Christopher Lee Purple

Christopher Lee Purple, age 28, of Madison Heights and formerly of Grand Marais, died on Sunday evening, May 24, 2015 in Burt Township from injuries sustained in an accident. He was born on June 26, 1986 in Mount Clemons, Michigan and was raised in Grand Marais by his parents Gerald and Mikki (Ward) Purple. Christopher played basketball and ran track while in high school. He graduated from the Burt Township High School in 2004. During the summers, Christopher worked for Tim Swift with Wolf Creek Excavating and during the winter, he drove the groomer for the Grand Marais snowmobile trails. In 2010, Chris moved to Madison Heights where he went to work for National Industrial Supply where he was the shop foreman. Chris was engaged to Autumn Smith and they were to be married on September 19, 2015. He and Autumn had been friends since they were teenagers and spent their summers in Grand Marais hanging out together. Christopher treasured being with his sons Harold and Vincent. When they were together, the rest of the world stopped. He enjoyed teaching them about his love and passion for the outdoors. Together they would shoot their bows, fish, take bike rides, go on picnics, have family movie nights, watch Tiger baseball games, and camp. Chris also enjoyed kayaking, shooting at the gun range, bowling, cooking, and traveling north to Grand Marais. In the neighborhood, Chris and Autumn enjoyed the friendly neighborhood competition of who had the best flower garden and best Christmas decorations. Around their home, he was capable of fixing anything. Christopher was a founding member of the Blue Team.

He is survived by his sons - Harold Raymond Ward and Vincent Earl Ward of Kinross and Madison Heights; his fiancé - Autumn Smith of Madison Heights; mother - Mikki (Norman) Geiger of Grand Marais; siblings Gerald "Scott" Purple, Jr., Nathan Purple, and Cassaundra Purple all of Madison Heights; niece - Adelynn Joyce Powell; grandmother - Joyce Ward of Seney; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Christopher was preceded in death by his father Gerald Purple, maternal grandfather Harold "Pa" Ward, and paternal grandparents Helen and Gerald Purple.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 29, 2015 at the Breakwall Bakery and Cafe, N14278 Lake Ave. in Grand Marais at 1:00 p.m. with Tim Swift as celebrant.