Paul Clayton Christie

Paul Clayton Christie, 76, of West Hartford, CT died March 26, 2021. He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and community leader. He is predeceased by his wife Kathy (Lillig) Christie, parents George and Beatrice (Abigail) Christie, and brother Robert Christie. His daughters and their families, Kysa (wife Lauren & son Harrison) and Cara (wife Jar & son Hoban) carry his loving memory forward. Paul was born in Detroit, Michigan, received his BA at Ottawa University (KS), studied at Colgate Rochester Divinity School (NY) and graduated from the American Baptist Seminary of the West in Berkeley, CA. Paul’s life mission was to exemplify compassion and love, and he fulfilled these in his work and at home. He fell in love with his wife and started his family in California. In CA, he worked for Greater Richmond Interfaith Program and Urban Ministries, advocating for those without a voice and working to establish equitable services. In 1983, he moved to the Hartford area to serve as Executive Director of Center City Churches, which became Hands On Hartford. Paul served as Executive Director for 26 years, caring for Hartford families and individuals in need through community engagement. Paul was particularly proud that Center City Churches established Peter’s Retreat, Hartford’s first supportive housing program for people living with AIDS, as well as the state’s first and only group home for adults with serious mental illness. Outside of work, Paul loved being with his family, and traveling with his wife and daughters to new destinations both near and far, most notably camping in Yosemite, traversing Europe and New Zealand, and visiting family in northern California. Paul will be remembered for his compassion, integrity, and calm, kind soul. An online service will be held June 15 via the Unitarian Society of Hartford (see http://www.ushartford.com/events/ for details). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hands On Hartford to establish a memorial fund in Paul’s name for housing stability, or a contribution to the Campership Program at Camp Asto Wamah.