A truly unforgettable guy! I’m happy to have received this notice on the anniversary. It’s good to reminisce about those who played an  important role  in your life. My memories still feel strong, and I will continue to hold on to them. 
To my cousin and forever friend… I love you, Chris.
 Love, Amy 💜

Missing seeing Chris on walks up Macomb St. I would have loved him to meet my beautiful dog. My heart goes out to Chris’s family and friends. These sad anniversarie are so difficult.

Sending the Drell family my wishes for comfort and closeness in memory of Chris. Chris was a beautiful soul, a lovely, thoughtful, and fun friend. He is forever in my heart. 
Patty Sachs


Chris Drell made you feel like you were the only person in the world. He would scream from across the room when he would first see you and hug you like you were his best friend. He brought so much joy wherever he went. There is absolutely no one like him — he was magical.

Halloween without Chris will not be the same.  Sitting here carving pumpkins and knowing I will miss my friend this Halloween and my kids will miss his contagious love of Halloween.  Knowing how he showed, by example, my self conscious 12 yr old how to embrace the fun! And be confident and outgoing and enjoy being a kid. 



It’s October already, and while walking up McComb St.  I miss seeing Chris at his house  raking leaves, practicing  his martial arts, or sitting on his porch. 

I will tenderly carry him in my heart, always, through every season.

My condolences to the family of this wonderful human being.  Chris was one of the nicest people I have met,  I was so happy to hear he was going to school and moving forward with his life....then I heard about this.  May the God Lord accept him into hisarms and may he find peace on the other side of life.  

My sincere condolences,


YWT

Chris was such a free spirit that literally cared for everyone who crossed his path and shared his life journey.  I met him through volunteering at Walter Reed in Bethesda, for a massage program where another mutual friend also was a massage therapist and dedicated volunteer.  Sometimes we would all carpool- I was unemployed for part of the time that we knew each other, and we would have such fun adventures in DC. He was always smiling- even when he was uncomfortable or couldn't sleep. Chris never talked badly about anyone despite their shortcomings and held his friends closely. He loved Kano- and would take him on these long walks in the neighborhood. I am very saddened to hear of Chris' passing. Rest In Peace my friend.

I really wanted to comment on Christopher, Michael if you have a minute give me a call, thanks buddy. IM right here in Adam's Morgan, like to chat a minute w you anytime about yr bro  thanks .
Chris Ander Anderson 
202 423-4282

EMAIL:  cwanderson2@outlook.com 

Later my friend!

The poem was so special and will stay with me forever with the memory of Chris. 
His beaming smile and affectionate personality will never be forgotten.  Memories of going to the farm with Chris where our 9 yr old drive got to drive for the first time with Chris cheering her on as loudly as you can imagine! 
Chris was so kind, funny, mischievous, and always eager to help.  
His friendliness will be unmatched in my lifetime. 
We will miss you dearly friend, Mike, Melina and Marley.  

One morning when Debbie and Chris were Visiting I was preparing to go to work.  I was under a lot of stress and had so much pain.  Chris somehow new this and put his hand on my shoulder. 

I was surprised that his hand was so hot. Emitting  warmth  and an energy!  Almost like a pulse or vibration of energy.  

He actually massages my shoulder for a moment and all my pain just went away. That is Chris! He was full of good vibes and helpfulness even to this old fart! 



My memories of Chris go back to the summer of 2002 when I met the Drells for the very first time. Fresh out of Peace Corps and on my way to grad school at George Mason, my boyfriend, Brad, (now my husband) and I had to find a place to live and earn some money to make our way. My mom suggested contacting a long-lost cousin who lived in D.C. and had a farm in Maryland because…what could be better for a couple of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers than working and living on a farm? It felt like a long shot, but I got in touch with cousin Larry to see if he might need some help. I didn’t feel there was much hope in this venture, but to my surprise, Larry was actually looking for help at his farmhouse! And this began an amazing chapter in my life’s story. Brad and I moved into Cherryfields in Drayden, MD. in the summer of 2002. We lived in the farmhouse for a year. I concentrated on grad school, and Brad became caretaker and handyman for this National Historic Landmark. It was at this time that we met Chris, my cousin, but more importantly – our friend. Over the course of a year, we got to know Chris and fell in love with the joyous, warm-hearted, affectionate, loveable person we knew him to be. Chris had a childlike wonder and enthusiasm for the world; he made everything FUN! His positive energy could fill a room and always filled our hearts with joy. His care, concern, and acceptance of others is what made him special and adored by so many. I only have beautiful memories of my cousin and the amazing person that came into our lives. I want to thank him for his friendship and for making the Cherryfields chapter of my life’s book so memorable. I want to thank Larry and Vicky for giving me and Brad the opportunity to live at the farmhouse. It was that experience that jump-started our lives together, as we have now been married for 16 years and have two sons. Thinking back 20 years ago, I can still see Chris’s sweet smile; it’s like a photograph forever imprinted on my heart.

I signed on to tutor Chris back in 1999 having no idea how much I would learn through the process. Amidst his mental health struggles, he inspired me with his kindness, generosity, and inner 'fire'. Our relationship quickly moved beyond tutoring and we would spend hours philosophizing about life. Eventually, we went on a 3 week trip busting around Europe together. We even co-created a wellness retreat experience that first took place at his lake house.

I was gladly his test subject as he worked his way through massage school. Muscles unraveled on their own when they experienced the emotional safety that his big heart provided. I remember feeling so filled with joy at his graduation that others would now benefit from his gentle, compassionate touch..

He tasted more of the full gamut of human experience in his short time than a city block of lives. He truly relished the preciousness of each moment as death frequently tapped on his shoulder and whispered in his ear. So blessed to have walked along with him for a short time. Today my heart weeps with sadness, joy, and gratitude.


Chris was exceptional and so beloved. He loved with such fierceness, passion and tenderness; shared his love for poetry, books and Khalil Gibran so eloquently; and held and supported others going through the hardest times of their lives so compassionately. I will miss him deeply.  Sending much love to his family and friends. 

We'll miss you and we're happy that you were a part of of lives.

It was always a good time with Chris. I will miss him.

We were spoiled when we had both Grandma and Chris visiting us at the same time.

Chris' visit to Arizona was always exciting and never boring for us. We'll miss him. RIP Chris💜

We loved when Chris and Debbie used to come visit us in Arizona. Happy and good times.

This is heartbreaking.   I lived up the street from Chris -- and often stopped to visit with him on his porch.   I remember well walking by and him calling me in to tell me about him and Rachel getting married.   He was so happy.   I will miss his lovely smile and kind heart.


I'm very sorry for your family's loss. I'm glad to have met Chris on Saturday mornings at the church.  I had a brief conversation with Chris a while ago on the street on one of those Saturdays. I remember him being friendly, full of life, and wanting to connect. My hope and prayers are with you and him as he rests in peace. 

It is such an honor to have known Chris, and the universe is so much poorer without his warm presence. He exuded such love and light and kindness, and I will always remember his incredible spirit, humor, empathy, and smile. I'm holding close in warmest thoughts all of Chris's innumerable loved ones, and wishing much gentleness for all.

I am so  sorry for your loss, and I’m terribly  shocked at the news of Chris’s untimely death. 

I was hugely fond of Chris, a truly gentle, beautiful man, the kindest of the kind. I will greatly miss him and the nice times we shared when I encountered  him  in the Cleveland Park neighborhood, or on Mcomb St. or out on his bike. For a while, Chris was my Massage Therapist; he was a skilled, caring healer.

I wish you all the love, strength, and support you’ll need in the challenging months ahead.

With Sympathy,
Patty Sachs

Chris spent so much of his time comforting others. He was sure to bring smiles and laughter wherever he went. Rachel and I have been friends since I was 2 years old, and Chris always introduced me as family ❤️. I loved Chris’ late night treat concoctions… whacky milkshakes and funny shaped fruit.  Martial arts lessons and throwing ninja stars. And also swinging on the porch and talking about life, the world and everything in between. He loved Rachel fiercely and made sure the world knew it. He was genuine and truly kind; a pearl in the oyster. My heart breaks for this loss.

Chris was a member of our Monday group that no one ever wants to be a part of. I felt very honored to meet him and while we did not know each other for long, I genuinely appreciated the time he spent with us, the challenges he shared, and his authentically honest personality. He will absolutely be missed.

Chris and wife, Rachel, celebrating an anniversary!

Chris with Grandma, mom, cousin Matthew and Aunt Babette

Chris and I attended boarding school together.  My favorite memories date back to when were in grade 9 together, and Chris would often make subtle jokes in class that would make everyone, including the teachers, laugh.  He was a lifelong friend to me, and I will miss him dearly.

I am so grateful to have known Chris. I wish that he could’ve always felt as good as he made others feel. I will always remember him as so real, giving, kind, fun, loving, and special. I love my memories with him - of sneaking into private school grounds to go sledding with our dogs, speeding down the side walk behind Kano - sled dog, chasing Kano when he ran away (into National Zoo?!?), meeting all kinds of special friends all over DC, screaming ya foy on early morning runs (that we had to set three alarms to make happen), playing (almost any kind of) music loud, dancing ridiculous fun, getting milkshakes at diner, exploring National
Cathedral, cooking up a storm, reading his book recommendations, going to my first (and only) Opera at the Kennedy Center, eating Vace’s pizza! He made it possible for my dog Will to spend his last 6 months with me in DC - he made them the best 6 months of Will’s life… it was the most amazing experience of my twenties to explore DC with Chris and Will. Chris was such a blessing. Ever ready with a smile. I have never met anyone like him. If heaven is anything like I hope it is, Kano and Will are looking out for him, his loved ones are surrounding him, my mom is giving him a hug (she loved him, and they both had a bit of a mischief in them), he is safe and at peace and looking over his family down here. May be he is dancing. Even though I haven’t seen him in person in years, my world has felt askew since I learned he is no longer in it. Sending much love to his family and all the many many that have lost a friend like no other.

Thanks Chris for my AWESOME DC express tour! I loved your kindness, sweetness, sense of fun and magic. I was lucky to meet you even though it was only for a short while. For sure the world seems less shiny & bright without you in it. Sending my heartfelt condolences to Mike & the family. Thinking of you all at this sad & difficult time. Sending you lots of love. Xx
P.S. I’ll never understand the Minions obsession….

OBITUARY

Christopher Eli Drell

August 29, 1979 – June 9, 2022

Joseph Gawler’s Sons, LLC

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