River Valley Aikido was saddened by the unexpected loss of Christian (Chris) McPherson. Chris joined us at River Valley Aikido two years ago with an interest in quietly practicing. However, his obvious skill and experience soon led him to being invited to teach which we looked forward to on Friday nights. It turned out that Chris was one the first direct students of T.K. Chiba Sensei and he was able to offer a deep knowledge of Aikido based on his years of intense training under this famous teacher. He combined a clear and strong approach with an unusually thoughtful care for his fellow practitioners. Chris will be missed at River Valley Aikido, his teachings were very precise, he was always in good spirits, and he always had positive feedback for dojo members, old and new alike. We are honored to have had him as a friend.
Chris passed away at his home in Putney, VT on February 6th, 2012. River Valley Aikido is planning a memorial practice that will be open to all, dates to be announced soon.
A special memorial practice in celebration of Chris will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2012 from 10:00am to 11:30am. Everyone is invited to attend and non-practioners may participate by watching and offering remembrances. Mementos of Chris such as photos, letters, poems and other object can be placed in the tokenoma during the practice. There will be a non-Aikido celebration of Chris’s life during the afternoon in Putney, Vermont. Details will posted soon.
