Elliott Steven Christensen "Chris"

Elliott Steven (Chris) Christensen, 84, of Fullerton CA, passed away June 21, 2011. He was born October 13, 1926, in New Rochelle, NY to Randolph Neils Christensen and Frances Martha (Luraschi) Christensen. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII, having enlisted immediately after graduation from High School in 1944. He served on minesweeping ships throughout the Pacific Theatre in 1944 to 1945 as a Electrician Technician, and achieved the rank of Electricians Technicians Mate Third Class. He married Elizabeth Ann Pearson on August 20,1950 in Wabash Indiana. Elliott graduated from Purdue University 1951, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering. He was a member several academic fraternities, including Tau Beta Pi (for distinguished engineering), Eta Kappa Nu (for electrical engineering), Phi Eta Sigma (for scholastic excellence), and Triangle Fraternity. Elliott was a Radar Engineer and Program Manager in the Defense Electronics Industry in Southern California since he graduated from college in 1951. He worked on many projects at several companies during his long career. After graduating from Purdue, Elliott worked at Rockwell International Autonetics Division from 1951 until 1978, where he was a program manager and aerospace engineer working on a number of major avionics and marine systems, including the Apollo moon landing program. Elliott also worked at Hughes Aircraft Company, Ground Systems Group, Fullerton CA from 1978 until 1989, where he worked as a radar engineer and program manager. He was the Program Manager for the Firefinder Radar Program (AN/TPQ-36) artillery locating radar, for which he was inducted into the Order of Saint Barbara by the US Army Field Artillery Association in 1988, in recognition of his Elliott was an avid golfer, athletic coach, and investor contribution to this important program. Elliott is preceded in death by his parents; Randolph and Frances Christensen, and daughter; Nancy Christensen Helmick. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Christensen, daughter, Linda Christensen Adams, son, Steven Elliott Christensen, six grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. A viewing will be held Tuesday, June 28, 2011 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, with funeral services beginning at 11:00AM at McAulay & Wallace Mortuary, Fullerton. Interment to follow at Loma Vista Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, Orange County Chapter.