Christopher R. “Chris” Davidson ’99 M’06
Source: https://www.stockbridgefh.com/obituary/christopher-davidson
Christopher Ryan Davidson, 50, of Newmarket, NH, passed away on July 20, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Few could have fought harder or demonstrated such strength, perseverance and grace over these last few months.
The youngest of four, Chris was born on December 7, 1975, to Donald “Deke” Davidson (a former professional hockey player) and Camille Davidson in Clinton, NY. After graduating from Clinton High School in 1994 and completing a post-graduate year at Berkshire School in 1995, Chris attended Saint Michael’s College in Vermont where he was a standout player for their Men’s Ice Hockey team. Years of hard work and dedication culminated in 1999 with his NCAA Division II National Championship team that Chris captained his senior year. It was the College’s first national championship in any sport, but Chris still had more to give.
After a stint playing in the Southern Professional Hockey League, Chris would spend 12 more seasons with his alma mater – seven as an assistant coach and five as head coach – before sharing his love of the game and coaching prowess at the prep school and junior hockey levels. While Chris’ dedication and accolades at Saint Michael’s college were remarkable, his greatest accomplishment at Saint Mike’s was meeting the love of his life, Aurelia. Together, they were the strongest of teams; it is no surprise that they would go on to have four amazing children, Deke, Cora, Berk and Auvi who consistently evince their father’s resilience, kindness and commitment to the game of ice hockey and the joy and connection it has provided so many.
At Vermont Academy, Chris was instrumental in the lives of so many young people – a charismatic leader, loyal supporter, and a sounding board. Students loved Chris and his family fiercely, and the Davidson home was a safe, loving place for the VA community. As the school’s Varsity Boy’s Hockey Coach and Dean of Residential Life, he transformed the team to its first winning season in eight years. His diligence and heart lead to him taking on an even more prolific role as Athletic Director. Not only did Chris help students cultivate their hockey skills, foster their competitive spirit, and develop a belief in themselves and their teammates, he also modeled what it meant to be a good man and good father.
After leaving Vermont Academy, Chris made an indelible mark on New Hampshire’s youth hockey program. As General Manager of the Seacoast Spartans and Director of the Seacoast Academy, Chris devoted himself to player development at every level. From gentle direction for the tiniest of skates to rigorous preparation for the most accomplished athlete, Chris believed that building a great player meant building a great person first, and he shaped his program around that conviction.
The relationships he nurtured did not end at the rink because he coached every student athlete from the heart. Under his guidance, many of his athletes went on to compete within the collegiate and professional levels – a testament to the strong foundation he cultivated both on and off the ice. Chris knew how to create lifelong bonds, as clearly evidenced by the outpouring of love and support from his community over the last few months.
A life defined by resilience, service, and impact — Chris’ legacy will live on in all who were so blessed to know him.
Chris was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Camille Davidson. He is survived by his wife Aurelia and their children Deke, Cora, Berk and Auvi, his older sister, brothers and their spouses, Martine Hussey (Tiernan), Donald N. Davidson, Jr. (Anne Marie), and Tyler Davidson (Kathy), his mother and father-in-law Mary Patricia and Richard M. Simmons, his sisters-in-law and their spouses, Christa Beniash (Michael), Jessica Cornell (Lee), Alexandra Simmons and Michaela North (Daniel), as well as numerous adoring nieces and nephews.