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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
PRATT, Christopher Gratix (Chris) - lovingly known as Chris, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026 at the age of 101. He was born on May 27, 1924, in Okotoks, Alberta and moved to Victoria in 1925.
Chris' estranged wife, Mary, predeceased him in 2022. He is survived by his children, Mark (Megan), Tisha, Nick (Janice) and Sarah (Grant), seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was the last surviving Canadian Younger Brother of the Trinity House fraternity and is believed to have been the last surviving member of the first class of Royal Roads Military College (RCNC 016). He was Honorary President of the Vancouver Island Ex-Cadet Club from 2012 until his death.
Chris enjoyed a lifelong love of the sea, including a 36-year career with the Royal Canadian Navy. He served in WWII, the Korean War and during peacetime. He deployed all over the world, commanded several vessels and the Canadian Maritime Warfare Centre (CFMWC), taught at the National Defence College in Ottawa, and served as Director of Naval Reserves between 1972 and his release from service in 1978. Chris enjoyed a rewarding "second act" after service. He continued to travel the world alone and with friends and family well into his 90s, hosted generations of students as a Patron of Pearson College, supported conservation efforts as a Director of the Metchosin Foundation, and regularly kayaked the BC coastline into his 100th year.
With many thanks to Garth and Kimberly Irwin, family and fellow Metchosin-ites who helped him achieve his goal of spending his last years at home with his cat Friday and a view of the sea.
A celebration of Chris's life will be held at a later date. (The Victoria Times Colonist 17 Jan 2026)
Ships served in: HMS
ANSON - HMS
ORIBI - NDHQ OTTAWA NATIONAL DEFENCE COLLEGE OTTAWA
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