In Memoriam: Christopher Crowe
I can’t remember exactly when I became friends with Chris Crowe. I know it was in 2006. I had just started working on the Hill, a lowly staff assistant to a sophomore congressman from the Central Valley of California. At every briefing I attended, every committee meeting, every happy hour, every staff event, everywhere I turned, it seemed that Chris was there, a smile on his face.
Chris was probably the most positive, charming, bubbly person I have ever met, which is saying a lot for a congressional staffer. He was from Kentucky, and his southern charm sucked you right in, full of gentility and hospitality. He was sassy, too. Chris would be upset with me if I didn’t include sassy.
Chris was more than just a staffer, though. Chris worked as a dedicated legislative assistant for Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) for four years. As president of the LGBT Congressional Staff Association, he was an ardent supporter of LGBT rights, and worked hard from the inside to push pro-LGBT legislation.
He was a huge supporter of SLDN and attended every SLDN rally held on Capitol Hill, often recruiting a coterie of supporters and bringing them to the rallies as well. Over the last two years, he attended the SLDN National Dinner, and this is where I last saw him. Two weeks ago, Chris sat at my table along with my fiancé (whom without Chris, I would never have met, as he introduced the two of us at a party four years ago) and we chatted. He was so happy. I’m glad this is the last memory I have…It is certainly appropriate of Chris.
Three days later, Chris checked into the hospital. A staph infection he caught last year, and thought he had vanquished, had come back and caused severe damage to his heart. Chris Crowe died Wednesday at the age of 29. Tonight at 5:00 a memorial service will be held at the Human Rights Campaign headquarters on 1640 Rhode Island Ave. N.W.
Like I said, I can’t remember exactly when I became friends with Chris Crowe, but that’s apropos as well: With Crowe, the minute you met him, you were his friend instantly.
04-01-11 By Jeremy Wilson-Simerman, Legislative Co-Director |
5 Comments
Comments for this entry are closed.Algene in WC on April 02, 2011 at 10.09 pm
Chris was such a beautiful spirit and a sweet, inspirational person. He is one of the two people who advised me to pursue the MA Gov/SS degree at JHU and it was the best decision of my life. He was a great advocate for the LGBT cmty and a wonderful friend to many. His will be forever missed. ~~Algene
Diego on April 02, 2011 at 01.54 pm
I remember his loving nature and BFF-powers but also his strength and fearless conviction.
I know first-hand that growing up in a small town in the deep South is no picnic. We discussed that, even across generations.
I know first-hand his strength through the medical burdens he faced, and he did it with grace, power, selflessness and humor.
At 29, there was much left in our community for him to do, but now he’s just making jokes and organizing for equality in heaven—it might be a smaller task than on earth.
To me, he’s not gone. He gave love and we gave him his. That lets us have peaceful resolve and prayers for his eternal joy with God.
Elmina on April 02, 2011 at 10.51 am
Chris did more than he should have and always with a smile. His smile was priceless and endless! His positive energy that gave me strength and courage to be in the wildlife of D.C. will remain with me forever. He was a true friend and as such will be remembered. He is already missed dearly!
Jose in Washington, DC on April 01, 2011 at 03.18 pm
Wow, I am in shock about this. I remember his vivacious and bubbly personality. I met him through a good friend, and have only seen him that one time. So that shows what a great impression that he has had on people in general.
Judith on April 01, 2011 at 01.35 pm
Thank you for posting this. It’s a beautiful way to remember him.