Christopher Michael St. John, a multifaceted creative and passionate advocate for animal rights, passed away unexpectedly on September 15, 2024, at the age of 62 in his Berkeley, California home. His death, caused by a fatal heart arrhythmia, leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, and in the communities he enriched through his art and activism. Christopher St. John was known for his boundless creativity, his deep empathy, and his unwavering commitment to making the world a better place for all beings.
Born on May 7, 1962, Christopher St. John experienced a global upbringing, living in various countries across three continents before his family settled in the United States. This diverse early life likely contributed to his open-mindedness and broad perspective, qualities that would become hallmarks of his personal and professional life.
A pivotal period in Christopher St. John‘s formative years was his two-year residency at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur. Sharing this experience with his sister Julia, he was immersed in the burgeoning human potential movement and embraced a holistic lifestyle. Esalen also introduced him to vegetarianism, a seed that blossomed into a lifelong vegan commitment and a profound passion for animal rights. These Esalen experiences were deeply influential, shaping his values and trajectory throughout his life.
Later, Christopher St. John found his home in the San Francisco Bay Area. He excelled academically, graduating magna cum laude from San Francisco State University in 1987 with a degree in creative writing. Even as an undergraduate and graduate student, his talent was evident as he began publishing plays, short stories, essays, and poetry in local literary magazines, foreshadowing a successful and diverse writing career.
In 1989, a chance encounter at an advertising agency brought Christopher St. John and Gayle Paul together. Their first date, a memorable evening featuring the play “Noises Off” and authentic Mission-style burritos at La Taqueria, marked the beginning of a deep and enduring partnership. They married on October 14, 1995, becoming the first couple to celebrate their union in the newly constructed St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church in San Francisco, signifying their commitment to community and shared values.
Christopher St. John‘s exceptional writing skills and keen understanding of human nature propelled his career in advertising. He rose to the position of VP and Creative Director at Publicis Modem in San Francisco. For the last 16 years of his career, he thrived as a freelance creative director and writer, lending his talents to various projects and clients.
Beyond his professional achievements, Christopher St. John lived a life rich in creative expression. Music was a constant thread throughout his life. From childhood sing-alongs to opera performances in the Bay Area, his musical talents were diverse and deeply felt. In 1994, he and Gayle co-founded the band Outgrabe, where Christopher St. John showcased his songwriting, vocal, and instrumental abilities. His operatic interests led him to co-write “Oomph,” an opera with Scott King. Their collaboration extended to musical theater with “Gayland the Musical,” which premiered at the New Orleans Fringe Festival in 2013 and later graced the off-Broadway stage in New York City in 2015, demonstrating his range and ambition as a writer and composer.
Christopher St. John and Gayle’s shared passions extended beyond music to a profound commitment to animal welfare. Their home became a sanctuary for rescue bunnies, reflecting a lifelong dedication to animal rights. Actively involved in animal liberation through Direct Action Everywhere (DxE), which they joined in 2018, Christopher St. John channeled his creativity into activism. He wrote animal rights songs, crafted compelling fundraising emails, and participated in marches and demonstrations. Their activism contributed to the successful ban on fur coats in California, a testament to their impactful advocacy.
Christopher St. John‘s most recent and deeply personal project was “The War Bunny Chronicles,” a series of novels that mirrored his real-world fight for animal justice. Through these books, he introduced readers to the unique personalities of his beloved bunnies and created a vividly imagined post-apocalyptic forest world. This series became a showcase for his boundless creativity, ambitious storytelling, and deep passion for all creatures. Having published three books and planned for a fourth, Christopher St. John‘s immersive world continues to inspire readers to envision a world free from animal suffering and to believe in the possibility of a more compassionate future.
Even amidst his busy career and creative pursuits, Christopher St. John always cherished moments with his rabbits. A self-proclaimed night owl, he would often be found late at night, relaxing on the rug of his rabbits’ “well-nibbled” home, enjoying quiet moments of connection with his rabbit, Amber.
Christopher St. John is survived by his beloved wife, Gayle, and his sisters Sharon, Julia, and Catherine, all of whom he deeply loved and cherished. He often cited these strong women as his inspiration in his creative endeavors.
Christopher St. John‘s life brought immeasurable joy to those around him. He will be deeply missed, but his creative legacy and compassionate spirit will continue to inspire.
In remembrance of Christopher St. John‘s profound commitment to animal rights, especially for the smaller creatures, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to RabbitEARS, a rabbit and small mammal rescue organization in Oakland. This organization held a special place in Christopher St. John‘s heart, as he adopted his own beloved rabbits through them.
Donate to RabbitEARS in memory of Christopher St. John
Thank you for celebrating the life of Christopher St. John. Your stories and memories are welcome on the memory wall.
(A memorial service for Christopher St. John is planned for Spring 2025. Please leave your contact information if you wish to be notified of details as they become available.)
