Remembering Christian

Life delights in Life

Scott Christian Redmond was born on June 3, 1969 in Hagerstown Maryland and passed away peacefully on February 1, 2024 at his home in Bethesda, Maryland surrounded by his loving family.

Scott grew up in Hagerstown with his mom and dad, Dave and Victoria Britner, and was surrounded by extended family. Scott was an active kid. He lettered in tennis and golf, and he participated in lacrosse, football, baseball, basketball, and wrestling. He even modeled for a fashion show at Valley Mall in 1985! Scott graduated from high school in 1987 and went on to attend the University of Maryland College Park, where he earned two Bachelor's degrees: one in Psychology in 1992, one in English Language & Literature in 1993.

Later that year Christian left for Japan where he would spend five years immersed in teaching English, traveling, and building cherished friendships. From Japan, Christian moved on to Melbourne, Australia for a year of exploring and then returned to Washington DC in 2000.

In D.C., Christian started a career in software project management and loved catching up with old friends. It was through such friends that he met Calista Fredericksen, and they bonded over motorcycles. Long rides led to love, and to their first home on Kansas Ave NW in 2002.

In October 2006, Arabella was born and they made plans to get married. In September 2007 Christian and Calista officially tied the knot and Thalia was born in January 2009. A few months later Christian was accepted into Carnegie Mellon University. He worked hard to balance his job as a technical program manager, graduate school, and a young family and his dedication paid off with a Master's degree in Computer Software Engineering Management from CMU in May 2012. As the girls grew ready for school, they moved to Takoma Park in 2011 and built a home on Ritchie Ave.

Christian was a respected peer and true friend to his colleagues at American Institute of Research, now Cambium Learning, where he continued to guide software projects for state standardized testing in K-12 education for more than 11 years.

In 2017 Christian and Calista parted ways on the marriage front, while remaining devoted co-parents and close friends. Together they set an example of compassion and commitment to family that persisted as they carved new paths forward. 

Christian’s thirst for life and joy in new experiences led him to Michelle Munn and her daughter Zosia. As Christian and Michelle forged a close bond, Arabella, Thalia, and Zosia formed bonds of sisterhood. Michelle was by his side from his cancer diagnosis in February 2021 through chemo, radiation, surgery, more chemo, and still more chemo. 

As the final months became clear, Christian went back to the single life, well, the single “Dad” life. His 4 Runner was often filled with friends, cousins, and sisters while the racks held bikes, skis, or camping gear -- and quite possibly a ukelele.

No chronology of Christian’s life can convey how Christian lived his life: generously, unabashedly, and always with adrenaline and passion. He hurtled down mountains on skis or bike, taking the jumps and bumps along the way. He danced with strangers and made them friends.He got out into nature and loved the city. He learned new musical instruments and listened to new music. And he didn’t just want to keep these experiences to himself. He wanted everyone he loved to try new things, to get out and do things, to engage fully in life, and to not stop. He’s lit a fire in each of us. 

Take chances, seize opportunities, and do things!