to achieve. The most important thing in his life was his wife, Sue, who he cherished deeply. Chris expressed to me on many occasions the great happiness he had with Sue as his wife and partner. He also loved the home they shared and enjoyed being there with her more than anything else in his life.

Chris possessed tremendous love for his family and friends. By his nature, he was gentle, caring, and sensitive and he regularly combined this with his calmness and sense of humor to help family and friends with their issues and troubles. I know Chris would be here now, if he could be, telling us that things would be alright and not to be upset.

Chris was content with his life, he asked for very little and gave so much. At the office, Chris would arrive at about 7:15 in the morning. All Chris wanted was his 10 minutes to eat his breakfast in peace and then he would run non-stop for the next 9 to 12 hours. As a technologist, he held two jobs in running the firm’s computer systems, when a problem occurred he would first be a psychologist and calm down his tense co-workers with his lovable style, then he would change hats and fix the problem. Everyone in the office knew what a great person he was and liked working with him. 

Chris had two other great loves, for the United States and for his mother England. He retained the proper behavior of an English gentleman. He loved to travel back to England to visit family and friends and to just do some sightseeing. But his home, his heart, and his soul-mate were here now and he enjoyed being an American. Chris we will miss you dearly....

I would like to read a poem written by Chris’ friends Ian and Corrine MacRae who could not be with us today since they live in Perth, Australia:

Chris's mix of Italian and public school
Made his demeanor a blend of emotion and cool.
He was contented, reserved and easy to please,
But at the smallest excuse would erupt in laughter with ease.
A gift for outrageous understatement,
But with intense interest in what others would say.

Modest, self-effacing, a reliable friend,
One you would trust to the very end.
So happy in America, where opportunity beckoned,
With Sue, a soul mate, that's what he reckoned.
But he never left his friends and his family, they're close,
We knew he'd be there for us when it mattered.

I've checked all the photos I have in my file,
Each one is of Chris bearing an enormous smile.
They remind of the quips and wise cracks without end,
But to all of us we've lost the dearest of friends.
From many miles away, our hearts are with you,
We are sad, distraught... your loss is ours too.

*** Posted by John Faeth on 2006-10-20 ***

I knew Chris nearly 30 years ago and he was such a genuine lovely man what a loss

*** Posted by susan Sweet on 2004-07-02 ***

Christopher was in my year at Stonyhurst and after leaving we kept in touch. I was a student living in north London and Christopher introduced me to the Hendon Rugby Club where we both played for one season. I remember meeting his brother Mark and sister Teresa. One one occasion I recall Christopher and I were returning from a game in his old Ford Popular when the car broke down and before long there was a minor pile up. Luckily no one was badly hurt. Christopher was always great fun with a marvellous sense of humour. My sincere condolences to his wife and family. I am sure you still miss him so much.

*** Posted by Christopher Fleming-Jones (Cambridge) on 2004-03-07 ***

This is something I came across while going through some stuff to do with my wonderful brother that I still miss so much.  When I read it I felt he was talking to me, and I cannot imagine a nicer thing to hear...

As much as I loved the life we had and all the time we played,
I was so very tired and knew my time on earth would fade.
I saw a wonderous image of a place that's trouble-free,
Where all of us can meet again to spend eternity.
I saw the most beautiful Rainbow, and on the other side
Were meadows rich and beautiful - lush and green and wide!
And running through the meadow as far as the eye can see,
Were animals of every sort as healthy as can be!
My own tired, failing body was fresh and healed and new
And I wanted to go run with them, but I had something left to do.
I needed to reach out to you, to tell you I'm alright
That this place is truly wonderful, then a bright Glow pierced the night.
Twas the Glow of many Candles shining bright and strong and bold
And I knew then that it held you love in it's brilliant shades of Gold.
For although we may not be together in the way we used to be,
We are still connected by a cord no eye can see.
So whenever you need to find me, we're never far apart
If you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart.

God bless you Chris,  I miss you so and long to be with you again.
Mark

*** Posted by Mark Newton-Carter on 2003-12-22 ***