Like many, I was shocked to hear last week that a former Foundation Center employee, Christopher Doyle, had been involved in a fatal bicycling accident in New York City.
I first met Chris at an office holiday party in 2007. At the time, he was working in our Web Services department, helping to redesign or create from scratch various Foundation Center Web pages, blogs (including this one), and portals, including the 2010 Global Philanthropy Forum annual conference site. Although he eventually moved on to freelance full-time for a number of organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, before settling down at the New School eight months ago, Chris stayed in close contact with his former colleagues, many of whom he frequently bumped into near Union Square Park or in the lobby/elevator at 79 Fifth Avenue.
A talented musician, Chris spent much of his free time playing and recording music with friends. The few who had a chance to see him perform at Zebulon in Brooklyn will remember his barefoot drum playing; his free-spirited ways charmed many who knew him.
There were so many things to love about Chris. But I'll especially remember how much he loved language, whether written and sung. From Bolaño to Mingus, he had an appreciation for artistic expression that was deeply felt and absolutely infectious.
Not having the right words to honor our dear friend, I turn to Charlie Daniels, who wrote this for his friend Ronnie Van Zant (of the band Lynyrd Skynyrd) in 1977:
A brief candle; both ends burning
An endless mile; a bus wheel turning
A friend to share the lonesome times
A handshake and a sip of wine
So say it loud and let it ring
We are all a part of everything
The future, present and the past
Fly on proud bird
You're free at last.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Chris' family during this very difficult time.
(Photo credit: Sarah Foley)
-- Regina Mahone
