Christopher H. Bond

Christopher H. Bond, teacher, of 7 Strowbridge Street, Trumansburg, passed away at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, September 5, 2007 at the age of 58.

Born in Ithaca on December 22, 1948, Chris was the son of Philip and Nancy (Stephenson) Bond. Following graduation from Hamburg High School in 1967, he planted the seeds for a rewarding teaching career by completing studies at Cornell University and Cortland State. (While attending Cornell, Chris and his brother Tim owned and operated the King Sub Shop in Collegetown.) With a Master's degree in education from Cortland State, the drive of 10 men and an infectious smile, Chris embarked on what was to be a 35-year learning adventure while teaching Earth Science and Physics. The majority of these teaching years were spent in his beloved community of Trumansburg where he also changed the lives of many athletes through coaching soccer. He founded the soccer program at Trumansburg Central School in 1977 and led the charge until his illness overcame him in 2006. Chris's ability to connect with children was not limited to the high school age group as he also organized the Trumansburg Summer Soccer program for children in grades 2-8, and helped create the Taughannock Soccer Club.

Even though some may have had doubts, Chris did have a life outside the classroom and soccer fields. He delicately tended orchids, picked from his berry patch, took spontaneous motorcycles rides with his wife, and tweaked the recipe for another batch of homebrewed beer. From his home one could often hear the laughter of family as they shared in a game of cards, especially Bridge and Euchre. Other occasions found the home quiet except for the soothing voice of Stevie Wonder on the CD player. Chris also served as a lacrosse official for many years, forming wonderful and long-lasting friendships with his officiating partners. His inspiration is far-reaching as it has traveled the world with his students and athletes. The memories of Chris's sincere desire to be a positive influence in the lives of children will resonate in the community that he loved for many years to come.

Perhaps the only place his influence is felt more strongly than in the community is among his family. He was a special person to all who knew him, but was absolutely devoted to his children. They were blessed to have a father who had such great love and personal character. His love of travel spread to his children when they were very young. Whether canoeing and camping in Canada, sharing a pint in a beer hall in Prague, or surviving a six-week cross-country road trip in the world's smallest pop-up camper, they learned to appreciate different cultures and people, and their explorations of the world continue today. Chris was also a wonderful husband and created a warm and loving home with his beloved wife. Caring and committed, they were truly equal partners in everything, and the life they shared together set an extraordinary example for their children. Chris had patience, respect, discipline, a light heart and easy laugh, insights into the frailties and strengths of the human condition, great wisdom about life's journeys, and always, a teacher's heart. Words cannot express how much he will be missed by his family.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Stephen Gardner Bond, in 1976. In addition to his parents, Philip and Nancy Bond of Ithaca, Chris is survived by his wife of 18 years, Kathleen (Tellier) Bond; two sons, Brandon (Niya Kennedy, fiancé) of Carbondale, IL and Nathaniel of Japan; two daughters, Elizabeth "Tobi" Hines (Matthew Kibbee, partner) of Somerville, MA and Alexandra Bond of Trumansburg; two brothers, Tim (Carol Lee Fritz) of Trumansburg and Tom (Mary Fitzpatrick) of Lakewood, OH and a large extended family.

A celebration of Chris's life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 15, 2007 in the auditorium of the Trumansburg High School.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Chris Bond Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Tompkins Trust Company, PO Box 702, Trumansburg, NY 14886, or may be dropped off at the Trumansburg branch.