Richard E. Christensen

Richard (Dick) Elroy Christensen joined his many friends and family in heaven on Saturday May 12, 2012 in Houston, Texas after fighting several valiant battles with cancer for 27 years. Dick was born on July 24, 1931 in Salt Lake City, Utah as the eldest of three boys. He had a wonderful childhood in Utah surrounded by numerous loving aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, and friends. He was an industrious young boy of the depression era who from a very early age always found ways to earn money as well as save it. After graduating from high school, Dick enlisted in the Army and served his country from 1950 -1953. A beautiful young woman, Patricia Ann McCarty, soon caught his eye and they began a wonderful family life and marriage that lasted over 58 years together.

Dick received appointments to West Point and Annapolis military academies but chose to attend the University of Utah where he graduated as a Chemical Engineer. He worked for Shell Oil Company for 35 years. He also held several patents for various engineering projects. His career led him and his family to reside in many states.

He and Pat traveled the U.S. with their family reaching all 50 states and 22 countries. He was an avid bowler, gardener, and loved to play cards and horseshoes. He was a boy scout leader, baseball coach, and youth leader. After his retirement from Shell, he spent many years playing golf and bridge with friends and his brothers as well as volunteering for his church. Dick was a AARP volunteer tax advisor and also an avid stock market watcher.

Dick will best be remembered as a fun-loving person with many good and long-time friends. He will be remembered as a very generous person who always helped and supported others in need. His children sought his counsel and love and his grandchildren adored him. All who knew him will greatly miss his gentle and humble manner, his antic smiles, and his friendliness to all.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents and welcomed into heaven by Elroy and Geneal Christensen as well as his brother Paul Christensen, all of Salt Lake City, Utah. Dick is survived by his beloved wife Patricia Ann McCarty Christensen, his son Jerry Christensen (Carol), his daughter Janis Christensen Fowler (Ned), and his son David Christensen (Mary), and his brother Bruce H. Christensen. He is also survived by his wonderful grandchildren who loved their Popo.

The family would like to thank all the wonderful doctors and nurses of M.D. Anderson who made it possible for his family to enjoy him for so many extra years.

The family will receive friends from 6 pm to 8 pm on Thursday, May 17 at Kingwood Funeral Home, 22800 Hwy 59 North, Kingwood. Memorial service will be held at 10:30 am, Friday, May 18 at Holy Comforter Church, 1901 Woodland Hills, Kingwood, TX 77339.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard’s name to Holy Comforter Lutheran Church or M.D. Anderson Hospital, www.mdanderson.org/gifts/faces/make-one-time-donation.