Support in the loss of Christopher Betts

Friends of the Betts family are organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Jessica and Rudy Betts

On Sunday March 5, 2023, Christopher (“Chris”) Betts lost his life when what was supposed to be an exhilarating snowmobiling excursion with friends ended in a senseless tragedy.

We are absolutely devastated by Chris’s sudden passing. He was a devoted husband and father, a loving son, brother and brother-in-law, a fun uncle and a loyal friend. Chris touched the lives of so many and it’s our turn to give back to his family in their time of need. We are raising money to cover the costs of medical bills, funeral and memorial services for Chris. Any excess money will supplement the loss of income Chris’s family is faced with as they navigate through life without him.

Please consider donating if you can do so. We are so very grateful for every donation during this impossibly difficult time.

A Tribute to Chris by Joseph Gentile

On March 6, 2023, the life of everyone who knew, cared about, and loved Chris Betts was changed forever.

Chris was no different than any other New Hampshire kid who grew up in the mid 80’s and 90’s. He was an active young boy who was eager to experience everything he could. As a child he attended Sandown Elementary school. Throughout those years he enjoyed riding his bike all over town discovering his “big world” in the small town of Sandown. He enjoyed playing on the local baseball team and tinkering around the house with anything mechanical. Looking back, that time in Sandown seems like a fairy-tail now. It truly was a different time in America; and maybe one of the greatest.

When he could, Chris loved working with his father Al on their never-ending home construction projects or on projects for the family’s small carpentry business. His father, mother and sister instilled in him the core beliefs that working hard, trying your best at everything and being kind to all was the key to life success.

Chris made his way up to Timberlane High School in the late 90’s. He was loved by many friends who admired Chris’ qualities including compassion, caring and physical strength. Chris was willing to do anything for just about anyone, and truly had no enemies. Over the years Chris was an avid dirt bike and BMX rider. He enjoyed riding the trails around southern NH and racing in Wakefield MA, among other places. He joined the High School wrestling and football teams and remained very active in life. Chris was exhilarated when he purchased his first car at 15 years old. It was a 1984 Chevy El Camino that he adored. Chris became quite handy over the years wrenching on that El Camino. Eventually he traded it for the next of many cars and trucks he owned over the years.

By late in High School, Chris had grown into a rugged 6’2” man. His appearance and likes were emblematic of the 90’s era including 90’s muscle cars, gangsta rap, hardcore rock and baggy clothes to name a few. Senior year Chris would meet the love of his life Jess. Chris and Jess began to hang out and quickly became a bond tighter than super glue. They graduated High School in 1999 and soon after Chris was living with Jess at her mother’s Condo. Chris became a staple in the family and the household, helping out immensely over the years.

Chris was prime example of everything American and everything New Hampshire. He dreamed of someday owning his own business and making use of his background, work ethic and skills. In early 2000 he started his own pool business called “Best Betts Pools” and was able to support Jess and their small family of dogs and cats. The business quickly took off and due to Chris’ positive attitude, hard work, and dedication, Chris and Jess were able to realize the American dream in their early twenties. They bought their first house in Allenstown, NH in 2004. It was a very exciting time for them.

Jess, family, friends, the animals, and work quickly became all that mattered to Chris over the next few years. In the little spare time he had, Chris enjoyed riding his 2001 Yamaha R1 around with Jess and a local motorcycle group called the NH Rough Riders.

Over the following years Chris stayed close in touch with his many friends. On the weekends he would often throw BBQ competitions or have gatherings with his neighbors in Allenstown. He loved everyone and treated everyone the same. As a testament to Chris’ loyalty as a friend; friends of his were involved in terrible and unfortunate accidents over the years and Chris and Jess were always the first and last to support.

Chris loved New England sports, including the Patriots, Bruins, Red Sox and Celtics. Later in his thirties, Chris picked up Ice Hockey. He quickly became a regular at the local Ice Hockey arenas, playing on numerous mens’ leagues or in weekly pickup games. Like everyone that knew Chris, his teammates grew to love and adore him. Chris’ teams won the local NH Pond Hockey championship numerous times over the years. Jess was of course by his side and a regular fixture in the stands.

Chris and Jess never spoke about having children, so everyone was surprised when in his late thirties, Chris announced with pure joy that they would be welcoming a baby boy into the world. Chris and Jess’ life was forever changed when they welcomed Rudy Betts on September 18, 2016. Rudy became their sole focus; he was Chris’ everything. Chris reprioritized his life and trimmed down his seven-day work week to make as much time as possible with his new family. They became a strong family bound by love.

Chris wanted Rudy to experience everything he could and everything Chris wasn’t able to experience as a child. He spoiled Rudy every chance he got. They loved operating Chris’ machinery and trucks from the pool business. Rudy knew every piece of equipment they owned and how it operated by the time he could walk and talk. They loved riding bicycles around the Allenstown Neighborhood with their dogs alongside. Chris got Rudy an ATV as soon as he turned 4 years old, and they enjoyed riding around local trails and the NH Rockingham rail trail together. It was no surprise when Chris got Rudy involved in the local youth hockey teams. Chris made sure he was present for every game of ice time Rudy had.

In the winter months Chris had numerous plow contracts, but the work pace was slower than Spring, Summer and Fall. In 2020 Chris decided to purchase an older snowmobile to ride in his downtime. He rode his sled with Rudy and occasionally took local trips around NH. Chris quickly fell in love with the sport and by the following year had purchased a brand new Ski-Doo. He was excited with his new machine and took it on numerous trips to the North Country of NH.

By 2023 Chris had a bunch of riding experience under his belt and had become a very competent snowmobiler. He was a safe and careful rider, especially when he had his son on his machine. He was sure to always wear all safety equipment and follow the trail rules. This was especially important for Chris because any tickets could impact his CDL license and livelihood. The 2023 winter season started late and Chris was eager for snow. Finally mother nature opened up and trails in the North Country became available. Chris partook in multiple trips, racking up miles and really enjoying his machine.

In early March 2023 a snowstorm hit the southern part of New Hampshire which meant the local trail systems would become available. Chris was excited to ride on the local trails he knew, and to enjoy some time riding with Rudy. Right after the snow fell, Chris and Rudy took a 100-mile trip, riding from Bear Brook in Allenstown up to Northwood. I recall Chris calling me and sending me pictures. He was so happy and proud to do the ride with Rudy.

Later that week Chris and some of his close friends decided to take a trip on the local trails and enjoy a beautiful Sunday on the snowmobiles before the season ended. Chris had a nice breakfast with his family then headed out of Bear Brook to meet up with his friends at Tower Hill. They spent the day enjoying the local trails and scenery. They stopped for a quick lunch and returned to the trails to get miles on before the day was out. At the tail end of the day the group of friends planned to head back up towards Bear Brook and eventually part ways with Chris returning home. Chris rode in the middle of the pack as they made their way through an area of Tower hill and approached a small straight section of trail. For reasons unknown Chris’ snowmobile darted into the woods while travelling about 30mph. His snowmobile appeared to quickly accelerate as it shot into the woods and Chris struck a tree that was shortly off the trail head-on.

After strong efforts by the staff at Elliott Hospital, Chris was pronounced dead a short while later.

Chris leaves behind an amazing family who loved him more than anything. He was the bread winner in the house and the go-to for anything that needed to be done. He did it without question or hesitation because he knew it was for the wife and son he loved. He was the most selfless and compassionate person I have ever met. He was always willing to sacrifice anything in exchange for what was best for Rudy and Jess. He leaves behind a gigantic hole that will never be filled. Jess and her small family did not deserve this and need support more than ever. If Chris could speak or give any thoughts to us it would only be to look onto yourself and see what you can change to be a better person, and to please help the loved ones he cared about so much and left behind.

Friends, family and the wider Community, please share our GoFundMe page so we can expand support for the Betts family.

We appreciate any help or contribution, no matter how big or small!