Christopher Ross Betts

It is with great sadness we are announcing that our beloved son Christopher Ross Betts unexpectedly passes away on May 19, 2023, at the age of 21.

He was born in Coral Springs, Florida, on September 11, 2001, to Ronald C, Betts and Jessica Fund Betts.

Christopher was a kind, gentle, compassionate soul, always polite, caring, and courteous. He loved music, to listen and help people, play with his cats, enjoy nature, and wanted to preserve and protect the environment.

Christopher graduated from Coral Springs High School in 2020, amid the Covid-19 Pandemic. He was a gifted and intuitive musician who performed in Middle and High School Bands. After graduation, he embarked on a gap year to visit his godfather Peter in Berlin, Germany. He stayed several months while attending German language classes.

Returning home, Christopher attended Broward College, majoring in Communications with a minor in several languages. An A student and member of Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, he was preparing to attend Florida Atlantic University for his B.A. this winter. Christopher was brilliant, deep with emotion, and had dreams to travel throughout Europe and possibly live abroad.

Christopher fell in love with music at age 9 (a young age?). In middle school, he learned piano and became proficient in various woodwind instruments. He earned a seat in the All County Band playing Bass Clarinet. In high school band, he played various saxophones. He eventually taught himself (or add here he was a gifted, intuitive musician?) acoustic and electric guitar. He would sing the lyrics to his favorite tracks, turning his bedroom into a music studio (his favorites were Bob Marley, David Bowie, Sinatra, Beetles, Bob Denver, Nirvana). He relished and played all genres, but primarily classic rock from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, as well as dressing the part. From bell bottoms to corduroy outfits, he was an eccentric dresser who liked the retro look, frequently enjoying shopping in antique shops.

Loving the cooler weather, he craved the outdoors, especially the woods, mountains and streams. He enjoyed daily rides on his yellow bike late at night. He enjoyed primitive camping, hiking, kayaking and archery with his dad and his closest, long-time friend Danny Ardila, who shared his love for art films, literature, history, and discussions of world affairs. Christopher stood by his beliefs and took a stance for Black Lives Matter, global warming and gun control.

He looked up to his Dad and enjoyed spending time with him, playing board games, biking and shooting archery.

Christopher will be deeply missed by his family, his friends and all who knew him.

Christopher is survived by his parents, Ronald Carl Betts and Jessica Betts, his aunt Lynda J. Bradley and her children Jonathan (Christine) Bradley and Kristen J. Bradley, and his cousins Jillian Marie Bradley and Collin Paul Bradley. He is also survived by his godfather Peter Rudolph and godmother Carly Tolotti. His friends Danny Ardila, Lexi, Emma B, Amanda S, Vincenzo M, Drew G, Ian, Lizzy and childhood friends Connor F and Kayla H, and his beloved cats Cody and Felix. Each of you felt his love in a special way. Christopher did not have any siblings, however, Danny Ardila, his best friend from childhood, was as close to him as any brother. Their bond was strong, and they spoke throughout the evening.

A memorial service is being held from 11 am to 3 pm on June 24th at Kraeer Funeral Home in Coral Spring. Reverend Michael Calderin will officiate. Condolences may be offered at 1655 North University Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33071.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kraeercoralsprings.com for the Betts family.