Christopher Joseph Seelye was born in Glenns Falls‚ New York‚ on May 30‚ 1951. He graduated from high school in Sacramento‚ California‚ and attended Feather River College. After working as an engineer for Pacific Lumber Company‚ he began a long career as a timber faller.

Chris worked for a number of logging companies over the years‚ and his work took him to many interesting locations across the western United States. He died on September 17‚ 2012‚ after becoming ill while working on the Klone fire‚ near Wenatchee‚ Washington. He often mentored more novice fallers‚ walking them through the process and sharing his wealth of knowledge. His coworkers enjoyed hearing stories of his adventures over the years‚ especially about the old growth Humboldt redwoods he used to fall.

Chris loved the outdoors. An avid hunter‚ he spent many hunting seasons at Ruth Lake‚ eventually moving there with his family. He was active with the Scotia Volunteer Fire Department‚ the Scotia Jay Cees‚ Twin Creeks Motorcycle Group‚ and the Ruth Rodeo Club.

He was survived by his two daughters‚ Stephanie Saunderson and Kathleen Brunson; his sisters‚ Rosalie Martin and Christine Seelye; and extended family.