KEENE, NH - Christopher Lall Rickson of Keene died Tuesday, February 7 2017 at Concord Hospital surrounded by his wife and two sons after a long battle with cardiac sarcoidosis. Chris was born on April 21, 1965 in Boston, Mass., son of Frederick and Beverly Rickson. He graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in Vermont in 1983 and UMass Boston with an associate's degree in political science in 1986. He later added an associate's degree in the physical therapy program at New Hampshire Technical College, Claremont, NH in 2000. While attending St. Johnsbury, his long appreciation and participation in sports began starting with football and baseball. He met his wife, Diane Howard in 1992 at Keene Country Club when he delivered a rental TV for a function, received by then business manager, Diane. They married in 1994 and welcomed twin sons, Isaac and Nathan in 1995. Chris began his career in physical therapy in 2000, a field that was a natural extension of his caring and ever patient demeanor. He cherished his relationship with every resident at Genesis Westwood Care and Rehabilitation in Keene where he worked from 2001 until his passing. Chris' true love was his family and sports. He spent ten years coaching Keene Knights Youth Football in Keene, staying in that position for two years after his sons had moved on to high school sports. He was a diehard Patriots fan and was thrilled with their overtime win against the Atlanta Falcons on February 5. Chris often immersed himself in the intricate details of NFL team strategy which he enjoyed sharing with others. Chris was also an avid comic book and graphic novel collector as well as a passionate lover of film and music. Chris lived for his family life, both in Keene and the Boston/Cape Cod area, and was surrounded by a strong family of friends. Always the stoic and thoughtful member of any group he was in, Chris relished a good sports or political conversation amongst the hubbub of any event. He was generous with his love and a quietly stabilizing force in many lives. Chris is survived by his wife, Diane; his sons Nathan and Isaac, all of Keene; his mother, Beverly of Mashpee, MA, his sister, Diane, her husband, Brian and their son, Owen of Waltham, MA; his sister in law Kathi Rheaume her husband Terry; his niece Kerri Quick and his great nieces Rhea and Devyn Quick of Claremont, NH; long-time housemates Michael Breshears and Joseph Collins, many cousins, aunts and uncles and a large contingency of close friends. His father, Frederick, died earlier. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, February 18 from 10 a.m. - 12 noon with a memorial service immediately following. All in the Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. Flowers will gladly be accepted. Alternatively, the family would welcome donations made to the Christopher L. Rickson Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Savings Bank of Walpole, Attn. Michelle Howard, 400 West St., Keene, NH 03431 to provide an annual scholarship to a local child who would like to play football Keene Knights Football.