Christoffer M. Carstanjen
1967 - 2001
Christoffer M. Carstanjen, 33 - '98PC800 Nebuchadnezzar
"There is no end.
There is no beginning. There is only the infinite passion of life."
--
Frederico Fellini
Chris was tragically killed on September 11, 2001 by an act of terrorism.
He
was a passenger on United Flight 175 from Boston to L.A.,
on his way to the west coast to join The Great Pacific Coast 2001 Motorcycle
Ride.
Rest in Peace, My
Brother.
We pause in a moment of silence for Christoffer and all who
were lost on 9/11. In some ways, it seems like the attack on America was
just yesterday as we're still in pain. The memories of shock, disbelief, and
grieving will follow us forever. In other ways, the
passing years have provided us with time for remembering the lost and time for
healing.
Although the grief will remain, so will the memories of all the happy
times
that we had together with Chris.
Please join us for "The 2003 Great New England Fall Colors Tour and
Christoffer Carstanjen Memorial Ride" on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2003.
Rest in peace, my brother.
+Peter+
Details
for The 2003 Great New England Fall Colors Tour and
Christoffer Carstanjen Memorial Ride
Nighttime ceremonies at
Americade 2002 in June included a laser and slide show projected onto a shower
of water
(used a projection screen) constructed just for this event.
Chris' picture was projected onto this HUGE
waterfall during a 9/11 tribute and the picture above shows what it looked
like
from the audience.
(Note Chris' Americade shirt from June 2001.)
A memorial flag for Chris in Phoenix,
AZ (9/11/02)
(photo by Alex Vrenios)
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When Tomorrow Starts Without Me
Original author unknown (edited by Maggee Elderkin in memory of
Christoffer)
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National Prayer and other poems
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USA Today article (Sept. 18, 2001)
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Additional
Remembrances by members of
the Internet
Pacific Coast Riders Club
Christoffer's family wants to express their appreciation for the love and concern they feel coming from his friends. They also note that a memorial fund has been established in his name. It will help support education and the myriad of activities close to his heart. If you would like to make a contribution, the address is:
"The Christoffer Carstanjen Memorial Fund"
Cape Cod 5
c/o Paige Pennypacker
P.O. Box 86
Orleans, MA 02653
A memorial service is being planned for September 29, 2001 at the First Congregational Church, Main St., Sunderland, MA. This will be held after the Memorial Ride (Chris' Fall Color Tour). Additional information will be supplied as it becomes available.
1st Annual PC 800 Cape Ann Lobsta & Chowda Tour (6/16/01)
Chris with Tim Davies (Fall Color Tour 2000)
Fall Color Tour 2000 (Chris second from right)
Fall Color Tour 2000 (Chris second from left)
Chris' lonely '98PC800, Nebuchadnezzar
An email sent to the Sinofsky family by Mary (Christoffer's mother):
Dear Darren & Pam (& Nicholas), I have spent hours
reading those posts! I cannot tell you how moved I am at the outpouring of love
and friendship for Chris. He was my oldest child...the 'practice' baby and we
endured some difficult times, but nothing that we couldn't deal with, and
nothing that seemed more than we could handle. Until now. He adored his PC800
and all that went with it. He had the zeal of a convert! When he boarded that
plane, he was as happy in his life, as ever I've known him. That gives me
comfort in the midst of this senseless carnage. When his dad, Mikael Carstanjen
and his brothers, Jan Carstanjen (who is 5 years younger than Chris) and Dan
Jones (14), and I went to his house on Thursday to go through papers, look for
keys - wade through the trappings of daily life - Dan and I were the first to
arrive. Chris's PC800 was meticulously covered (as I knew it would be) in the
driveway. Placed carefully next to the front wheel were pots of flowers, one
with a flag. I nearly lost it then. The one thing that his brother Jan wanted
was the PC800. "Mother, this bike IS Chris for me." Jan and Chris may
have 'gone at it' a few times, but there was always a closeness and desire to
'follow' his big brother. I know that Jan will do him proud. With a care I
haven't seen in a long time, the PC800 was loaded into his dad's van, anchored
with miles of rope, and is now on the Cape. I know that it won't be long before
Jan has his motorcycle license and is on the road.
"Chris was very special to all on the list, both those
who had the pleasure of meeting him and those who didn't.
He is greatly missed by all. I miss him already!" [Darren]
Darren, thank you for being our liaison - sort of a Happy Valley Lawyer - but it
is making a difficult task much easier. I know that his dad and Jan intend to
come to the Memorial that has been set up in conjunction with the Fall Tour.
I'll be there with Dan and Julianne (my baby, at 10...23 years between Chris and
Julianne!), my 'second brood'. Please pass along my thoughts to the PC list -
their kind words have made a difference in my life. Thank you so much - and see
you on the 29th. Fondly, Mary (September 16, 2001)
The following are quotes taken from Chris' web site:
"See - life isn't that bad and you didn't even have to pester someone to get the information. I am a like you, have my ups and downs, have dreams and goals...."
"Best of all.....
Keep healthy, wealthy and wise. Your job is important, but don't
live for just your job! Keep active and an open mind. Practice random acts of
kindness. Complement someone each day. Listen to all sides of a story before
making a decision. Don't be afraid to admitting on being wrong. Learn the
meaning of Life. Try, please try, to live within your means. Don't worry about
saving money for your kids' college costs, it means lots more if they pay their
own way. Save at least 15% of what you make for retirement. Try to meet someone
new everyday. Ann Landers really means well. Plan for the future. Listen and
surround yourself with positive people and speakers. Don't let the turkeys get
you down. Write when you get work. :-)
Take care,
Christoffer"
Internet Pacific Coast Riders Club
Song credit: Superman performed by
Five for Fighting
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Marblehead, MA
This site originally created on 09/12/01.
This page was last updated on 12/11/03.