Kurt Morris Christopher

We are saddened to announce the passing of Kurt Morris Christopher, 61 yrs old of Gaithersburg MD on 2/2/23. He was born in Spokane, WA and resided in Florida for much of his childhood before moving to the Washington DC area. Kurt was preceded in death by his father, Maxwell G. Christopher (Pat). Kurt is survived by his wife of 36 years, Ethelyn, and their children Ben and Adam. Also survived by his mother, Virginia Hawker (Tracy Schwarz) of Elkins, WV, brothers Eric Christopher (Hannah) of Kennett Square, PA, Michael Christopher (Lucy) of San Marcos CA, and sister Heidi Christopher Cloonan (Randy) of Port Clinton, OH. Kurt was also survived by Ethelyn’s brothers David Schaeffer (Kim), Eric Shaeffer, Michael Schaeffer and Brent Schaeffer (Faith “Mpopo”) as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Family reunions brought him much joy every Thanksgiving. After his grandparents passed, Kurt often led those gathered in giving thanks for his large and loving family.

Kurt was an avid soccer player in his younger years and then became a fly fishing enthusiast at one of his favorite places to visit, the Schaeffer family cabin in Hendersonville, NC. He would sometimes stay an extra week after all family left to fish on his own and immerse himself in nature which he so truly loved. Kurt had recently become a birding expert and hiker – especially on the Potomac River or on Sugarloaf Mountain. Chincoteague Island was another special location that Kurt loved for family reunions – laughing, boating, fishing, enjoying a seafood feast, hiking. Like his siblings, Kurt was always drawn to the water. He visited his brother many times at his house on the bay in Essex, MD and recently drove all the way to Lake Erie for his sister’s wedding.

Hard work and loyalty to commitment were trademarks everyone will remember about Kurt. He worked over 40 years for Roberts Oxygen in several locations in the Gaithersburg, MD area.

Kurt will be remembered for his dry wit, his knowledge of nature and fishing and how to properly cook a pot of collard greens. He had a deep love of music – especially southern and classic rock and blues. Kurt was proud of the singing of his mother and found comfort in hearing her voice. He was a teacher to his family because of his lifelong ability to focus on whatever subject caught his imagination.

Kurt was a caretaker of others in the most quiet, unassuming way. He cared for people before others even noticed the need. No thank you was ever expected but the gestures will be remembered by all whose path he crossed.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 11:00AM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 16420 Westland Drive, Gaithersburg, MD. (There will be a light luncheon and social hour immediately following at Shepherd's Hall).

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.