Dr. Christopher John Auty

Durham - Dr. Christopher John Auty, of Durham, New Hampshire, was born July 27, 1954, in Queens, New York to parents John J. Auty and Marie P. McWilliams. He died on Thursday, December 30, 2021, after a courageous battle with gastric cancer. He passed away peacefully at Wentworth Douglas Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Chris grew up in South Hadley and Longmeadow, Massachusetts. He was an outstanding student and athlete. An all-star full back, member of the track team and co-captain of the ski team, he graduated from South Hadley High School with high honors. He attended St. Lawrence University and was awarded the George F. Baker four-year scholarship. He graduated in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He was accepted to Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and graduated in 1981 with a Doctorate Degree in Dental Surgery. He attended the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery program at the University of Connecticut and completed his surgical residency at Hartford Hospital.

He entered practice in New Hampshire in 1985. An innovative surgeon, he developed the "punch" method for dental implant placement and the "flap" stitch-free method for tooth extraction. Generous with his time and talent, Chris supported the work of Families First, mentored many young dentists and was always there to help patients in need. Chris treated patients like his own family, and our house was always full of thank you artwork, notes, and cookies from appreciative patients. He retired from his practice, Great Bay Oral Surgery Associates, with offices in Somersworth and Portsmouth, in 2019.

Friends and family remember his boundless energy and optimism. He was an avid skier, ski coach, cyclist, surfer, boater, golfer and classic car enthusiast. His zest for life was contagious. Whether on his bike, board or skis, he made new friends with every adventure. Wintertime took him to western Maine, where he would declare nearly every day "to be the best day in the history" of his beloved Sunday River. He regularly pronounced at pancake breakfasts that there was "no such thing as too much maple syrup," while pouring an enormous serving over someone's plate. His house there, known fondly as the "Auty Motel," was always packed with family and friends, especially those from across the New England ski racing community. He hosted athletes and coaches even after his own children moved on from racing.

In recent years, Chris became a devoted classic car collector. He developed an expertise in Glas GTs with a knack for tracking down barn finds and rare parts. He relished the drives, rallies and shows, all the while making a host of new friends.

Chris often declared that he was the "luckiest man in the galaxy," because of his strong network of loving family and friends. A devoted husband of 31 years and loving father to two amazing children, he prized his family above all else. There are no words to describe the depth of love for his family and the pride he took in his children's accomplishments. Known for his generosity and acuity, he was the kind of man friends turned to for help and advice; a shoulder so many leaned on over the years for strength and support during challenging times.

He will be terribly missed by all who knew him. Although his life was cut short, we take solace knowing that he lived in every moment fully. His spirit will live anew each time we recall all the great times, the laughter and the joy he brought to so many.

Chris leaves behind his wife Alex of Durham, New Hampshire, their daughter Samantha of Portland, Maine, and their son Jack of Durham, New Hampshire, his brother Kevin, of Chesapeake, Virginia and his sister Barbara of Holyoke, Massachusetts. He also leaves nieces, Taylor Auty, Jennifer Auty and Anne Goelet, nephews Henry Goelet, Philip Goelet and Benjamin Appleby-Maguire and great niece Sofia Sijmonsbergen.

The family thanks the physicians, nurses and caregivers at the Seacoast Cancer Center, the Wentworth Douglas Supportive and Palliative Care team, and the Tucker Gosnell Center for Gastrointestinal Cancers at the Massachusetts General Hospital for their extraordinary care and compassion.

An outdoor celebration of life is planned for the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Wentworth Douglas Charitable Foundation with designation to the Seacoast Cancer Center at https://giving.wdhospital.org/.

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