A leading figure in local heroin addiction awareness, Christopher J. Shine, 32, of Seabrook, N.H., passed away unexpectedly last Thursday after years of battling drug addiction.
Shine took an active role in creating “Taking Haverhill Back,” an effort to fight heroin addiction in the city. The initiative had its third annual awareness event last summer, at Haverhill High School.
Born in Methuen, he is the son of Franklin J. and Debra A. (Demarco) Shine of Seabrook, N.H., and was a graduate of Haverhill High School, class of 2001. He was employed at Ipswich Bay Glass as an installer for years and, most recently, he worked for a medical supply company. He had a passion for helping people in the community, especially those adversely affected by the scourge of addiction. Besides being a key figure in establishing “Taking Haverhill Back,” he was a dedicated member of the Kime school of Martial Arts, where he trained in Ed Parker American Kenpo Karate. He was an outgoing, kind-hearted young man who made friends wherever he went. Whether he was making people laugh at a local poker tournament he coordinated or attending a service at Granite United Church where he was a member, he enriched the lives of everyone he met. In his short lifetime, Shine amassed hundreds of friends whose lives have been made better because of his humor, kindness, and excitement for life.
Besides his parents, he leaves siblings, Michael F. Shine of Boston, Brian M. Borrelli of Charlotte, N.C., Andrea L. Shine of Exeter, N.H., and Kathleen M. Uman and her husband Ray of Bridgewater, N.J.; niece Zoe A. Shine and nephew Ross F. Kavet.
Family and friends are invited to calling hours Wednesday, May 18, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St., Haverhill. A memorial service takes place Friday, May 20, at 6:30 p.m., at the Granite United Church, 284 Kenoza Ave., Haverhill. To contribute to funeral expenses for the family, visit Christopher Shine’s Lift Off on the Go Fund Me website (https://www.gofundme.com/24a9q4c).
Gone way to soon. To young rest in peace.