Obituary of Christopher Ryan Palmer

Christopher R. Palmer, 42, loving husband, devoted father, beloved son and brother, and faithful friend lost his battle with alcoholism and depression on January 14, 2022. Chris was born on October 10, 1979, in Bangor, Maine. 

Chris made Maine his home, growing up in Winterport before settling down in Old Town for the last twenty years. He was a warm, gentle, and generous soul. Chris loved being outdoors, hiking, hunting, fishing, camping, and gardening with his family. When Chris wasn’t devoting his time to his day job as a Computer Network Specialist, he enjoyed crafting handmade knives, skunking his family in cribbage, listening to music, and taking long rides on his motorcycle. He was a talented cook and could grill a mean steak. He was the go-to guy if any family or friends had computer issues, building projects, or boat and camp needs. He was always ready to lend a hand for anything and everything. Chris was extremely smart, funny, and incredibly hard-working. He was a man of many talents and could overcome just about any challenge you presented him with. Chris loved spending his summers at his family camp near Houlton, Maine. So many wonderful memories were made there. Some of these include taking the sailboat out, catching frogs by hand, boating to Blueberry Island, and retrieving lake “treasure.” The world has lost an amazing man, far too soon.

Chris is survived by his best friend and wife of 27 years, Tiffany Curtis Palmer; his children Aiden and Emma Palmer; his nephews Isaiah and Avery Palmer; his brothers Joshua and Nicholas Palmer; his parents Kent and Dorothy Benn Palmer; his grandmother Janice Robinson Palmer; and his beloved cat Charlie. His was predeceased by his grandfather Cedric Benn; his grandmother Rita McAttee Benn; and his grandfather Rodney Palmer.

Dear Chris,

         My best friend, my first love, my world. There are no words to express how deeply you will be missed by those you left behind. I am heartbroken and lost without you. You were my guide through this life, my confidant, my calm. I’m sorry you were in so much pain that you felt the only way out was to take your life. I would have given anything to take that pain away from you. There is some comfort in knowing that you are no longer suffering. My hope is that your story will encourage others to seek the help they need. My heart will always be longing for the day when we can meet again, and I can wrap my arms around you. I will love you forever and always. 

Your wife,
Tiffany
 

A celebration of life will be held this summer. If you would like to donate to the family to help support their financial needs visit GoFundMe.com and search Support for the Palmer Family (or by clicking here).

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or thoughts of suicide, please speak out and get help. Don’t carry the weight of that pain yourself, you don’t have to, you are not alone.