Edwin Christensen

August 20th, 1930- January 30th, 2017

“Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak whispers the o’er-fraught heart and bids it break.” - Shakespeare

It is with broken hearts that the family of Edwin (Ted) Marlow Christensen shares the news of his passing on January 30th, 2017 at the Royal University Hospital. Although we take comfort in the fact that Dad was 86 years old and lived a good and long life, he was ours, and we weren’t ready to lose him. He was a beloved husband, dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa, and he will be grieved fully and well. Ted is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Ann, and their children, Pat Christensen; Tony (Charlene) Christensen (Charlie and Sarah); Cheryl (Jim) Wohlgemuth, (Becky, Daniel, Darryl); Murray (Holly) Christensen (Sean); and Deborah (Brian) Hamp (McKenzie, Kristen, Noah, Arielle). Also mourning his loss are Ted’s brother Dave (Jenny) Christensen and their children, Peter Christensen and Kate (Rick) Retzlaff (children Colin, Adelaide, Jenna and Neil). He was predeceased by an infant son Rodney, and parents Magnus and Doris Christensen. Ted was born on the family farm and lived there his whole life, establishing a home which he and Ann built themselves, in order to raise their family on land that was dear to his heart. In 2019, that land, SE of 5-35-6 West of the 3rd Meridian, will have carried the Christensen family name for 100 years. Dad attended Moon Lake School for his education, and later attended electrician’s school in Prince Albert. He enjoyed Boy Scouts, and helping on the family farm which was primarily dairy. He met his future wife Ann at a school dance in 1952 and they married in November of 1956. They enjoyed camping, road trips, teaching us to swim, fishing, riding a bike and being helpful to others. Somehow Dad survived teaching his five kids to drive without ever raising his voice (just an occasional alarmed eyebrow). He had a delicious dry Norwegian wit that often had his family and friends in stitches, a positive outlook on life, and a desire to know and see everything. Dad and Mom farmed in the early years of their marriage, and later Dad worked at Ball Lumber, City Lumber, and Beaver Lumber. In 1979 Ted and Ann began their business, Christensen’s Livestock Systems, providing knowledge & equipment for dairy, hog & poultry operations. They grew their company together with their son Tony for fourteen years. Dad was made an honorary member of the Saskatchewan Dairy Association in 1994 for his contributions and service to the dairy industry. In retirement Dad and Mom enjoyed a trip to the east coast and two trips to Mexico. Dad loved to travel and took pride in attending his grandchildren`s weddings. He had many interests and hobbies including history and geography, water gardening, beer and wine making, and woodworking.  He loved to read about Saskatchewan history as well as science fiction and murder mysteries. He also enjoyed a good political debate. Dad made a mean homemade linguine, and a good stew, and he filled his grandchildren’s bellies with pancakes every chance he got. He never missed an opportunity to thank our mom for her delicious meals saying, “My compliments to the chef!” Dad was a huge Riders fan and could often be found in his chair intently following every play, hollering at the TV, wearing his Riders t-shirt and enjoying a cold one. He loved playing and competing with family members at Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune (although if you beat him he might exclaim, “You fink!”) Dad was well known for his kindness and generosity of spirit. He spoke fondly of people he had known and worked with, often wondering how they were doing and wishing them well. He delighted in meeting new people and loved hearing about their lives. Dad’s endless curiosity and passion for learning goes all the way back to when he was a student in Moon Lake’s one room schoolhouse, as he liked to listen in on the older classes’ lessons. This love of learning carried through his whole life, whether learning a bit of Malay on tapes from the library prior to his Malaysian adventure with his daughter Pat or pointing out various countries on his globe. He was a voracious reader, often reading at least 2-3 books from the library each week. Long before the internet made its debut, Dad was the “original Google.” You could ask him any question, and the answer would magically appear! He delighted in sharing his knowledge and managed to remain reasonably humble when questioned, “Really Dad? REALLY? How did you even KNOW that!?” Sometimes, if he was especially pleased with himself, he couldn’t resist answering innocently, “Well…doesn’t everyone?” Dad was founding President of the Water Gardener’s Society, involved in the Perennial Society, and was active in the Saskatoon Aquarium Society. He and Mom published the Aquarium Society’s monthly magazine, The Nekton, on an A.B. Dyck printer in their kitchen. Dad was a good friend and neighbour to many. He believed in community and helping others and he did what he could to contribute. He gave blood for many years to the Red Cross Society and received special recognition for his longstanding donations. Known for his impressive likeness to Santa Claus, he once drove through a major snowstorm to play the role of Santa because he didn’t want to let the kids down. Dad taught us the importance of knowing our roots. He was a very proud grandpa to Sarah and Charlie; Becky, Daniel, and Darryl; Sean; McKenzie, Kristen, Noah and Arielle. He also delighted in being a great-grandpa to Autumn, Ezrah, and Nella; Oliver, Drake and Corvus; Mila and Owen; William; and Britta. He loved to catch up on the latest happenings in their lives. Dad frequently would count up all of his grandkids and great-grandkids, speculating with enormous satisfaction about how many more there may be on the way, someday. Dad loved family, he loved welcoming his many wee descendants, watching them grow, and he taught us all to take pride in where we came from. A memorial will take place in the spring; details will follow at a later date. Donations in Dad’s memory may be made to the Merrill Community Center, Box 110 R. R. # 3 Saskatoon, SK S7K 3J6, so that everyone can continue to have a place to celebrate family and community. To share memories and condolences, visit www.mourningglory.ca. Arrangements in care of John Schachtel - Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200.

``Love is not what you say. Love is what you do.``

~ Winnie the Pooh