Christopher John Loch

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Christopher John Loch on December 27, 2024, at the age of 59. A devoted husband, father, brother, and friend, Chris will be remembered for his warm heart, sharp wit, and unwavering devotion to his family and community.

Born on April 30, 1965, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Chris built a distinguished career as a golf professional, where he inspired countless players with his expertise and love for the game. After many fulfilling years in this role, Chris embraced his greatest calling: becoming a stay-at-home father to his cherished sons, Sam and Thomas Loch.

Chris (Da-Bud) was a man of many talents and passions. An avid songwriter and guitarist, he found joy in music and cherished the times he gathered with friends at the Cup-a-Joe in Hillsborough, NC to play a tune. Music was a cornerstone of his life, and he passed this love on to his sons, teaching them to play guitar and sharing the songs he had written. Sam and Thomas continue his legacy by learning and playing his cherished music.

Chris was also a dedicated and beloved coach throughout his sons’ school years, guiding their sports teams with enthusiasm and care. He served as the Orange High School Men’s and Women’s Golf Coach, leaving a lasting impact on his players through his mentorship and love for the sport.

One of Chris’ greatest joys was his annual hunting trip to Great East Lake at the Elwell Compound. This cherished tradition became even more special as he shared it with his sons, creating lasting memories in a place he loved.

Chris was the beloved husband of Mary Smith, whose partnership he deeply valued for over 33 years. She survives him, as do their sons, Sam and Thomas. Chris is also survived by his mother, Sheila Loch; nine loving siblings: Robert Loch and wife Taryn, Kathy Vetter and husband Scott, Pamela Saurman and husband Doug, Susanne Pirolli and husband Bob, Stephen Loch and wife Kara, Sandy Truax and husband Dean, Beth Goodsell and husband Mark, Tim Loch and wife Brook, and Jenny Loch, as well as 24 nieces and nephews, 29 grandnieces and grandnephews, and one great-grandniece and one great-grandnephew who all adored their Uncle Chris. His bond with his family was a testament to his character, as he was a constant source of love, laughter, and support.

A private burial will be held at the family plot in Calvary Cemetery on Saturday, January 4th, at 1:00 pm. A celebration of Chris’ life for family and friends will follow with a reception at the Elks Lodge in Portsmouth, NH from 2:00 to 5:00 pm.  In addition, a Celebration of Life will be held at the House at Gatewood in Hillsborough, NC on Saturday, January 11 from 12:00 to 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family is establishing the Christopher J. Loch Scholarship Fund; please contact Mary ( [email protected] ) for more details.

Christopher’s legacy of love, music, laughter, and dedication will forever live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were privileged to know him.