Chris died peacefully May 25, 2015 after many good years.
Born in Ashcroft June 19, 1922, to Anna (Nath) and Hartwig Horn, he came by stage to 70 Mile House and then by horseback in his father’s arms 30 miles to the ranch beyond Lone Butte.
The youngest of four boys, and older than penicillin, his life’s mission was to be a cattleman and a farmer. He acquired his own ranch in 1947 after working on the family ranch, his uncle August’s ranch, and for Jack Skaday. All the while courting Helen Granberg.
He married Helen on his birthday in 1948 in
Williams Lake and danced in Lac La Hache on the way home that evening.
While building the ranch and doing what needed to be done, Chris also had a land clearing business, a small sawmill, and had the pleasure of piloting his own plane. Enduring the cattle business from before tractors, he battled rocks, stumps, and sticks with diesel and dynamite, survived multiple back surgeries, electricity, fire, brucellosis, then MS and cancer. He proved hard to kill and resilient to the end. He had actively farmed and ranched as long as he was physically able, and always took pleasure in a good story and a game of cards. Of the many things he enjoyed, waterfalls and cherries were easily shared.
He leaves his wife of 67 years, Helen, his last dog, “CD”, his son Gus, many nieces and nephews and their families, as well as a wealth of good friends and neighbours. He is predeceased by his parents, Anna and Hartwig, and brothers Stanley, Arthur, and Walter (Shorty), as well as many horses and dogs, not to mention the cattle.
At this time a service is not planned. In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome a note or card with a story or anecdote of an memory of a encounter or event (sweet or salty) with Chris.
We appreciate the kindness, support and caring of so many, including Dr. Dickie, Dr. Machete, and the staff at 100 Mile Hospital and Fischer Place.