Justin O. Van Epps

Portsmouth - Justin Oliver Van Epps, 54, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025, at his home surrounded by loving family. He had been battling kidney cancer. Justin was born March 4, 1971, in Buffalo, New York, the son of David and Joan Howles Van Epps. He spent his earliest years in Buffalo before moving with his family to Morristown, New Jersey, and later, Loveland, Ohio. He graduated from Sycamore High School in Montgomery, Ohio, then attended Miami University of Ohio, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a minor in Geology, subjects that reflected his passion for spirited debate and love of the natural world. Justin moved to New Hampshire in 1993, and with entrepreneurial spirit, opened The Mad Hatter Cafe in Durham. He sold the cafe a year later but remained a lifelong stickler for good coffee. His career took him to Cabletron, with later roles at Cisco Systems and the Small Business Administration in Washington, DC. In 2007, he founded Carabiner Consulting, a firm that would thrive for nearly twenty years without advertising or a website, relying strictly on word-of-mouth recommendations. In work as in life, Justin’s optimism, sincerity, thoughtfulness, and creative, out-of-the-box thinking ensured success. Justin met his wife, Hope Lindley, through Cabletron, where he quickly captured her heart after she relocated from her native Memphis. The couple married on August 1, 1998, at the Eagle Mountain House in Jackson, New Hampshire. They shared 29 years of adventures, 27 years of marriage, and three beautiful children, Liam, Caleb, and Sophia. Justin thrived as a dad, parenting with patience, love, humor, and unwavering devotion. Justin and Hope shared a passion for travel that they instilled in their children. As a family, they shared many memorable adventures, including visits with his relatives in Sicily and a trip to the 2024 Paris Olympics. Closer to home, Justin loved hiking the White Mountains and spent much time in the Presidential Range; The 4000 ft Mount Jefferson was his favorite. He could often be found with a camera in hand, exploring coastal tide pools, attending local concerts and festivals, writing poetry, walking Lenny the dog all over town, and cooking up pancakes. A lifelong athlete, Justin was devoted to soccer. He played for the Timberland team in the Seacoast United Men’s League, returning to the field following a heart attack in 2020, a reflection of his strong will and the joy he found in the soccer community. Justin prioritized community caring and involvement, supporting Habitat for Humanity, New Canaan Society, Portsmouth Historical Society, local food banks, and other organizations as a volunteer, donor, or advisor. Having made numerous moves, he was active in many local churches throughout his lifetime. He valued living simply, with authenticity, gratitude, and following the teachings of Jesus. He lived his faith by meeting others where they were in life, offering unconditional love, and teaching his children to do the same. Leading by example, his nightly dinner blessing always focused on giving back to others as Christ had given to him. Remaining to cherish Justin’s memory are his wife, Hope; his children, Liam, Caleb, and Sophia; his mother, Joan Van Epps; sisters Heather Van Epps (Mark Palfreyman) and Sharon Van Epps (John Clements) honorary brothers Troy Bellot and Reid Sexton, and a long list of beloved nieces and nephews. Justin was preceded in death by his father, G. David Van Epps. A celebration of Justin’s life will be held in the spring. Details forthcoming. In lieu of meals or flowers, Justin requested donations to GATHER by clicking here or Red's Good Vibes by clicking here to support neighbors in need on the Seacoast.

Justin O. Van Epps

March 4, 1971 - December 28, 2025