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Christopher Al-Aswad Obituary

Al-Aswad, Christopher R. age 31; dear son of Basel Al-Aswad, M.D. and the late Rosalind D. Al-Aswad; dear brother of Mandy Al-Aswad and Susan O'Connell; nephew of Tiana (Hassan, M.D.) Kieso; uncle of Haley, Sean and Matthew O'Connell; cousin of Saad and Reem Kieso, and Yasmine Chelico. Visitation Friday 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Wake Service Friday 7:00 PM. Funeral Service Saturday 11:00 AM at Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan Funeral Home, 4343 Main St. (1 blk. S. of Ogden) Downers Grove. Interment Bronswood Cemetery. Memorials to Shem Center for Interfaith Spirituality, 708 North Harvey Avenue. Oak Park, Illinois, 60302 or Rosalind D. Al-Aswad Memorial Fund, The School of The Art Institute of Chicago Office of Development at 37 S. Wabash, Suite 818, Chicago, IL 60603. Funeral information 630-968-1000 or www.adamswinterfieldsullivan. com

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jul. 29, 2010.
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Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Al-Aswad

Sponsored by Carmelita Caruana, Bologna, Italy.

Not sure what to say?





Remembering you, Dear Chris, and your special qualities.

Paul Morris

Friend

July 23, 2023

I have always wished that I had known him, but more than that even, I wished we could have had a good conversation over dinner, about all things.
However, even though I didn't have that privilege, I still mourn his loss and am sad for his dad, his sister and all who loved him. I know there are too many to count.
I think he was a person who, as they say, left his footprint on many hearts.

HOLLY BEATY

Friend

July 28, 2020

Dear Son, on this date your 10th anniversary I can honesty say that we both made it. I survived,evolved and transformed as I explain in my letter https://www.escapeintolife.com/blog/via-basel-my-son-my-voice/
and you are remembered and kept alive in that sense. Love ...Dad

Basel Al-Aswad

Father

July 27, 2020

Ten years on and your light still dazzling, still strong, your absence somehow a presence.

C

Carmelita Caruana

Friend

July 24, 2020

I am an artist, writer and arts and health activist living in Yorkshire UK. When I connected with Chris through his amazing, visionary and open ended website I connected with Chris as a kindred spirit in his profound belief in the creative intelligence that exists to elevate and clarify our lives. I still miss Chris and the conversations and debates we had and I celebrate my life being touched by his. A creative and loving spirit and a soul with a code that celebrated the outsider, the visionary and the creative spirit.

John Holt

Friend

July 23, 2020

Very sad to hear the news for the first time. I remember Chris from grade school, though I didn't know him well. I'm very sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Joseph E

August 12, 2015

My dear Chris,

You had said I'd regret your having entered my life but you know what I regret? Your having left it.

Thinking of you often, missing you so much, still, two years on, two years since the last time I heard your voice on the phone.

Carmelita

July 28, 2012

Hi Chris
I stumbled upon Blog of Innocence whilst sitting in bed as the breeze blew through the open French doors and the tree festooned with yellow flowers danced along. your beautiful poems hummed in my brain. Thank you
Jennifer,Sydney,Australia

Jennifer Anderson

December 27, 2011

Happy Birthday wherever you are Chris, wherever you've escaped to!

Carmelita

July 16, 2011

Hi Chris-

I stumbled onto the Blog Of Innocence by accident, and always looked forward to your posts there. We had a couple of short exchanges on Twitter, which I appreciated - I wish there had been more.

I was always struck by the depth of thought and feeling you put into your posts, and I am saddened to hear that you're no longer with us in this realm. I'm certain, however, the quest your soul was on when you were with us has just moved into a different space and I like to think of there observing, thinking, feeling, and, above all, appreciating beauty in all its forms just as you did when you were here.

Godspeed, Chris. And I wish love, light, and comfort to your family and friends.

Darin Wilson

February 24, 2011

Today I remember you with a smile.

February 14, 2011

Son,it has been six months since you "escaped". Yet, You are with me every remaining day of my life as I read your journals and reflect on past memories. We all miss you, family and friends.

I am comforted and uplifted by all the entries in this guest book from people all over the world. Your Legacy shall continue in Escapeintolife.
Stay in Peace until we meet again.
Dad

Basel

January 27, 2011

I miss you and hope you have peace now.

December 20, 2010

So sorry to learn this sad news. What a talented writer and genuine person.

S Spencer

December 19, 2010

I am awed.

Terri McCord

November 29, 2010

Oh my gosh. I am so sorry, Lethe. I am so sorry for us, for you have left us to contemplate life without your inspiring words. I only knew you as Lethe, only through Twitter, but you have inspired me to be more brave, more careful, more carefree in all that I do. I wish I told you. I wish I knew, before I left Twitter for three months, that I would never tweet at you again. Rest in eternal peace.

Lidiya

November 22, 2010

I only knew Chris briefly, from his first contacting me as Lethe through to the interview I received from him several months ago. I am so very sorry to hear of his passing. He was lovely; so creative, and he never had anything but kindness in his way. He is sorely missed. I am happy to see his legacy carried forward and, though I wish he were here to see it in person, I know that he will be orchestrating the creatives in God's house. Thank you Chris for all your kind words and for your vision. Condolences to all those who loved him, he lingers still.

Ana Maria Seaton, Renmeleon

November 14, 2010

I only knew Chris through his blog which I found by accident, looking for inspiration, I found it on his blog. The artwork that he selected to display, and just the spirit of the person behind his prose. I was inspired in many ways by his blog and his compelling stories that made me question my own feelings about things in this world. My heart goes out to the family and friends of Chris, I wish I had been able to meet him in person. His writing was so personal, it made you feel close to him in some way. I hadn't received any updated blogs and just looked it up to see that he has passed and so young. He will be greatly missed, thank you for having such a wonderful son who shared himself with the world.

Lisa Noble

November 12, 2010

I am deeply saddened to hear of Chris's passing-such an incredible young, hard working, visionary and talented man. He was a vehicle for creating such goodness on so many levels by observing, publishing and encouraging others to contribute. I had written him a thank you note for featuring my art at the end of June and he wrote me back. I remember thinking how few people actually are able to achieve what he has by encouraging people to think, engage and interact with art on a daily basis. I imagined how many lonely and long hours it took to create such things as this blog-one could see this because it was so well done. Thanks for keeping his site alive dear family and friends. My deepest sympathies to you-your son, your brother, your nephew, your dear friend. We will miss this modern day shaman of art and brotherhood and thanks for keeping his spirit alive in this forum.
I feel heartbroken by this sad news but lifted by all he accomplished in his short life by touching so many others lives.

Cathie Bleck

November 4, 2010

Christopher was brilliant, and reading his writing and the arts and writings of those he published in his on-line journal was always inspiring, a treat, but it was his honesty about his life, his feelings, even in the seemingly unimportant everyday, that touched my heart. I never met Christopher, and yet I feel stricken by his loss. He was a guiding light and a person who was not afraid of vulnerability. I grieve his passing. Deepest condolences to his family.

Brenda Clews

November 1, 2010

I'm terribly sorry. I haven't been on twitter much of late, but I will miss his tweets greatly; they were very inspirational and I consider this to be a great loss from the online family whom I've never met in person.

Robert Powell

October 31, 2010

Chris is an awesome soul and I'm honored to have been his friend.

Carlos Duran

October 31, 2010

Blessings and love to all of Chris Al-Aswad's family.

Thanks to Chris for all the support and the respect given toward the thoughts and ideas of others. You leave the legacy of a truly genuine person, whether it was on twitter or over the telephone. I am sorry you could not stay longer to share more of yourself. I am humbled by our lose of you, and chastened by your model of consistency, hard focused-work and genuine kindness toward others.

Thinking about how much Chris touched people after reading all the comments here posted, and noticing how many of those where people he met online, leaves me thinking about a good many things with respect to the way we live and share our lives. (Wondering about my decision to spend much less time online.) At the end of the day, the death of a cherished person never quenches love.

Thanks for sharing Chris.
Rest in peace; my hope is that you now walk in light.

Mark Philip Venema

October 7, 2010

You were too young to disappear into the void.

Dani Villanueva

October 4, 2010

I only found Chris's blog a week ago, I didn't have much time to read it so I went back to it today. It touched me immensely and I was really inspired and excited at the prospect of reading future entries - and only after visiting Escape into Life did I realise that Chris had passed away. I did not know him or of him during his lifetime but I hope that what he has shared so generously of himself will continute to touch and inspire.

Nikki

October 2, 2010

I have so many great memories of growing up with Chris. He was a big part of my childhood. We lost touch as our lives went in different directions but he could never be forgotten.
Love and prayers to his family and friends.

M Incrocci

September 30, 2010

I was traveling and didn't know that Chris had passed...I was in the middle of an article and it wasn't like him not to respond. He was always so encouraging and responsive. He got me to write art criticism again after many years. What a huge loss to the writing community and I can't image how his family must feel. Chris was well loved out here in the art ether and will be sorely missed by those of us who wrote for him. Allison A. Davis, San Francisco

Allison Davis

September 27, 2010

much love and blessings

chris cole

September 16, 2010

Chris, you were a wonderful human being. Although, I did not get the chance to meet you in person (I planned to). I enjoyed being one of your Twitter PeePs. I love you bro'!!! I just found out 3 days ago. I was wondering where you were. I thought maybe you had powered down from Tweeting! Then, I received the message from Teia (via @blogofinnocence) that you had passed away. I want to say thank you Chris for inspiring me to write, and I will continue to do so. I know you are still alive and well and some other dimension because life is a continuum. Yet, it still hurts. I miss seeing you in the Twitter stream saying goodnight while everyone else was saying good morning. We had been friends for a year, but I felt like I had known you for years. I just understood you. You were so talented. I have to read all of your essays. Thanks for creating a masterpiece for us to revisit over and over. ~~~Vaya con Dios!!!

T Jolly

September 1, 2010

marcia wechsler

August 30, 2010

I just heard of Chris' passing, and am deeply saddened. Condolences to his family and friends for having lost him. He was a lovely human being, and extremely kind, positive, talented, intelligent and passionate...and a wonderful writer and artist. He will definitely be missed.

Julie Andrijeski

August 29, 2010

Ouch. That's so young to die. I only barely knew Al-Aswad on a Twitter basis. With so many artists to follow, I hadn't seriously looked into what he was doing, but when I saw someone tweet a dedication of remembrance to his life it startled me. I got to looking into what he was doing, and it was very impressive. So sad to see the life of an ambitious, brilliant entrepreneur snuffed out.

Martyn Chamberlin

August 24, 2010

I feel so very sad and sorry to read about Chris' passing – almost missing words…

I only "knew" him online on StumbleUpon, Twitter and Facebook. Interchaning some mails concerning an interview I published on EIL.

EIL was not just an amazing art-magazine online but his life. He put everything into it. If this sentence 'it will never be the same as it was before' matches the truth it does with Chris' project, EIL.

A great has person has gone. We will miss him.

Klaus-Dieter Knoll

August 14, 2010

I've only just found out - I thought he'd just gone quiet again as he said he was putting everything into EIL.

I never actually met Chris but he found me on Twitter and at the time I had just stuffed up my second attempt at science career. He enthused me back to my art and writing.

I feel I owe him a hug thanks but now can never tell him that. Plus who am I going to chat with during my insomnia nights?

Condolances to the family and friends :(

Sarah/Saffy

Sarah Snell-Pym

August 12, 2010

Ed Cross

August 10, 2010

Ed Cross

August 10, 2010

I had just know Chris for a short while. Chris was a kind man who loved his family, work and friends. Chris was a man who would do anything just to put a smile on you face. I send my condolences to his family, friends and funs all over the world. We have truly lost an angel amongst us. Chris you will be truly missed. ( Christine Peoria IL).

Christine K

August 8, 2010

May Rammo

August 7, 2010

May Rammo

August 7, 2010

May Rammo

August 7, 2010

I am shocked to hear of Chris' passing. We had been connecting via "direct messaging" for about a year, now. I was hoping to introduce him to my son who is a writer, but now that will be impossible. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Joan Carrara

August 7, 2010

Firstly my sincere condolences to the Al-Aswad family and friends for this sad loss. I only knew Chris through the virtual world - but I can tell you - even in this medium he conveyed his kindness and his love of people. I was deeply shocked to hear of his passing, but I am sure that he would want his journal and blog to continue. He was the son, brother and friend to be proud of, a young man whose very real talent is evident in everything he wrote. I was amazed by the sheer breadth of his interest in art and poetry. He got people writing (like me) and he got people to produce art. An incredible man and I shall miss his presence.

Stephen Pain

August 6, 2010

Thanks for all of your good work Chris.

Peace to your family.

Continue Lightward.

Bo Bartlett

August 6, 2010

Chris inspired me, he reawakened the writer in me, he encouraged me. He asked, several times, if I would submit something, but I was too introverted. Chris, I promise that I will not hold back any longer. I've been invited to read some of my poems at an event in September and I will do it in your memory. Here is one of them, just published.

ACCIDENT CLAIMS DREAM AT DEADLY CROSSING

There was a nasty accident yesterday
at the intersection of "My Aspirations"
and "This Is How It’s Going To Be."

“He never saw it coming,” witnesses proclaimed.
“Totally blindsided,” said one.
“You should have seen the look on his face,” said another.

Authorities summoned to the scene
wrote down the usual description – white male, 58, balding –
but so many details escaped them.

Their report captured nothing of the man,
the anticipation of better things …
the hopes dashed…
the plans undone…
the passion to go on, nonetheless.
It was all just grisly details to these hardened observers.

“Should’ve been paying closer attention.”
“I’ve seen it a hundred times.”
“Tough break.”

But their being right doesn’t make it right.
We tally the losses but do not weigh the consequences
of the dying dreams, the good things left unfinished.
We mumble something about fate
and turn the page to look for better news.

“Move along, folks. There’s nothing to see here.”

Bob Young

August 5, 2010

My deepest sympathies to your family. Chris was an inspiration.

Tamera Rooney

August 5, 2010

With deepest sympathy to the Al-Aswad family. You will continue in our thoughts and prayers. Chris was a truly amazing individual whose life touched so many people and continues to with a beautiful ripple. He packed more life into his all too short 31 years than most people do in a much longer lifetime. He is sorely missed.

Amy Henderson

August 4, 2010

Thank you Chris for all the wonderful things that you showed us. Your great passion for art and beauty i will miss terribly.

Flocco Glocco

August 4, 2010

My condolences to Chris' family. Though words seldom lift grieving hearts I am grateful for the all-to-short legacy of Chris' words and work for the art of creative expression in its various forms.

Terrill Welch

August 4, 2010

Chris was a very special person. He has left a legacy of beautiful words and broken hearts. We will miss him dearly.

Lara Cory

August 3, 2010

was shocked and saddened to hear about Chris, my love and condolences to the family , he will be remembered , his intelligence , his passion in all the words hes left behind for us. Kavita

Kavita Sagrani

August 3, 2010

I will miss knowing you are somewhere out there Chris.
You knew what truly touched people and you reached us all through art.
Beyond paintings, photographs, poems you passionately made us discover, your gentleness, generosity and intelligence will be remembered.

Thank you for everything Chris.

Jessica Pham

August 3, 2010

My deepest condolences to you

Peter Seelig

August 3, 2010

so sorry....a blessing that will be missed......

Laura Gould

August 3, 2010

I am so sorry for your loss. Chris shone a beautiful light on art. His eye for great work was unfailing and his generosity, so gracious.

Marie Angell

August 3, 2010

Such terrible news. Chris did a great deal to spread inspiration & influence to the creative community. We'll miss your insight Chris. Peace be with you x

Matt Williams

August 3, 2010

In the last few months Chris and I were e-mailing a lot. I was writing for him and helping his with Escape.

I was so impressed with Chris is every way.

My hear is broken today.

This is the saddest news.

Scott Rothstein

August 3, 2010

Chris blazed a trail across all the arts in an open and embracing way that merely asked for engagement, dialogue and serious mindedness about our own creative processes back. I want to thank him especially for that, for dragging a disparate group of creative minds scattered around the globe and forging us into a community where we could better talk to one another and swap ideas. On a one to one basis, Chris wrote fantastically stimulating essays on his Blog Of Innocence which is where I first encountered him and he honed my mind in sharp, intelligent debate about our creative processes.

The world and the arts world is a distinctly poorer place for his passing.

Rest easy Chris

Marc Nash

August 3, 2010

I have been following "@Escapintolife" on Twitter for a time. The quality and quantity of art shared there has enriched my life. Thank you Chris.

To Chris's family and close friends, with this candle comes tender wishes, to you, for peace. Always and forever.

S Yeagle

August 3, 2010

Chris's tweets via "Escape Into Life" have been a consistent highlight in my daily online life. I am inspired as much by his passion and tireless love of art as I am the artists he featured. The brief messages we exchanged left me hopeful and excited for the future of "Escape Into Life" and the growth of our online art community. He will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

Gilbert Ruiz

August 3, 2010

I am very sorry for your loss. I loved Chris' site "Escape into Life" and the beautiful art that brought joy to me on the other side of the world.

Tatiana

August 3, 2010

The only thing that maybe surpassed Chris' passion for the arts was his capacity for kindness. I count myself blessed to have been on the receiving end so many times. I miss him more than I can say. My heart goes out to the Al-Aswad family and to all of his friends.

Valerie Kamikubo

August 2, 2010

Kushlani Jayasinha

August 2, 2010

My conversations with Chris and the opportunity to read some of his ongoing writing projects was always, always, inspiring. Everytime we "talked" via dm he made me think of things in a new way, often made me laugh. The opportunities and comments he offered me are treasured.
Most of all, however, the giant gift to my everyday life and education of the website "Escape into Life" and the connections with the contributors and the artists he included made many many days brighter. For me knowledge about the art I saw meant as much as the opportunity to see new work. Chris always had a knack for knowing what would be fascinating. I miss him today, and in the small ways that our lives touched I will always miss him.

Stacy Ericson

August 2, 2010

So sorry for your loss. Chris' extraordinary love for the arts will continue to inspire countless people, including me. He will not be forgotten.

Jonathan Everitt

August 2, 2010

Chris's tireless devotion to the exploration of the arts has been a joy and inspiration. My sympathy to his friends and family.

Keith Link

August 2, 2010

Since learning of Chris' death, my thoughts have consistently returned to the pleasant surprise of our first contact. With his consciousness of human nature, he brightened my days. I send my condolences to his family, loved ones and all else who were uplifted by his presence; and wish for you Peace and continuous Happy Memories of your time with him. I will miss his presence, yet rejoice in his influence in my life.

Micalanne

August 2, 2010

As someone new to Twitter, I only became aware of Chris and his amazing work in Escape into Life through his final escape. I have become aware of how much I have missed and how much we have all lost. My heart goes out to his family and his friends. I feel sure that his legacy will live on.

artvaughan

August 2, 2010

My deepest condolences to Chris's family, friends and all the people who's lives he touched. He touched my life, introduced me to amazing art and people and always brightened my day when I encountered him on twitter. I will miss Chris, and I hope that his work in Escape into Life will continue his legacy of sharing.

Spyros Heniadis

August 2, 2010

Truly some people have a strength and radiance that inspires others to shine..Chris clearly touched the hearts and souls of so many friends, encouraging beauty in this world of ours...he will never be forgotten in our hearts-what a bright star he will always be. Love, Lindy

Lindy Michaels

August 2, 2010

You showed me something new and beautiful everyday. I will miss you terribly. And I know many, many people will.

Remittance Girl

August 2, 2010

Remittance Girl

August 2, 2010

Chris and his loved ones are in my thoughts. His contributions to the art world, and my daily life, are tremendous.
Twitter will never be the same.

Jen Ashmen

August 2, 2010

I knew of Chris through Escape into Life and though I did not know him personally I loved his work. He will be deeply missed and my deepest condolences to his family.

Greg Louderman

August 2, 2010

Thank you Chris for your tremendous care and outpouring for artists and the art they create. I miss seeing your daily interactions with people from all over the world. You've made a great impression on me.

Ryan Houck

August 2, 2010

The light you gave,
you give still.
Thank you Christopher

Andrew Crane

August 2, 2010

My condolences to the Al-Aswad family. I am so sorry for your loss. Chris and all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Noura Dabbouseh

August 2, 2010

I first encountered one Lethe Bashar in May 2009, soon after I joined Twitter. I don't remember who followed whom, but I suspect I followed him as a contact in the art world. We spoke on stream and in DMs of many things, including giving up smoking, and he, almost shyly, pointed me at Escape Into Life. Earlier this year, I noticed I hadn't heard from him in a while, but the EIL account was still running. Then this new fellow, Chris Al-Aswad popped up in my stream, pointing at may of the same things Lethe had, and EIL. I didn't make the connection, unfortunately, and now I won't be able to welcome him out of the shadows. We never met, we never spoke aloud, and yet we were friends. Goodbye, Chris. Escape into a new life.

Mark Harris

August 2, 2010

Chris era una persona excepcional, no tenia preferencia encuanto al Arte y siempre trataba con respeto a todos, de la misma manera era su informacion imparcial y constantemente informativa, Lo voy a extranar mucho, a la familia mis oraciones estan con ustedes en este momento de gran perdida.

Chris was very impartial when it came to Art and Escape into Life has always being since the beginning, a great resource, always very respectful and great full in hes dealing with others.

I'm really going to miss him, To the Family my sincere Empathy, my prayers and Heart, goes with you in this moment of great loss.

Mary Vargas

August 2, 2010

You will always be a source of inspiration, Chris. I admire the passion and dedication with which you mastered the art of promoting art in all its forms, and your writings. Your personality will stay alive through your exemplary work, and I am deeply grateful for your encouragement and support.

Jonahh Oestreich

August 2, 2010

We have to let you go now. Chris you are deeply missed in Twitterland. Thank you for your vision...
My thoughts are with Chris's family and his close friends

Verena Baumann

August 2, 2010

His untiring promotion of the arts online remain as an encouragement and inspiration to all artists.
Thank you Chris.

Peter Hobden

August 2, 2010

Chris was loved by many not only for his remarkable knowledge in the arts, but also for his outgoing and expressive personality. He will be missed deeply.

Adriana Mullen

August 2, 2010

I want to thank Chris for his contribution to the art world. The art community will never be the same w/out him. My condolences to his family. May his work live on.

August 2, 2010

His untiring promotion of the arts online, remains an encouragement and an inspiration for all artists.
Thank you Chris.

Peter Hobden

August 2, 2010

maryyoko ..with inspiration from Chris and loving memory

mary yoko

August 2, 2010

It is always hardest for family and loved ones left behind. Our deepest sympathies...

Desirée and Ian Talbot

August 2, 2010

So sorry and touched to hear about Chris, his words, work and the way people feel about him are a great legacy.

Alison Wells

August 2, 2010

I knew Chris from Twitter, where he spread his love for art and promoted artists. He was a kind man who will be sorely missed. My sincere condolances to his family and friends (all over the world).

David Sandum

August 2, 2010

The words of writers never die, their lines take to finer forms which physical eyes can no longer read. Blessed Be Christopher

Chad Lilly

August 2, 2010

Although I never met him face to face, Chris had a huge impact on me in the short time I had the privilege of knowing him. He never failed to pass along inspiration. He is sorely missed.

Kat Ostrow

August 2, 2010

Chris brought beauty to many people, sharing his appreciation of art with so many of us. He will be missed by thousands and thousands of strangers- so I can only imagine how your hearts are breaking. Know that he will not be forgotten and his work will be a forever monument to the countless lives he touched.

Miriam MacDonald

August 2, 2010

That so many who never met Chris were so affected by his generous spirit and his deep commitment to art is a testament and legacy. I hope his family will find some consolation in this truth.

Jay Adler

August 2, 2010

Chris, you opened our eyes for the beauty of art in all it's forms. You teached and inspired us every day. Always a sincere, brilliant, hard-working and very kind person. Glad you brightened my stream and surprised me everytime with your brilliant tweets. I'm honored to have connected with such a gifted person. You will be missed by so many, but you always will be close to us in our hearts and through Escape Into Life. My deepest sympathies to the family and friends.

Hugs dear Chris, i will miss you

Cindy Vriend

August 2, 2010

I love the Escape into LIfe site and I do love the Chris mind. He was very clever and sensible to find always new things to inspire us. I hope his work never dies.

Pablo Lara H

August 2, 2010

Avevo conosciuto Chris da poco, ma mi manca molto. Una grande perdita per il mondo dell'arte.
My condolences to Chris' families.

Chris, Your art lives in us.

Giancarlo Drago

August 2, 2010

I know Chris because of Twitter and his web site. He shared so many beautiful things. Sending my sincere sympathy to family members and friends for your loss.

Terri Nakamura

August 2, 2010

Chris was a tireless inspiration to so many. A wonderful mind and a wonderful man.

Dan Holloway

August 2, 2010

Hi to Chris' family! You are in my thoughts and prayers. Here's my tribute to the best mentor in the world: http://lauralawson.blogspot.com/2010/07/boy-meets-girl.html

Laura Lawson

August 2, 2010

When I chanced upon Chris through Twitter, I found his passion and love for the arts breathtaking. He expressed his deep love and appreciation for the creative spirit in so many ways and forums. I was astonished at how prolific his output was...poetry....essays....gathering together unknown artists and sharing their wonderful work with an art starved public.

I believe his work is monumental and I dearly hope that a credible art publication can somehow honor the quality of his contribution and carry it further...the world needs to share and experience his love for art; for our common humanity understands that he has done a great service to bring to light the wonders of art to all of us. 

Even more, was his large heart and compassion for all struggling creative people....he was a true artist himself. I never met him, but he touched me deeply through his words. My condolances to his loved ones and blessings to you Chris in your eternal beautiful journey, I miss your daily tweets sorely.

Athena Taylor

August 1, 2010

Chris was an extremely special person, all who had contact with him felt this. He tried especially to connect and lift artists with his tireless commitment to creating connections and knowledge. He is greatly missed.

Noel Noel

August 1, 2010

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We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

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Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

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The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

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Ways to honor Christopher Al-Aswad's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

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Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

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How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

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