In memory of Chris Eyer, for 826

Chris will be deeply missed and remembered for his wit, intelligence, and dedication to helping others. In honor of his generous spirit, we’ve chosen to donate to 826 Boston, a nonprofit youth writing and publishing organization dedicated to empowering traditionally underserved students ages 6-18 to find their voices, tell their stories, and gain communication skills for school and in life.

As many of us do, I have countless memories of Chris, beginning with his time in the acquisitions department at the MIT Press, where he demonstrated an outstanding commitment to his work. He would always greet me with a huge grin when I would drop off cover copy on his desk. Emblazoned on my brain is the day he told me he wanted to play for our MITP softball team, the Catfish: "Yeah. I WANT IN ON THAT." He said it so seriously. He was a natural on the softball field, where he threw himself into every play. One of his teammates describes him as a “really cheerful guy who brightened the room, or the playing field, just by being there." He was a powerhouse at Stump Trivia, where he tended to put us all to shame with his knowledge of history, geography, sports, US presidents, music—the list goes on. And he was deeply committed to making the world a better place and to standing up for those in need.

If you feel able, please share your memories of Chris as you donate.

Our hearts break for his family, friends, and everyone whose lives he touched. He was and is a true mensch, and I cannot imagine the world without him in it.

Christopher Eyer 1991 to 2021