Christian Scott Rutherford, 18, of Hamden passed away unexpectedly at home, on Tuesday, January 12, 2016.

Christian was born on May 7, 1997 in Walton, the son of John Rutherford, Jr., and Nichole Iozzi-Rutherford.

Christian was in his senior year at Walton Central School. While attending school he enjoyed playing sports including Varsity Football, wearing #33, and lettering for four years; 2 years lettering on the basketball team; 3 years lettering on the track team, competing in the 100 and 200-yard dash, 4x100-yard relay, and the long jump. Christian was a member of the Walton Pistol Club and AAU Basketball league. He was also a member of the Walton United Presbyterian Church where he participated in confirmation class, the bell choir, and the youth group. Christian was an animal lover who planned to study zoology in the future. He will be remembered as a sensitive and quiet young man who enjoyed rooting for the New York Jets, playing the piano, going to Johnstown to the Checkers Go-Cart track, shooting trap, weight lifting, and working with his dad on his beloved Dodge Dakota 4X4.

Christian is survived by his loving family his parents, John Rutherford, Jr. of Hamden; Nichole Iozzi-Rutherford of Walton; grandfather, John Rutherford, Sr. of Walton; great grandmother, Bethena Barrows of Tyler, TX; brother, Nick Rutherford (Kelly Mundy) of Mansfield, PA; sister, Justine Rutherford (Zach McNeilly) of Walton; girlfriend, Samantha Bowker of Walton; special friends, Brenden Sanchez of New Mexico, Adam Sanchez of Delhi, family pets Sadie and Winchester, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Art and Barb Iozzi, and grandmother, Priscilla Rutherford.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on Friday morning, January 15, 2016, from 11 AM to 1 PM at the United Presbyterian Church, 58 East Street, Walton, where services will be held at 1 PM with Rev. Dr. Lisa Ruth Mays, officiating. Burial will be held privately at the Walton Cemetery. Arrangements are with Courtney Funeral Home, Walton.

Memorial Contributions in Christian's memory may be made to Walton Central School District, Football Equipment, 47-49 Stockton Avenue, Walton, New York 13856; the New York State Troopers Foundation, K-9 Unit, 3 Airport Park Blvd., Latham, NY; or Walton EMS, 61 West Street, Walton, New York 13856.