Armsted R. Christian, 64, of New Bedford died January 4, 2016 suddenly at St. Luke's Hospital after a long courageous battle with Sarcoidosis.
He was the husband of Marcelina E. Pina-Christian.
Born in Poughkeepsie, NY, the son of the late John and Alma (Wilson) Christian, he lived in Boston and New Bedford most of his life.
Armsted was a graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music, majoring in music composition. Armsted Christian was revered as a versatile musician, vocalist, sax, flute player, keyboard, and percussionist. Additionally, he was a composer, arranger, and producer. He wrote and produced his first CD,”A Wave Is Coming.” He received songwriting awards for his own original recordings as well as two Grammy award nominations for songs written for international recording artist Will Downing. He composed songs on four of his albums. Armsted also composed songs on three albums for international recording artist Najee. Armsted toured as a musician for 35 years and has worked with many accomplished musicians in his lifetime. He also brought great musicians to New Bedford through his many performances, to the delight of his audiences.
Upon coming off the touring circuit, after developing a disease in his lungs, called sarcoidosis. Armsted began teaching at Berklee College of Music. During his tenure there of 17 years, Armsted developed a popular course in the Liberal Arts department called Flo-ol-ogy, a combination of impromptu music and poetry, with a level of social consciousness. This class brought great joy to him and his students. His students affectionately gave him the title “Papa Flo.” He was a mentor to a host of young musicians. He found great fulfillment in his teaching at Berklee College of Music.
In addition to his teaching, Armsted performed locally in just about every venue in the City of New Bedford, where he resided with his family. He also offered his musical talents to many non-profits to help with their fundraising endeavors. He never refused invitations to perform at various community events. He was a friend to many and a stranger to none. To know him was to love him.
Other creative work included a book of over 350 original poems, which he planned on publishing in 2016. He recorded a Christmas CD, which he arranged and produced in 2015.
For television, he co-wrote for a PBS documentary “House on Fire”, wrote theme music for a popular long running soap opera the Guiding Light and was the voice of many commercial jingles.
In the theatre, he had a starring role as a cast member of a hit musical, “Dancin in the Streets,” as well as, BoBos, a musical written and directed by musician/songwriter, James McBride.
In 2009, he was nominated for a Grammy for his vocal performance on a classical contemporary gospel song composed by conductor Julius Williams, titled, ”Somewhere Far Away.”
He established a non-profit organization for the Armsted R. Christian Foundation for Sarcoidosis Education and Research, to bring greater awareness to this condition that would eventually take his life.
With all his many accomplishments musically, his greatest joy was the pride he found in his wife, five children, and granddaughter, along with spending quality time with his extended family and a host of friends. He was a fabulous cook and enjoyed preparing great meals for his family and friends.
Armsted was a gentle, kind, compassionate, unselfish, individual who lived his life to the fullest. His legacy will forever live on through his music and the lives he touched.
Survivors include his wife; 2 sons, Aaron Christian of Burbank, CA and Kyle Christian of New Bedford; 3 daughters, Cecily Christian of Medford, Aria Christian and Maya Christian, both of New York City; 3 sisters, Sylvia Mizell-Watkins and Johanna McKinley, both of Poughkeepsie, NY and Margaret Thompson of California; a granddaughter, Eloni Taylor; and several nieces and nephews.
His Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 9th at 11 AM in the International Church of the Nazarene, 286 Pleasant St., New Bedford. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, January 8th from 4-8 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the 'Armsted R Christian Fund' to establish the Armsted R Christian Scholarship at Berklee College, c/o any Bank of America branch.