Comment: Thank you so much for putting up the website. I heard Chris read a couple of years ago, before I had finished reading the first edition (actually having it read to me). I was the person in the audience who asked the inevitible question that let us all know that B had died. I have since read and re-read the book and am so delighted to get to see your videos of Chris with his beloved B. Thank you again, and may your heart be at peace.

Comment: I was one of many people who heard Chris read several years ago, for the Lane Literary Guild, at the main library in Eugene. We were laughing our heads off, and sniffling with poignant feeling, and also responding to his big intellect/ philosopher's mind. Several of us commented later that he himself seemed bird-like, in a way that was quite wonderful, natural. I'm so grateful that his life-full, smart, compassionate story made it to the printed page.

Comment: Hi, I was schocked and saddened to read of Chris's untimely passing. I ran the Oregon Book Awards when Chris was nominated and got to know him a bit when he participated in the OBA Author Tour that went to Eugene and North Bend. We shared breakfast at the Pancake Mill in Coos Bay and I was intrigued by his shy exterior that obviously thinly veiled a much more complex core. I always meant to keep in touch with him but am sensitive about bothering the authors. Now I wish I had bothered him ...

Comment: Knew Chris through poetry open mikes, way back. Then remember the recent book award, seeing him after so long. And now gone. Words do live on. L

Comment: I was shocked and saddened today when my friend called to tell me that Chris Chester had died. His book, Providence of a Sparrow is one of my all-time favorites. I had been meaning to write to him for some time, but didn't want to be annoying. How I wish I had written. What a wonderful man he seemed to be. His beautiful story will live on in the hearts of all who read it.

Comment: I had the priveledge of meeting Chris in San Fransisco at a reading, having already gotten a lovely signed copy of his book, through Rebecca whom I also had the priveledge to meet in person, after meeting her online on a sparrow message board. I send nothing but healing vibes to his family and friendsBarbra

Comment: I'm a newcomer to the world of Chris Chester. I was initiated by the wonderful article, The Sorrow and the Sparrow, by Inara Verzemnieks, in the 6/3/07 O Sect. of the Oregonian. My condolences to you and your family, Marc! Not only does the word live on but also all the good that Chris did for The Bird Species! Thanks for setting up the web site!

Comment: I just read in today's Register Guard of Chris's death, and I'm so very sad. I'd been hoping he would write more books, as I love his writing style. I'm so sorry for your loss, and it's a great loss for all of us.

Comment: I was so sad to hear of Chris Chester's passing. My heart goes out to Rebecca and to his family. I was one of the fortunate ones who got to hear Chris read from Providence of a Sparrow at a Willamette Writers Literary event several years before the book became a Reading in the Rain selection. I was absolutely mesmerized by Chris and his book. What a thoughtful man of pure heart and soul. I feel blessed to have his book and his words on my shelf.

Comment: I'm so sorry to hear the sad news about the passing of Chris Chester. My deepest sympathy. I read Providence of a Sparrow just this spring, as part of Readin' in the Rain and was very touched by the book and the author. I had planned to attend the appearance he had scheduled in February that he had to cancel. I will never be able to hear him give a talk now, but I can and do spread the word about his wonderful book.

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Comment: It's too late for me to thank Chris Chester for his beautiful book, so I thank you Marc, for this lovely site devoted to his memory.

Comment: Chris Chester seemed like a close friend by the time I completed The Providence of a Sparrow. I have continually passed the book, one of my all time favorites, on to at least five others, whom, I believe, have been similarly affected by, not just the story of B, but by Chris's desire and ability to share his life. His passing is perhaps more widely grieved than his family can know, and I convey my profoundest sympathies to Rebecca and other family members. Thank you for the opportunity to express these thoughts to you!

Comment: Thank you for the website, to learn a bit more about the man who helped me see birds in a new light. I loved his book and appreciate so much what he did for birds.

Comment: There is a small built-in bookcase in my entry room containing the books I love and will always keep. Providence of a Sparrow lives there. Thanks to Chris Chester for such a marvelous story. Wishes of comfort to his family.

Comment: I am one of many who felt shock and sadness on reading the article in the Oregonian. I have recommended Providence of a Sparrow to so many customers in our little store in St. Helens but also have had the privledge to meet him a couple of times, once when he came out to the St. Helens Book Shop for a reading and the second was when he spoke to a group at the Powells Hawthorne store. Each time he talked about B he held us in his hands and we listened so intently to his reading, always wanting more stories. Marvelous writer. Thank you for putting up this site.

Comment: I special-ordered Providence of a Sparrow right after it came out, as a gift for my husband, Rick. I could tell from the Book Review I happened to see that he would enjoy it. Little did I know how much! I have never, before or since, heard him laugh so hard while reading a book or explain passages to me with more excitement and animation. In my turn, I too read about and fell in love with B and Chris. We are so saddened to hear of his passing, but the gift he left behind will go on and on.

Comment: I read Chris' book. I wanted to contact him & thank him for touching my heart. Then I learned of his passing. I cried as if I had lost a dear friend, not only because I too had raised a sparrow but because the world is much diminished without Chris' presence. I wish I could have told him how much I loved his writing. I wish I could have met him & shook his hand. I wish I could have been his friend and helped him in some way. My love & support go out to his family and friends.

Comment: I'm almost finished with the incredible book and was deeply saddened by the news of Chris's death. I've always loved animals, and especially birds, but now I'll never be able to look at House Sparrows the same way. We are all truly connected. I hope Chris and B are together-love like that never dies.

Comment: I was deeply moved by Chris's book and saddened to learn of what followed B's death. I'm glad Chris had friends to be there for him, despite the outcome. From what I've read in his book, I don't think Chris had a personal religious faith, but I believe he had grasped, was reaching for, something beyond this world, incarnated and intimated through B. I hope, pray that Chris and those close to him can know the fulness of what life with B points to. There are no ordinary people, or birds (CS Lewis)

Comment: Thank you so much for having this website. My heartfelt sympathy to you all. I just finished reading Chris's book, and it was an experience I will never forget. How heartbreaking and what a terrible loss, that he is gone.