May 11, 1943 - March 16, 2015
CHRISTENSEN, Wesley (Chris) James (age 71) Chris was born in Spokane, WA on May 11, 1943, to Marshall and Betty Christensen, and passed away March 16, 2015, in Spokane Valley, WA. Chris attended Cooper Elementary and Rogers High School prior to entering military service at Fort Lewis, WA. He served his country as a medic in Munich, Germany, and then completed two tours of duty in Vietnam. He earned the Vietnam Campaign and Service Medals, Combat Medical Badge and National Defense Service Medal, as well as the Sharpshooter Rifle M-14 status; and was honorably discharged from the Army in 1967. Following his military service, Chris moved to Seattle and eventually to Pelican, Alaska, where he worked as a commercial fisherman. After a few years he purchased his own boat, “The Pardner”, and fished for salmon commercially for several years. Chris later returned to the Ballard area of Seattle, where he worked as a driver for a maritime supply company. Upon returning to the lower 48 states, he brought a Harley Davidson, which became his ride of choice for many years, despite the rainy environment he lived in. Chris truly “Lived to Ride”, and enjoyed many adventures on his motorcycle; he was a member of the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle club, Seattle, WA, and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Spokane, WA, and a PO/MIA Memorial Supporter. He later returned to the Spokane area, where he continued working as a driver until his retirement. It was here that he met the love of his life, his beautiful wife, Linda. They spent their retirement embarking on many adventures in their RV, with their favorite dog, Gracie; exploring the U.S. together until they returned to help care for Linda’s mother. They also enjoyed camping together with the family at Ruby Creek. His life was a series of great adventures and he enjoyed them all. Chris is survived by his wife, Linda; daughters, Heidi Rendahl, and Diana Christensen; mother, Betty J. (Christensen / Howerton) Cobb; Brother Bobby Christensen; sisters, Penny Whipple and Cheryl Zicha; grandchildren, Mia and Devin Rendahl; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by in father, Marshall Christensen; step-father, Cecil Howerton, step-mother, Mona Christensen; brother, Larry Christensen; sister, Joni Christensen; nephew, Patrick Christensen; and mother-in-law, June Copeland. Chris will be honored for his Service at Washington State Veterans Cemetery, 21702 W. Espanola, Medical Lake, WA, on Friday March 27, 2015, at 3:00 p.m. A “Celebration of Life Wake” is to follow; location and time to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Wounded Warriors Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Community Cremation & Funeral Spokane Valley - 13127 E. Sprague Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99216, (509)926-2020 - Communitycremationandfuneral.com
