Ethan Christian

Ethan Russell Thaddeus Christian, 24, entered eternal life on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. He is the beloved son of Rev. Dean & Patricia Christian of Delmar, NY, and the loving brother of Emily and Erick Christian. He is the grandson of Eugene and Joan Mooney of Merrimack, NH, and the late Russell and Irene Christian of Burnt Hills, NY. His sudden passing leaves many wonderful cousins, aunts and uncles, and many dear and special friends. Ethan was a 2007 graduate of Bethlehem Central High School. He was a member of Boy Scout Troop 75, where he attained the rank of Eagle. He was inducted into the Order of the Arrow, Scouting's National Honor Society. Ethan graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University at Buffalo with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. He was president of the Nursing Student Organization and received the Anne Walker Sengbush Award for Leadership in School and Community Activities "for providing notable service and leadership to the School of Nursing, the university and community." He was a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the national nursing honor society. Ethan worked as a Registered Nurse in the Trauma ICU at the Erie County Medical Center. He said of his job, "I can't imagine working any place else. This is where I was meant to be." He was a preceptor for nursing students and was known as a very caring and compassionate nurse, especially to his patients, their families, and to the new nurses. He was a member of Amherst Lodge No. 981, Free and Accepted Masons, and was actively involved in many local charities. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Delmar and the Walk to Emmaus and Chrysalis community. Ethan loved the outdoors, especially boating and camping on Lake George. He enjoyed playing guitar and video games, skiing, snowboarding, swimming, fishing, hiking, tennis, soccer, chess, and most recently, geocaching. Ethan cherished his faith in God's gracious love and mercy, and he truly adored his family and friends. He will be remembered for his beautiful smile and contagious laughter, his endless energy and enthusiasm, and for living life to the fullest. He will be forever in our hearts. Ethan's life will be celebrated at a Memorial Service at the First United Methodist Church, 428 Kenwood Ave., Delmar, at 11:00 a.m. on Sat., Oct. 19th. A reception will follow in Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ethan Christian Memorial Fund, c/o CAP COM FCU, 18 Computer Dr. East, Albany, NY 12205. Funds will be used to provide an annual award for excellence and compassion at the UB School of Nursing; to support Boy Scouting through Troop 75; and to encourage the spiritual growth of youth through Chrysalis.