Christopher Crofton-Atkins

Christopher John Crofton-Atkins

June 16th, 1937–November 30th, 2024

Christopher Crofton-Atkins, of Boston and Edgartown, MA died peacefully on Saturday, November 30th.

Born in Pinner, London, Christopher spent his formative years in Lima, Peru after his family moved there during his childhood.

Educated at Markum College in Lima, Rossall College in the UK and McGill University in Montreal, he later worked for the Trane Corporation and KeepRite-Unifin before starting his own manufacturer's representative company.

Christopher's early life in Peru, marked by its cultural richness and vibrant landscapes, deeply influenced him and ignited his lifelong appreciation for nature. Under the guidance of his father, he learned to sketch and developed a love of the outdoors, spending his childhood hunting and fishing along the coastal savannahs and beaches near Lima. The sights and sounds of the Latin world left a lasting impression, inspiring him to capture the unspoiled beauty of his surroundings with charcoal and watercolour, depicting the birdlife, shorelines, and rich textures of the region.

While in England, he travelled widely across Europe, deepening his appreciation for art, history and linguistics. In London, he developed a passion for oil painting, studying privately with tutors. Christopher continued to refine his craft at McGill University in Canada. Whether painting en plein air in the Caribbean or in his Martha's Vineyard studio, Christopher sought to capture the spirit of the natural world.

Christopher's love for Latin culture extended beyond visual art; he was a passionate fan of Latin music, filling his home with the rhythms and melodies that reminded him of Peru. His talent for cooking and gardening complemented his artistic nature, as he enjoyed entertaining and sharing bold flavours. Friends and family came for exceptional cooking, but stayed for his quick and dry wit, flirtatious winks, and engaging conversations. Christopher always kept you on your toes!

A man of many passions, Christopher's greatest loves were his daughter Beryl and wife Marylouise. Spending time with them – whether driving along the beach on Chappaquiddick, traveling to new places, or simply enjoying quiet moments at home, he was happiest in their company.

Christopher leaves behind a legacy of creativity and art that reflects his lifelong connection to the many landscapes he loved.

A loving and funny husband and father, he is survived by his wife Marylouise Crofton-Atkins, his daughter Beryl Crofton-Atkins, and his brother Paul Crofton-Atkins.

The family would like to thank Drs. John Goodson, Ellen Roh, Alberto Serrano-Pozo, Ik-Kyung Jang, Janet Sweeney Rico and the nursing staff at Phillips House twenty-one for their diligent and compassionate care.

To honour Christopher, please consider making a donation to Massachusetts General Hospital designating the donation to the Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine.