Paul Christian, 53, of Salem passed away March 16 in a work-related accident in New York Harbor. A father, a musician, a captain and a friend to all, he will be greatly missed. Paul was a rock guitarist renowned throughout the Boston area as a member of Far From Finished, The New Alibis, Cradle to the Grave, and other bands over a 30-year performing career.
Paul Frederick Christian was born November 3, 1969 in Concord to Frederick Christian and Patricia Spellman Christian Boeing. He grew up in Concord and Marblehead, graduating from Marblehead High School and attending North Shore Community College. Earning his first license at 14, he would go on to a long career on the seas as a master mariner, master of towing and designated examiner.
He is preceded in death by his father, Fred Christian. He is survived by his wife Megan McGough Christian and their son Ronan of Salem; his mother Pat Boeing (Peter) of Concord; stepmother Linda Christian of Salem; sisters Jill Christian of Albuquerque, NM and Kate Christian (Beth Pointer) of Baltimore, MD; and niece Kiera Ortiz of Madison, WI.
An accomplished musician and gregarious personality, Paul enjoyed hundreds of friendships throughout Salem, Marblehead, and Greater Boston. He was a lifelong Red Sox fan and an expert chef and carpenter who shared a love of the sea with his father. He threw himself into learning new things with enthusiasm. He was a dedicated and beloved Freemason, a member of Amicable Lodge, in Cambridge.
A celebration of Paul’s life will be held on Saturday, March 25 at Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn Street Peabody. Visitation begins at 2 p.m. with a celebration of life at 3 p.m. and remembrances at 4 pm. A Masonic funeral service will be held prior to the memorial service. Reception follows at Notch Brewing in Salem, beginning at 5 p.m.
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho’ from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.
– ALFRED, LORD TENNYSON
