Dr. Christopher Hamilton Sutton, PhD

Dr. Christopher Hamilton Sutton, PhD, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully after a brief bout of pneumonia (and several years' struggle with metastatic prostate cancer) at St Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center on March 16, 2025. His family and the hospital Chaplain were at the bedside to help see him into his new life with God. Christopher died with a prayer in his thoughts, a smile on his face and was ready to meet his Lord and Savior.

When Christopher was born on January 17, 1962, in San Francisco, California, his mother could not help but exclaim "he was the most beautiful baby!" He was born to Jeannette and Jerome Sutton, their firstborn, and a few years later welcomed his sister Amy. Jeannette's father and mother had settled in Petaluma, California, and Chris's grandfather built an adobe and redwood house with his own hands. This house survived several big earthquakes intact. Chris's grandparents established the settlement as a walnut ranch and apiary. Jeannette and her brother grew up there, and later Chris and his sister were also raised there. Chris felt that growing up on the ranch was almost a "magical experience" at times. He adored almost everything about the ranch, with its gnarled walnut trees, chickens, cats, dogs, wildlife, and pervasive scent of eucalyptus and bay. Chris loved to explore, and became an avid rockhound, amateur meteorologist and amateur astronomer, among other pursuits.

Christopher had a passion for all things scientific, and enjoyed mechanical, architectural, musical and artistic endeavors, especially where they intersected with science. He loved to write, was an avid Trekkie and Star Wars fan, and was very fond of science fiction and fantasy. Christopher had an insatiable curiosity combined with fearsome intellect. He struggled his whole life with Asperger's Syndrome (on the autistic spectrum) and Attention Deficit Disorder and other issues but pushed through and ultimately got his PhD in Chemistry at Indiana University. Dr Sutton was one of only a few dozen boron chemists in the world. During his college years he became a Christian and his love of Jesus/God became the cornerstone of his life. In keeping with this, Chris never let science cloud his belief in the Creator and never let religion confound his scientific bent. His world view intertwined his belief in God and science. Chris could see the rainbow that God gifted Noah in an opal and feel the hand of the Creator while gazing at the Milky Way through a telescope. For Chris, it was always love of God, love of family (including furry ones), and love of country.

In 1996, Christopher married Laura Fall, MD. After living in Anchorage Alaska for 2 years, they returned to Buhl Idaho to stay at their small hobby farm called Dark Skies Farm. That marriage lasted over 18 years, and they were able to adopt their 2 children, Kenneth Christopher (KC) Sutton and Jane Victoria Sutton during their union. Chris and Laura dissolved this union in 2014 but remained close friends and coparents.

Chris got around quite a bit. He was a member of Buhl Bible Church and was involved in a variety of clubs and activities, including, the Magic Valley Astronomical Society, Magic Valley Rock and Gem Club, and Silver Sage Grotto (spelunking). He also used to enjoy Taekwondo and had a provisional black belt and had an official NASCAR pit license when KC and Jane raced at Magic Valley Speedway. Chris had a great fondness for the outdoors and spending time with family and friends in outdoor activities.

Dr. Christopher Sutton is survived by his 2 children, KC and Jane Sutton; mother, Jeannette Sutton; sister, Amy (Kevin) Heflin; nephew, Andrew Heflin; and his ex-wife, Laura Fall, MD; along with cousins, cats, dogs, chickens and many friends.

Chris was preceded in death by his father, Jerome Sutton; and both sets of grandparents.

The family of Dr. Christopher Sutton would like to extend heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Pastor Mark Dowding and everyone at Buhl Bible Church; not only for helping us get Chris's house ready for his return (unfortunately Chris never got to see it) but also for their kind and loving support of Chris in the last years of his life. The family would also like to thank the doctors and staff in the Inpatient Rehab Unit at St Luke's Magic Valley, the folks in Palliative Care at St Luke's Magic Valley, and most especially his case manager Sabrina.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Buhl Bible Church,1004 Burley Avenue, Buhl, Idaho, followed by a reception at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Buhl Bible Church. 

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Christopher's memorial webpage at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com.