Christopher John Beutler

December 28, 1966 – December 18, 2021

Christopher John Beutler (Chris) passed away on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at age 54 from complications due to ALS. He was a devoted son, husband, and father, as well as a friend beloved by many.

Chris was born in Camden, New Jersey and moved to Maryland as a young child. He grew up in Lutherville, attended Towson High School, and graduated from Ithaca College, where he studied film. A music aficionado, Chris was a member of the Eighties new wave rock bank, Bangah, and played bass.

Chris enjoyed music his entire life, attending concerts, posting about artists and styles like jazz, new wave, and punk on his social media accounts, and spinning vinyl records with his family and friends.

Chris went on to a long career in screenwriting, film production, and advertising, becoming the Chief Vision Officer at Renegade Productions. One of his career highlights was winning an Emmy award for the One Love Foundation’s public service announcement on ending relationship violence. Chris continued to use his social media platform to educate others about healthy and unhealthy relationships. Years after the PSA came out, Chris’ daughters and classmates viewed the video at their high school.

Chris met Laura (Knight) through his best friend, and six months later, they became engaged. They married at Loyola Alumni Chapel in Baltimore City in 1997. They had two daughters, Anna and Ella, who Chris adored.

Chris has been a resident of Cockeysville (Springdale) for the last two decades. An avid cyclist, Chris spent hours building and riding on trails in neighboring Loch Raven Reservoir with friends. At age 50, Chris competed in the age 50 plus league and won first place in a number of bike races including Guys Neshaminy Classic Mountain Bike Race in Pennsylvania, Iron Hill Cross Country in Aberdeen, Maryland, and the Mid Atlantic Super Series for Cross Country Mountain Biking (Category 2 sport class).

Chris loved traveling, spending time with his family, and playing with his dog. Memorable family trips included a sweep through the Pacific Northwest, vacationing in the Caribbean, and many summer weeks at Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire with extended family. Chris visited China and Italy on business, and he and Laura spent a week touring Rome together, where Chris took photos of almost every single Vespa.

Chris touched everyone who knew him with his positive attitude. Chris became a practicing Buddhist after his ALS diagnosis, noting that Buddhism brought great enlightenment and peace to his life. He said that in some ways, his ALS diagnosis was a gift. Chris decided to use his diagnosis to help others and celebrate his life. He turned his love of music into a fundraiser for families with ALS through the Brigance Brigade Foundation. He and Laura organized the Beutler’s ALS Band Bash, an all-day event that featured 14 bands, two sound stages, and a silent auction, which raised money to assist families affected by ALS.

Chris also wanted to have a memorable time working with close friends to help others. He said, “If you give people an easy way to try and help others, people’s hearts are really big. Nothing will give you more joy than trying to help others.”

Chris was a vibrant soul in all of his communities: family, friends, neighborhood, work, cycling, music, and screenwriting. He cherished his relationships with friends from all parts of his life. Chris said, “The best memories are the risks that I took to go out and discover myself. Life has been full of many journeys. My message to everybody is to take risks – that’s what’s going to be with you forever. Your friends, relationships, and adventures – that’s what hold value in your life.”

Chris is survived by his wife, Laura (Knight) Beutler, daughters Anna and Ella, mother Mary Gebhardt, and family dog Dolly.

A celebrational gathering will be held at Lemmon Funeral Home, 10 W. Padonia Road, Lutherville, MD, 21093 on December 28th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm with shared remembrances at 7pm. The Shared Remembrances will be live streamed on the Lemmon Funeral Home Face Book page. See link below to access.

Everyone planning on attending must wear a face covering.

If you wish to make a contribution in Chris’ memory, the family encourages you to support the ALS Association of MD/DC/VA, the organization dedicated to supporting people living with ALS. https://www.als.org/

“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” – Buddha