It is with sadness that the family of Chris Graf announce his passing on August 18, 2026 at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook BC at the age of 74. He died peacefully surrounded by family and friends.

Born in Cranbrook, BC on March 12, 1952, Chris was raised in Wardner, BC.

After graduating grade 12 from Mount Baker Secondary School in Cranbrook in 1969, Chris enrolled in UBC in Vancouver BC to pursue engineering and soon developed a keen interest in geology, geochemistry and mapping mineral deposits. He graduated UBC in 1974 and took off on his own to prospect, beginning around the Kootenays. His life’s work would take him to the far corners of BC and farther along the mountains of Western North America from Alaska to Mexico. Chris was well regarded by the exploration community as a brilliant mind, and an advocate for greater scientific understanding in geology. He took an early interest in rare earth elements and discovered the Wicheeda deposit in northern BC, the highest-grade deposit of Rare Earths in Canada.

Chris was a long time keeper of local history in Wardner and wrote a book on the towns history with his mother, Connie Graf. After moving back to Wardner full time to raise a family, he put together a collection of historical photographs of Wardner and was always eager to share local history with all who asked.

Chris is predeceased by his parents Fred and Connie Graf and survived by his sons Christopher and Donovan Graf, as well as many friends.

A celebration of life will take place at McPherson Funeral Home Sunday August 23rd at 2:00PM, with Kelly Hurley officiating and a reception will follow. Please join us.

An interment will take place Monday August 24 at 11:30 am in Wardner, BC Please meet at Wardner Community Hall (204 Cartwright St, Wardner, BC V0B 2J0). Christopher will be interned in the Wardner Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the East Kootenay Regional Hospital.

mcphersonfh.com