Brian Scott Christman, artist, animal lover
Brian Scott Christman died suddenly in his home at 135 Chesapeake Dr., Rehoboth Beach, the evening of Tuesday, Sept 16, 2014.
He is survived by his partner of 28 years, Thomas F. Harris II; his mother and stepfather Marlene and Donald Prutzman; his stepsister Debra Schuler and her husband Darren Schuler; and his close friend and neighbor Travis Cleary in Cheverly, Md.
Brian was raised in Kunkletown, Pa. His and Thom’s primary residence was in Cheverly, and their half yearly home was Rehoboth Beach, in the Beachfield community. Brian would spend from May to October there, where he was able to concentrate on his artistic endeavors. It was to be their permanent retirement home in two years.
While in the Pennsylvania area he began work in his first career path, the hospitality industry. He worked in several hotels in the Pennsylvania area, in Miami, Fla., and finally arriving in Washington, D.C. in 1986 where he worked as comptroller in two different hotels in the Crystal City and Silver Spring area. He was an expert in the computer and accounting area, and combined these talents in working with Fidelio in the outfitting of hotels with specialized accounting systems throughout the country. His most memorable was one in South Beach, Fla., the Hotel Astor, which was owned by one of the Saudi Arabian princes. Brian was “forced” to be there almost three months on that project…during which time he and Thom were able to spend a great week-plus long vacation!
Brian next moved into the retail industry, working in various managerial positions with several retailers in the D.C. area. His last was as the assistant manager at the Godiva Boutique a few blocks up from the White House, where he met and served Hillary and Chelsea Clinton, Charles Krauthammer, and several other notables. He left retail when he had to go on medical disability about eight to10 years ago.
Brian’s interests were varied. He became an excellent painter of water colors, oils and acrylics. He had a few exhibits in Rehoboth Beach at the Anita Peghini-Raber Gallery, CAMP Rehoboth, and Luna Grill, on Connecticut Avenue, in Washington, D.C., where some of his works are still being exhibited. He was an annual donator of art to the CAMP Rehoboth Sundance, and to several charities in D.C. (most notable with Whitman Walker) where his artwork always drew a nice amount for the charities. A few of his works are in a college in Connecticut, who saw his work on line and asked for them. Of course, he donated them for their use. He has also participated as an art therapist in the Art for Prisoner Program at St. Elizabeth’s in D.C. His artwork can be seen on his website at: www.PaintingsbyBrian.Artspan.com.
He and Thom began 25 years ago to rescue their four-legged loves: their dogs and cats. Through the years they have had about 30 four-legged members of their family. At his unfortunate and too early demise, he and Thom had six dogs and one cat, which were indeed their “kids”. (Also two birds!) One of Brian’s rescue, 18 years ago was a little mini-Schnauzer he named Conrad Fitz O’Connor (ConCon, Connie or ConBoy for short!) who within a week of the rescue proved a miracle: he knew when Brian’s diabetes and insulin levels endangered him, and saved his life, warning him thousands of time over the 15-and-a-half years they were together. Surely Brian and his little Concon are now playing together in heaven.
Besides their home in Rehoboth, and the travels to it (exactly 112.8 miles from their driveway in Cheverly!) Brian and Thom enjoyed a few special vacations: time in London when Thom was with the U.S. Navy there (Thom worked, Brian toured with a Brit Rail Pass throughout the country!) Florida trips (South Beach and Key West), and two RSVP cruises: one thru Baja California waters and one, a surprise 22-year anniversary trip for Brian on the Queen Mary 2, to London six years ago…why wait for the normal 25!
He is sorely missed and totally irreplaceable. Thom, and their kids Maggie, Rory, Betsy Jane, Amy Katy, Rolly, Connie Rebecca, and Buttons will forever be loving him.
Friends may visit Saturday, Sept. 27, from 2 to 5 p.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes. A memorial service will be held at Aqua in Rehoboth Beach in October as well as a Mass at St. Ambrose Parish, in Cheverly, also in late October.
Donations may be made in his name to the American Diabetes Association or to the Prison Arts Foundation in Washington, D.C.
Please visit Brian’s Life Memorial and sign his online guest registry at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
