Christopher Dutzman, 67, of Manchester, passed away on Sunday, January 14 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Born in Colville, WA, he was the beloved son of Rudolph and Joan (Dietrich) Dutzman.
Raised and educated in Pennsylvania, Chris graduated from Conestoga High School, class of 1974. In his senior year, Chris was a Pennsylvania state high school champion in one of competitive track’s most challenging events, the two-mile relay. The relay team was among the top in the nation. He was also a mainstay for the team’s high hurdles event. He furthered his education at Pennsylvania State University, where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in finance.
Soon after graduation, Chris began his career with financial positions at General Electric, the US Federal Reserve, and The Boston Company. He subsequently was named partner at Capital Markets Outlook Group, an investment advisory firm serving clients in the US and Europe, where he remained for decades until retirement.
Chris was a lifelong runner and a familiar face at Singing Beach in Manchester, his home for more than 40 years. He especially enjoyed catching the late afternoon sun’s rays there, enjoying walks up and down the beach, playing pick-up beach soccer, or riding boogie boards in the waves.
Chris was a prolific musician, mastering the clarinet, saxophone, guitar, and piano. His favorite musician was Pat Metheny. Chris loved to make music playlists and be the “DJ.” He often attended the MERSD High School Band and Jazz Band concerts.
Chris loved sci-fi books, non-fiction books about the world's greatest adventures, and books about ancient symbolism. One of his favorite books was “Endurance,” a book about the Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton.
He loved to make brunch and special meals for his friends (French toast and bacon, spaghetti Bolognese, and homemade french fries were some of his favorites). Chris was silly, witty, and uniquely capable of coming up with different jokes to make people laugh.
Chris’ life was enriched by the many decades-long friendships and ties that spanned generations. He considered these deep friendships to be family. He was so supportive and believed in everyone he loved. He was extremely generous and selfless, often putting others before himself and taking great enjoyment in helping others. That generosity and kindness was most evident when it came to his relationships with his nieces and nephews, whether by blood or chosen.
Chris is survived by his mother, Joan Dutzman; brother Matt Dutzman; and sister Susan Crackel; as well as his four nieces and nephews, Meg, Tom, Laura and Nicole, who loved him very much.
A celebration of life will be held in Manchester at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders.
