Albert Perry Christensen

Albert Perry Christensen passed away February 16 at HopeWest Care Center in Grand Junction with loving family in attendance. His brother, David Earl Christensen, a life-long friend and business partner, survives him. Also surviving are his son, David Patrick Christensen, and his wife, Judy Rorem of Grand Junction; daughter-in-law, Karen Christensen of Provo, Utah; daughter, Kerri Christensen also of Provo; daughter, Jan Reingold, and husband, Wayne of Bellevue, Washington; daughter, Kristin Steiner, and husband, Bill of Morganton, NC; 12 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. His beautiful wife, Helen; his son, John Michael; his brother, Jan Royden Christensen; and his sister, Earlene Vorhees, predeceased him.

Born March 8, 1923, he was the eldest of four children, growing up in Fairview, Utah. He proudly graduated from Snow College where he was active in speech and drama, serving as student body president. While enrolled he captured the Utah State tennis championship. His passion for tennis continued throughout his life, including many happy hours spent on the Grand Valley tennis courts, as well as numerous gold medals won in the Huntsman Senior Olympic Games. He joined the Navy in 1945, and later graduated from Colorado College through their V-12 program.

Perry was a brilliant livestock man, operating one of the larger sheep and cattle ranches in Colorado and Utah. Through his vision and leadership, he made important contributions to the sheep and wool industry, serving as president of the Colorado Woolgrowers Association and being selected as Stockman of the Year.

He loved the mountains deeply, appreciating how special it was to spend his life in the pristine valleys along Snowmass Creek, the high country of Western Colorado, and the sweeping deserts of eastern Utah. He was a wise steward of the vast lands he utilized for his sheep production, always leaving them in better condition than when acquired.

Perry was an avid skier, well known to local Aspenites who joined him in the quest for the first run down the mountain when fresh powder fell. He shared this passion with his five children, teaching each of them to ski, and later enjoying numerous wonderful family holidays on Snowmass Mountain.

Remembered most by his family for his impeccable integrity and sterling character, he continues to serve as an inspirational role model in the gracious, gentle way he lived his life. His love for each of us was huge, the best gift possible. He will be profoundly missed.

A memorial service will be held at noon, February 25, 2017, at Crown Point Cemetery in Grand Junction.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HopeWestCo.org, providers of excellent clinical and volunteer services for Perry through their Palliative Care program, Transitions. They created a bridge for continued compassionate care from the Hospice program for the last month of his life. We are eternally grateful to all staff and volunteers, especially the devotion of Peggy Gallegos, for enhancing his quality of life for the past three years.