Sarah Ritter: Writer

Saying Goodbye to Chris Gay

One month ago, I received a phone call with the news that local CT author and personal friend, Chris Gay had passed away. As friends and family members gathered in remembrance of Chris, I had the opportunity to share some of my memories of Chris, and the impact that he had on all our lives:

Today, as we say goodbye to Chris, I stand before a community of people that he brought together. Many of you are family members who grew up with Chris, friends who played various sports with him, or perhaps are colleagues who chatted throughout the workday. But there are many, like me, who met Chris through his writing. Twenty years ago, I would never have imagined that a simple game of mini golf with a man who writes funny emails and plays hockey would evolve into a friendship spanning two decades.



Chris typically credited his “wit, charm and Lithuanian good looks” for his personal success and extensive network of friends. However, I credit Chris’ ability to befriend so many people with the overwhelming passion and enthusiasm he held for living a joyful life with his friends and family. His ability to sprinkle humor into any situation, transform historical facts into sarcastic satire, and of course, spontaneously erupt into a vocal fanfare of his favorite lyrics, all were examples of the enthusiasm you would be engulfed in during a casual visit with Chris.



Chris’ loyalty to his beloved Hartford Whalers, Buffalo Bills, and his home state were inserted into daily conversations and books he wrote. Chris maintained his childlike spirit of Christmas all through his life, which was evident by the presence of his nearly year-round Christmas tree. So, it was not a complete surprise when he wrote a novella about Kris Kringle and Santa Claus’ humble Connecticut origins.



Chris understood how important it was to cherish the time he had with those he loved and often sent messages of gratitude for those in his life. He was both an inspiration and a motivational coach, encouraging his friends to reach their personal goals, and celebrating our successes as if they were his own. He broke down the barriers between his friend groups and widened our own social circles. Chris always counted down the days to these special events, because seeing everyone there was the highlight of his year. After years of attending Chris’s annual gatherings, book events, sports games and various social engagements, once casual acquaintances transformed into lifelong friends.



Chris’s legacy will live on through the words and humor which brought so many people together, who may have never otherwise met. We will continue to be inspired by this man who accomplished his dreams of making people laugh though his writing and finding others to laugh alongside with. As his friends and family, we will keep our promises to Chris to live life to the fullest in his honor.



We will miss Chris, but on those days, we miss him most, we can read his books to see his personality come to life. Recently, re-reading the last few pages of his book: Kris Kringle: Santa Claus from Man to Myth, felt like receiving just a little bit of closure from him during this unexpected time:



“Kris looked down at his friends, who were looking up and waving to him. He waved back and, though certain that they couldn’t hear him, called out to them anyway. “Merry Christmas!”



May Chris be looking down on his friends and family now, watching us wave goodbye to him, as we let him know that we already miss him. May every single one of us always carry Christmas in our hearts, just as he did. May we continue to look out for each other, just as he looked out for us.



Chris, you are now reunited with your beloved younger sister, Chelsea, your mother Susan, and your aunt Gene. Rest in peace, my friend.

Saying Goodbye to Chris Gay One month ago, I received a phone call with the news that local CT author and personal friend, Chris Gay had passed away. As friends and family members gathered in remembrance of Chris, I had the o…