Christian Spencer Hosford

North Hampton - Christian Spencer Hosford (Chris, Kiki) died peacefully at home on August 27, 2026. Born in Dallas, Texas, on May 2, 1939, to Ralph Norville Hosford and Flora Brechbill Keedy Hosford, both of Amherst, MA, Chris was the youngest of three boys. He is survived by his brother Charles of Waitsfield, VT, and was predeceased by his brother Peter of Holyoke, MA. He is survived by his son Christian T. Hosford of Jamaica Plain, MA, and Christian’s wife Corey Nuffer; his daughter Jillian R. Hosford of Burlington, VT; and his grandchildren Ella Hosford, Lucinda Hosford, and Lia Darling. Chris attended Amherst High School in Massachusetts, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and his private pilot certificate through the Civil Air Patrol. He first attended State Teachers College at Fitchburg before his scoutmaster recruited him to the engineering program at UMASS Amherst. There, he met his first wife, Joyce Teir, while working in musical theater. Chris graduated from UMASS in 1962, and he and Joyce married before embarking on many adventures across the globe as Chris pursued his engineering career. In 1978, he founded CHI Engineering Services, Inc., which began with offices in Barnstable, Massachusetts, and in 1988, moved to Portsmouth, NH, growing into a vibrant worldwide engineering consulting business servicing the Liquified Natural Gas industry. Chris loved to travel, whether for work or pleasure. Early in his career, he took overseas contracts in Italy, Pakistan, Argentina, Brazil, and Northern Africa. He embraced the projects, people, culture, and opportunities these experiences offered, both for himself and his family. He believed that through travel, you could gain a better understanding of the world, its politics, and its people. His favorite place to visit was Italy, where he frequently traveled to spend time with his cousin Cynthia Taylor Trenti and her extended Italian family. He also helped make it possible for members of Cynthia’s family to visit and work in the United States. He loved contemporary art and was an avid collector, with a particular appreciation for sculpture. He surrounded himself with furnishings handmade locally by skilled artists and craftspeople and often gave others artisan-made gifts. He was an enthusiastic and generous gift-giver to the many people who crossed his path, although he was a reluctant recipient of gifts himself. Chris was a master maker and technician. He enjoyed building wood furniture; designing, building, and renovating homes; building airplanes; and finding solutions to vexing problems. He had a talent for seeing possibilities and was always ready to put his skills and ingenuity to work. Chris was also a mentor and teacher to many pursuing engineering careers, always offering advice and insight on a business idea. He supported many people throughout his life and had a fondness for the underdog. He was deeply supportive of his children and grandchildren, encouraging their education, careers, and passions, including Ella and Lucinda’s equestrian pursuits. While living and working in Portsmouth, Chris met his second wife, Barbara Kamm, and they shared a beautiful life together in Kennebunkport, Maine, until her passing in 2006. In her honor, Chris established the Barbara J. Kamm, M.S.W., '91 Endowed Scholarship at the University of New England, ensuring that her legacy would continue to make a difference in the lives of others. When he retired from CHI Engineering Services in 2011, he didn’t slow down—he simply took to the skies. He renewed his pilot's license and began collecting light sport aircraft, flying them across the country, through the Grand Canyon, over deserts, lakes, and seas. He loved the freedom of solo flight and the unique experience of operating fully in three dimensions. He developed a habit of collecting planes and even purchased an RV-10 build kit to introduce high school students to the world of aviation and inspire their interest in flight. Chris also founded two new companies: CHI Energy Services, an engineering consulting firm that helped fund and support his second passion, CHI Aerospace, a flight school. CHI Aerospace began at Hampton Airfield (7B3) and later moved to a hangar leased from Port City Air at Portsmouth International Airport (KPSM). Through CHI Aerospace, Chris helped hundreds of aspiring pilots pursue careers in aviation. He believed deeply that earning a pilot's license conferred an indelible sense of accomplishment, confidence, and opportunity. Earlier this year, he converted this business into a not-for-profit educational organization so its mission could continue: making aviation more accessible through exceptional flight training, meaningful mentorship, and educational opportunities. It was a fitting way for Chris to share something he loved while creating opportunities for others. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chris Hosford Memorial Scholarship Fund at CHI Aerospace. To make a donation, please contact CHI Aerospace Dispatch at (603) 380-9951, or mail a check to: CHI Aerospace Inc. 58 Durham Street Portsmouth, NH 03801 A Celebration of Life will be held on September 29th from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. at the Seacoast Science Center, 570 Ocean Blvd, Rye, NH 03870.

Christian Spencer Hosford

May 2, 1939 - August 27, 2026