Anchorage resident Christopher AuBuchon, 17, died peacefully in his sleep March 4, 2009, at home.
A celebration of his life will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at VFW Post 10252, 3105 Mountain View Drive. A potluck will follow. Chris had many friends and loved ones, and all are invited to attend.
Chris was born Oct. 22, 1991, in Anchorage, to Brenda Estep and Alan AuBuchon. Shortly after his birth, he was diagnosed with polyps of the airway. He had his first surgery at 3 weeks, followed by many more before the age of 15, most occurring at Seattle Children's Hospital. "As was his nature, he tackled each and every one of them head on and fearlessly," his family wrote. "He also required a trachea tube for two years early on in life. In spite of all this, he was a driven young man."
Chris loved sports and started out playing T-ball at Nunaka Valley. Coached by his father, he played for 10 years through juniors, becoming one of the dominant pitchers in the league. He was courted by American Legion coaches for several years afterward. His first love was hockey. Chris played for 11 years, mostly with the Junior Seawolves and Bulldogs, winning two state titles with the Junior Seawolves. He joined track for the only time in the eighth grade and proceeded to win the boys' regional high jump title.
Chris loved fishing and camping with his family and friends. He also enjoyed playing golf with his father and grandfather, both of whom he could outdrive by 80 yards. "Chris was turning into a great young man who loved 'just hanging out,' " his family wrote. "There are not enough words to express how much he is loved and missed. He will never be forgotten. He was strong, with a great smile, and brought joy to everyone who was around him."
Chris is survived by his father and mother, Alan AuBuchon and Brenda Estep, both of Anchorage; sister, Angie Estep of Anchorage; grandparents, Dave and Barbara Buchholz of Florida; grandmother, Shirley Coble of Anchorage; and aunts and uncles, Tammy and Jim Fairbanks of Anchorage, Rose Addington of New Mexico, Rhonda and Naamen Judy of Arkansas, and Dianne and Robert Williams of California.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Donald AuBuchon, and aunt, Connie AuBuchon.