Big Idea

• Prescott Frontier Days lost their Board President on Saturday, July 2
• Graff was 62
• Prescott Mayor Phil Goode released a statement of condolences on behalf of the  City of Prescott
• Chris was a well-respected leader in the Quad-Cities community
• Read more...

'Graff is now a part of our rodeo’s legacy...’

According to Chris Graff’s wife, Denine, plans are being made for a “Celebration of Life/Memorial. Service” in Chris’ honor, at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds.

Denine indicated that details would be announced at a later time.

Statement from Mayor Phil Goode Regarding the Death of Prescott Frontier Days President Chris Graff 

“I was shocked and saddened to learn of the untimely passing of Prescott Frontier Days Board President Chris Graff over the weekend.  Chris’ served six years as Board Chair, and many additional years as a board member and honorary member with the Prescott Frontier Days organization. We sincerely appreciate his commitment to Prescott’s rodeo culture and Western heritage. 

On behalf of the Prescott City Council, and Staff, I would like to offer sincere condolences to the family and friends of Chris Graff, as well as the entire Prescott Frontier Days organization.” 

Prescott Frontier Days

The Prescott Frontier Days, Inc - World’s Oldest Rodeo posted this on their Facebook page: 

Prescott Frontier Days ®, Inc – World’s Oldest Rodeo™ organization sends their deepest condolences to the family and friends of our beloved Chris Graff, Prescott Frontier Days ®, Inc. Board President.

CHRIS GRAFF “A Community Leader and Man of Rodeo” (1960 – 2022)

Chris Graff, 62, of Prescott Valley, Arizona, born May 18, 1960 in Clifton, Texas, passed away on July 2, 2022.

Chris was a well-respected leader in the Quad-Cities community. He is survived by his loving wife, Denine Graff, and his four children: TC “Travis” Graff, Tasha Robbins, Erica Buckavich, Tera Stubelfield and his six grandchildren. Born in Clifton, Texas and raised in Paulline Iowa, Chris moved to Prescott, Arizona in 1997 to raise his family and to build his commercial construction trade. Graff was a highly respected businessman across Yavapai County. 

His career and community titles included:

• Asphalt Paving / McCormick Construction (May 2005 – July 2022)
• President of the Prescott Frontier Days ®, Inc. - World’s Oldest Rodeo™ (2016 – 2022)
• Arizona AGC Member and Board of Directors
• Recent past Board pf Director for the Association of Rodeo Committees
• Prescott Valley Chamber Member/Board of Directors Past Chair
• PVEDF Member/ Board of Directors/ Vice Chair
• Mohave Contractors Association Board Member and Vice President

Chris Graff began his career in the life of the World’s Oldest Rodeo™ as an honorary member for 7 years before becoming a Prescott Frontier Days ®, Inc board member. Graff was a well-respected rodeo liaison and soon earned his title as Prescott Frontier Days ®, Inc - World’s Oldest Rodeo™ Board President in (2016). He was highly respected within the organization and known for his “no guff” methods which helped propel the organization into the successful non-profit entity it is today. 

“Chris was a man of heart and integrity. He will be sorely missed,” stated Ron Owsley, friend, and Prescott Frontier Days®, Inc board Vice President. 

Graff was an outdoorsman. He enjoyed the culture of rodeo and cherished the history the World’s Oldest Rodeo™ has brought to the community since 1888. 

“Graff is now a part of our rodeo’s legacy. He strived to share rodeo traditions with people from all over the world. We will be forever thankful for all he has done for the organization, and our community,” expressed Jim Dewey Brown, Prescott Frontier Days ®, Inc. General Manager.

Last year, the World's Oldest Rodeo made a presentation to the Prescott City Council. 

“I really believe - a prediction I had a long time ago - we’ll have all 8 [performances] sold out. I still think that’s going to happen.” Chris Graff, June 22, 2021

This year, all eight performances were sold out before the gates even opened.