Christopher Dudley Catherwood

life story

A loving husband and father

Mr. Christopher “Chris” Dudley Catherwood, age 55, of Concord, died peacefully at home on Wednesday afternoon, April 30, 2025, surrounded by his large, noisy, and fiercely loving group of family and friends.

Chris was born in Edison, New Jersey, on December 1, 1969, to Robert “Bob” Erskine Catherwood and Billie Dudley Hoffman. He attended UNC-Wilmington, where he met his cherished wife, Laura, formed countless lifelong friendships, and earned a degree in business. After graduation, he and Laura moved to Chicago to begin their life together, eventually settling in Concord, NC, to be closer to family as they awaited the birth of their first of three daughters, Kelsey. Chris spent nearly 20 years working at Hendrick Toyota Concord, where he was a mentor, a leader, and a loyal friend to many.

Chris’s adventurous (and often mischievous) spirit shaped every chapter of his life. He was always off on an “Epic Chris Adventure,” and he taught his daughters to do the same. Just months before his cancer diagnosis, he spent a week mountain biking in Moab, Utah, an experience he trained years for at the Whitewater Center. He lived, and truly thrived, through his five-year journey with cancer. His appetite for exploration only deepened during that time, especially at his second home, Sunset Beach. He could usually be found taking long walks, going on bike rides, watching the sunrise, volunteering with the sea turtles, and enjoying drum circles.

He loved his wife so deeply and openly that strangers could feel it. He was a devoted father to his daughters, Kelsey, Avery, and Maggie, and never missed an opportunity to express his pride in them. Through his words and his life, he taught his daughters about love, forgiveness, the strength of family, and the healing power of sunshine and live music. Chris left this world as he lived it: with humor, curiosity, and joy—backstage pass in hand, ready for whatever comes next.

Chris is survived by his adoring wife of 30 years, Laura Healy Catherwood; daughters Kelsey Marie Catherwood (Josh Hayes), Avery Arlene Catherwood, and Marilyn “Maggie” Leigh Catherwood (Vanessa Olgin); niece Lauren Beth Hudson and grand-niece Madeline Catherwood Hudson; brother-in-law Joe Hudson; Aunt Mary “Shorty” Dudley; cousins John-Paul Schick, Ana Marie Schick, Alexander Catherwood, Emma Catherwood, Jaci Jacobs, and Jessica Dunne; Aunt Marilyn “Maggie” Catherwood Pfeiffer; Uncle Glenn Catherwood; and Uncle Mike Catherwood. He is also survived by countless cherished lifelong friends, including Roy Noblin, Jamie Rudder, and his Chi Phi brothers.

He was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Kelly Catherwood Hudson; his parents, Bob Catherwood and Billie Dudley Hoffman; and his stepfather, Ed Hoffman.

Chris’s family invites all who loved him to join in his “Epic Celebration of Life,” a casual, joyful gathering on Saturday, May 10, from 2–4 p.m. at the U.S. National Whitewater Center’s South Ridge Pavilion. Please dress comfortably and feel free to partake in any of the adventures offered, just as Chris would have wanted.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations in Chris’s honor be made to the Sunset Beach Turtle Watch. Checks may be made payable to Sunset Beach Turtle Program (SBTP) and mailed to P.O. Box 7745, Ocean Isle, NC 28469.

memorial service

Chris's Epic Celebration of Life

May 10, 2025

South Ridge 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214, USA

We will be at the Whitewater Center's South Ridge Pavilion. Dress comfortably and casually, we will be adventuring with all those who are up for it afterwards. Parking is $12.