Wow I’m so sad to see this! I randomly was thinking about my life and how I got on to this Creative path I’m on and I had to attribute in part back to Mr. C ! I took his art class every year of HS and it was one of the only times I felt like I could just be myself. He helped me grow my confidence and was this kind, calming presence against the backdrop of a really cliquey, dramatic school. 

I remember his wallet fell on the ground one day in class and it was duct taped together and he said not to go into the art’s for the money. I got him a
Green glitter wallet as a gift later as a joke and he used it for the rest of the entire year. 

I hope he knows how many kids he inspired to go into the arts. He was one of the best teachers I had ever had. Class of 2002

Hello,

Mr. C was my art teacher in the 80s in La Jolla. He had a profound influence on me, my art, and my life path. 

For many years I felt bad, because I had lost touch. I left La Jolla in 1987, and rarely ever went back. In 2008, I asked a friend to see if she could put me in touch with Mr. C, and she was able to find an email.

I wrote to him, and the next time he was in the Bay Area, he came by for a studio visit. I was so happy to reconnect! I am glad I had the chance to tell him what a positive influence he had on me. I also told him that the classroom environment he created provided a safe space for people to be artists, weirdos, queer, shy, awkward, flamboyant, or just creative. I could tell that he really appreciated hearing this, and I'm so glad I was able to give back something.

I hope his family knows that he lives on in the lives of countless students and friends! I'm glad I knew him.

Was one of the best teachers I ever had. (Crawford, class of 73). Taught us the Masters and then tested us! I Passed!
We then got to execute different techniques such as watercolor, pen and ink etc....
A Good Man. RIP.

I practically lived in his classroom my last two years of high school (Crawford Class of ‘75).  I am so appreciative of all he taught us, I am still using those skills today.  Hands down, Mr. Christensen, along with Mr. Warner, were the best teachers I ever had. May your family find comfort in knowing how many lives you touched.  God speed, Mr. Christensen! 

A fine artist and a good  friend, Richard will be missed by all who knew him

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El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley & Memorial Park

Richard Christensen

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Richard G. Christensen

October 10, 1945 – February 15, 2018

El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley & Memorial Park

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