John Michael "Jack" Christensen, 27

Jack Christensen of Darien, CT passed away on May15 after a lengthy illness. A graduate of Darien High School, he received his BA from St. Lawrence University in English and Environmental Studies with Departmental Honors in 2019. Diagnosed with neurofibromatosis2 at the age of eight, Jack faced a lifetime of challenges with stoicism, dignity, and a fierce independence. A fervent environmentalist with a deep connection to nature and the land, Jack used his talents working for nonprofit organizations TerraCorps and Sylvester Manor and serving as a volunteer WWOOFer (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms). Jack was a voracious reader and gifted writer with wide-ranging interests. A lover of geography and other cultures, he participated in a student exchange program to China in 2012, and traveled throughout the US and to Italy and France. Jack also enjoyed hiking, bike riding, the seashore, gardening, playing violin, and cooking sustainable vegetarian meals. He also used his keen intellect to beat all comers in Scrabble. He is survived by his parents, Kristina and Jeff Christensen of Darien, CT; brothers Eric (Salt Lake City, UT) and Graham and fiancé Jamie Farquhar (Brooklyn, NY); grandparents Mike and Judy Lascarides (Millville, NJ); and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Children's Tumor Foundation (ctf.org) are appreciated. Visiting hours will be held May 18 from 5pm-8pm at Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Rd. Darien, Ct. The funeral service will be private