Pratt in front of the cafeteria sign he donated
Pearson College UWC is saddened to share the passing of Christopher Pratt, a long-time friend and supporter of the College. A donor and volunteer who gave generously of his time, Chris has been a longstanding pillar of the Pearson community. Father of four, grandfather to seven and great-grandfather to two, Chris passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, at 101 years old. Pratt’s legacy and impact on the community is shared through the lens of long-time faculty member Garth Irwin:
The Pearson Impact
Chris’ association with Pearson College dates to the earliest days, as his Royal Roads classmate and close friend, John Nichols, was one of the College’s founders. After his retirement from the Navy and return to Metchosin in 1978, Chris quickly established himself as a dedicated supporter of the College and an enthusiastic member of the College community, volunteering as a host parent, actively recruiting new host families, attending student plays, performances and Regional Days, as well as hosting house camping at his Metchosin property. Over the decades Chris developed strong friendships with faculty and staff while many different student groups “adopted” Chris showing their appreciation with regular visits even enjoying regular waffle breakfasts at his home.
Chris’ legacy will live on at the College through his many generous contributions and gifts, as well as in the fond memories of those of us who had the good fortune to engage with him.
Walking the campus Chris’ most noticeable contributions to the College include:
- recent renovations and refurbishments of the docks
- the Pearson Trail linking Pearson College Drive to the Galloping Goose,
- the “new” but much improved chemistry lab
Perhaps the most symbolic gift, and a true testament to Chris’ memory, as it was motivated by his strong belief in Pearson College and the UWC Mission, lies in the wooden plaque he donated and is posted in the Dining Hall, quoting Benito Juarez:
Entre los Individuos, como entre Las Naciones, El respeto al derecho ajeno es la paz. (Among individuals, as among nations, respect for the rights of others is peace)
A Community Advocate
At Weirs Beach
Although born and raised in Victoria, Chris spent his childhood summers adventuring in Metchosin, where his parents would rent a cottage at Weir’s Beach. In 1942 he enrolled as a member of the first naval officer training course at Royal Roads Military College. After graduating he saw active service aboard the British warship HMS Anson, protecting Allied convoys in the North Atlantic. After the end of World War II, Chris continued to serve in the Canadian Navy, raising to the rank of Captain, with the majority of his naval career keeping him stationed on the East Coast.
Early years with the Navy
After retiring from the Navy in 1978, Chris returned to his beloved West Coast to settle in Metchosin, where he became a strong community advocate. His various efforts saw him recognised as Metchosin’s Volunteer of the Year in 2001 and Citizen of the Year in 2016. He was also acknowledged for his long-standing vision for conservation and friendship during the Mary Hill land transfer agreement returning 176 hectares back to the SC’IA⁄NEW Nation and he was honoured as an Elder Witness at the 2017 SC’IA⁄NEW/Metchosin Reconciliation Celebration.
Personal Impression
“I have known Chris for more than two decades, since my first years at the College, but I really got to know him after my wife, and I rented the cottage that adjoins his house in 2011 (The original cottage his parents bought in the 1950’s when they stopped being summer renters). Since then, the relationship naturally progressed from landlord to friend and mentor, and he became family to Kimberly and I sharing dinner and evening conversations with him over the last eight years.
RIP Chris, you were a valued and much-loved member of the College community, and you will be sorely missed. “
Told By: Garth Irwin, Chemistry Teacher, Paddling Instructor, and CAS Coordinator at Pearson College
View his on campus tribute here – https://youtu.be/Vd1wQABRkNQ