1997, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
0
I was privileged to work with CJ when he was at netaxs and he often had his own takes on how and why to get things done - often a breath of fresh air, sometimes constructive tension but always friendly! It was clear he was a free spirit and would be leaving to pursue his own passions (and not primarily money) at some point, and I was out of touch but followed his projects and passions from a distance.So sorry to hear he passed away so young.
1
I've had the privilege of knowing (and occasionally working with) CJ for about three decades, and I've enjoyed his generosity of spirit and his intellect since the day we met. I particularly appreciated his passion for the work of Buckminster Fuller. In fact, I learned of CJ's passing while looking up a best email address to send him an article on Bucky I'd just read. Chris' enthusiasm was contagious. I miss him, and I offer my condolences to his loved ones.
1
I was devastated to hear the "surprising" news that CJ is no more. I knew him through the Math Counts group, and I feel that his way of facilitating the group indicated the kind of person he was. He never acted like a teacher or authority figure, but was the ippidomy of "democracy" in education. Our Meetups, where we discussed sometimes complicated math and worked out problems, were an expression of the passion we all, coming from varied math backgrounds, felt for math. He'd often say things like "I wasn't able to do ANY of the problems", but then the insight that he had acquired came through. I remember him saying, often, after a particular problem had already been solved by us, "Does anybody have anything ELSE to say or ask about the problem?" He never stopped exploring, and he encouraged us to follow suit. We laughed a lot during the meetings, and often met more socially afterwards (whether at the cafe, before the pandemic, or on Jitzi). I miss CJ already and I know that in the near and far future, I'll miss him even more.
1
2013, Philadelphia, PA, USA
CJ and the rest of the audience at a PhillyLinux meeting
1
2015, Philadelphia, PA, USA
CJ leading a Philly Linux Meeting
1
2013, North Wales, PA, USA
CJ and Jeannie the Joseph wedding
1
2022, Bartram's Garden, Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, USA
The last petals for CJ. Saturday, December 10th 2022
1
I am mourning the loss of CJ. What a brilliant mind cut short. Despite his intellectual brilliance he also struck me as a modest, gentle, caring and kind person. His work renders him immortal- Dr. Rick Lippin
1
From Susan -
I first started attending the Greater Philadelphia Thinking Society meetup around ten years ago when my schedule opened up after being a non-attending member from 2008 on. I was a bit wary of groups because of other group experiences, but soon found myself eagerly attending, and especially when CJ was facilitating. One thing I truly loved was the skillful way CJ structured our discussions; no one dominated, all had a chance to share and be heard, and it never was about oneupmanship! How refreshing! I often told friends, and to this day still do, that being in attendance when CJ was “leading the charge” almost felt like I was at a Quaker meeting, with full respect for each and every person. As a person on the quiet side - at least in meetings - GPTS with CJ gave me the chance to feel comfortable talking or choosing not to talk. During the course of my life I have been in many group settings - of course - but never felt truly eager to “chime in” and have myself heard until I had the pleasure of coming to the Phoenix Building atrium and sharing the round table so brilliantly helmed by CJ. It was a pleasure to be there with the twelve or so other people that CJ so skillfully welcomed and put at ease. Additionally, CJ gifted all of us with the fruits of his labor, voluminous notes to guide us in our discussions. I often mention the gift to my life of CJ’s work and humanity. There is hope for us all if we can learn from the example that CJ set. In this age where people are often at loggerheads, we all need to sit down at the table together and begin to share and listen. I will continue to treasure my memories of CJ and his dedication to free and open intellectual discussion. It was a special time and CJ was a special person. I am so sorry that he was taken from us way too soon. I send my love to Jeannie and CJ’s family. CJ will be greatly missed by many people.
1
Just an anonymous PLUG user here. I had very little direct interaction with CJ. However, I did briefly have an interaction with him that spoke volumes to me about sort of stand up guy he was, and the character he possessed. A few years back, he had presented an opportunity to the PLUG user list (via his own linuxforce.net) that interested me. I responded to him about this opportunity with a few words, and a copy of my resume'. Two things to remember here as I continue....1. He didn't owe me a thing
2. He didn't know me from a can of paint
Regardless of the fact that after reviewing my resume' and determining that I would not be a good fit for the position; he still took the time to reach out to me via phone and talk to me. Again, this call was clearly after the decision was made that I was not a good fit for the position. After a brief chat in a professional context, the conversation turned into him providing me a great deal of wisdom, advice, and direction. It was these things that got me pointed in the right direction in my pursuit of future opportunities. He demonstrated and great deal of kindness and offered much more to someone who was a complete stranger. He demonstrated all the bullet points of just being an all around good guy. To his family, and friends.... I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Finally,To you Mr. Fearnley, wherever you are sir....... so long, and thanks for all the fish.
1
My condolences to CJ's family and friends. I first met CJ when I attended the Spring Garden EcoDistrict Meetings in Philadelphia. The group later transitioned to become the Philadelphia EcoDistrict Group. CJ was instrumental in the operation of tMartyhis group, maintaining the email list and providing tech support for each meeting. His contributions to the monthly discussions were well thought out and often illuminating. After he shared about his connection to the Philadelphia Thinking Society, I had the opportunity to join some of those meetings at the Free Library prior to the advent of COVID-19. CJ will be missed by all who knew him. I count myself fortunate to be in that group. Rest in peace, CJ.
1
Share with others
