Christopher St. Clair Salsman

It is with overwhelming sadness that we announce the death of Christopher St. Clair Salsman, on April 8, 2019 at Marshy Hope, NS. Chris was a much-loved son, brother, uncle and friend in Nova Scotia, and an activist for causes at home and around the world. Born January 1, 1981 in Halifax, Chris attended St. Patrick’s High School, Saint Mary’s University and the Nova Scotia Community College before embarking on a career and activities that reflected his deep commitment to social justice. Chris’s defining characteristic was his passion for helping others, whether family and friends or the world at large. He was an early participant in Anonymous, organizing and writing for local and global events. His experiences with advocating for the voiceless motivated him to become involved politically, and more than once he served as a vital translator between activists and establishments. The lessons he learned through Anonymous later became invaluable to his career as a consultant in communications, social media and cyber security. He brought a level head and strategic thinking to disorganized activists, and a rebel's heart to the Liberal Party. Chris’s activism and commitment to social causes helped many people, but helping the most vulnerable sometimes placed him at risk. As a consequence of one of his last activism projects, he developed a substance use disorder that he struggled mightily to overcome. He was committed to his recovery and had made great strides prior to his tragic death. Chris was an excellent writer, consummate story-teller, and a gifted public speaker, who could enthrall an audience whether speaking with a circle of friends or addressing a crowd. He was a true friend to many, and his wide-ranging interests and exceptional intellect would captivate those who were fortunate enough to be around him. Chris took great joy from the time he spent with his immediate and extended family. He travelled in Canada and abroad, but always came back to Nova Scotia, where he was happiest in the country, at the Salsman family cottage at Evangeline beach and especially at the Dickson family cottage at Cape Dauphin. A loving grandson, he devoted many happy hours to supporting and caring for his grandparents, especially in their declining years. His last months were spent continuing to help those in need and supporting his parents during his father’s illness and recent death. He relished his new role as uncle to little Théo. Christopher is survived by his mother, Bonnie (Dickson) Salsman; sister, Katherine Salsman; brother-in-law, Martin Noël; nephew, Theodore (Théo) Noël; grandmother, Katherine (MacDermid) Dickson, and loving aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his father, Rick Salsman; grandparents, Dean and Evelyn (Jones) Salsman and James (Buddy) Dickson. Cremation has taken place. Visitation at Cruikshank’s Funeral Home, Windsor Street, Tuesday, April 16, 4-7 p.m., funeral at St. Matthew’s United Church, Barrington Street, Wednesday, April 17 at 3 p.m. Reception to follow. Interment will be at Camp Hill Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Phoenix House. To leave an online condolence please visit www.cruikshankhalifaxfuneralhome.com.