Cameron John Christian: Christ-Follower, Left-Fielder, and Funny-Man

"Cameron died in a car accident."

I've never repeated words in my head as many times as those.

And I still don't believe it.

Just last Christmas he sat in one of the two swiveling chairs in my grandparent's living room. Always slouched and wearing athletic apparel, his eyes were bright and he laughed, head tipped back, at one of Uncle Dan's jokes. There will never be another moment like this.

Christ-Follower:

Cameron's last name suits him. It defines his life. Christian. For some, this is the only comfort in his death. He is in the presence of the almighty God, and is loving it. We are left behind, to live our lives without our Cameron.

He was blessed to be the son of Lynn and Debbie, who shared the story of Jesus with him at a young age. He made it clear that he loved God, even got a matching brother tattoo of a cross on his back with Psalm 56:4 underneath:

            In God, whose word I praise,
            in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
            What can flesh do to me?

Cameron desired to know God and to live and life in response to his son, Jesus. It's clear to me and also his family and friends.

Left-Fielder:



Cameron attended Auburn High School and was a varsity starter on the baseball team three years in a row. This year, his teammates on Seattle U's basbeall team nominated him captain.

I remember going to watch him pitch at Safeco Field for the high school state championship game in 2007.  He delivered his pitches methodically, and proved intimidating for batters.

His facebook page is a collection of memories and praises of his career as #21:

"Baseball lost a great athlete and we lost a great person. See you on the other side with cathedrals for baseball parks and sunshine every day."

"Cam you were a great coach for my brother and his friends this last summer. You were such a big part of our family. I will always remember the yearly Auburn sleepover tradition we did every year with all you guys. We all love you and miss you already."

"I'll never forget the awesome times we shared playin' ball and barn-storming all across the united states. You were a class athlete and a great friend. I am grateful for having met you. May you rest in peace. You'll never be forgotten. Much love 21, Much love."

Even his coach, Donny Harrel praised him in an interview with the Seattle times:

"He was an incredible young man who was just coming into his own." He even added that Cameron had a future in professional baseball. I believe it.

Funny-Man:



Did Cameron ever make you laugh? I don't think there is one person who could answer "no." He always found humor in everyday situations, and wasn't afraid to poke fun at himself either.  Most of my memories include finding creative ways to entertain ourselves during boring family get-togethers. Whether it be hide-and-seek, playing Barbies, (yes, Barbies,) or in our later years, filling each other in on our lives, he loved to have a good time. His friends remember his humor:

"Man, I'm gonna miss sitting next to you in class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Your jokes made my day and you were one of the most real people I've ever met. Class won't be the same without you."

"Mere words will never express the sadness that is felt after losing a great young man like Cam.  Always a smile on his face and a hug. My heart is heavy and my prayers go out to the Christian family. The Auburn community grieves with you."

"... you were someone who changed people for the better all because u told a quick joke, gave a quick smile, said hello to someone, or your more common self, you were simply nice to someone..." 

Cameron, you've left a legacy, even at 22. You're my birthday buddy, my cousin, and my friend. Our family will never be the same, and I've thought of you every minute since I heard those terrible words. I am flying home from Scotland to hug our family and to attend your funeral. I love you.