In Memory . . .

Russ's Grandpa passed away on November 21st.  We went up to Boise, ID for the funeral over Thanksgiving weekend.  We will sure miss him.  He was such a great example to us and made you feel special whenever you were in his presence.   Below is a copy of his obituary.  I thought it was a nice tribute to his life.

Hannah and Grandpa Chris at Russ's triathlon race in Logan. 

Grandpa Chris teaching Parker how to fish.  

R W Christensen, 90, passed away at home Friday, Nov. 21, 2008. He was born on Nov. 10, 1918 in Mount Pleasant, Utah, to N. LeRoy and Zolema Allred Christensen. He was preceded in death by his son, Bruce, his parents, his brother, Vernon and sister, Betty Rae C. Owens.

 

RW worked hard as a young man on his family dry farm. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brother and cousins. He learned to love hard work as well as the value of good friends. RW graduated from North Sanpete High School where he excelled in sports. While attending Brigham Young University he lettered in football and track. On a 1939 football program roster, he was listed as "No. 6; Pos. L.H.; Wt. 146; Exp. 0." Coach Eddie Kimball called him "Bullet" because he was little, fast, and could always find the holes in the opposing football team's defense. RW served in the LDS California mission 1940-42. He joined the Air Force, trained as a bombardier, and was honorably discharged in 1944. As a clerk in the Salt Lake office of the FBI, he met Naomi Everton, a news reporter who covered that office. They were married May 8, 1946 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Thereafter, in addition to work at the FBI, he attendedUniversity of Utah, and received a degree in 1948, which qualified him for advancement to Special Agent in the FBI. Assignment offices included Milwaukee, Philadelphia, and finally Boise. He was awarded several commendations from J. Edgar Hoover. After retiring in 1973, he started his own investigative business, and then worked for the State of Idaho as a welfare fraud investigator. RW loved the Lord, loved serving Him in the mission field, and in different callings, including bishop, high councilor, stake patriarch and Boise temple sealer. Especially gratifying was his opportunity to organize the Valley Forge Sunday Schoolin 1954, which has now two Valley Forge stakes. He thoroughly loved, Home Teaching, as well as substituting in Primary, and working with the Boy Scouts. He has always been a great example to others. RW and Naomi's posterity includes five children, Beckie (Hugo Morales), R. Wynn (Bette), Laureli, Roy (Ruth) and Bruce, who died as an infant. They have 13 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren who are 10 years old and younger. His love extended without reservation to those who married into the family.