''Tag'' Lawrence Moore Christensen

1922 ? 2002

Lawrence Moore Christensen, or Tag to all who knew him, was born to Lorraine ?Pinky? and Clarence Christensen on August 26, 1922. he grew up in Ballard where he was known as an all-round athlete, won numerous awards and active in community sports leagues. He attended Adams Grammer School and Ballard High School where he was a popular and respected school leader, won several varsity letters and was captain of the football team. Immediately following High School, he enrolled in Washington State University with plans to become a teacher and high school coach. With the outbreak of WWII Tag enlisted in the Marine Corp. Officers training program where he achieved the rank of captain. HE played football on the Marine Corp. Team, and for WSU and then was one of five WSU players added to play for the University of Washington during a WWII period in which the WSU team was temporally disbanded. With the UW he was a starter in the Rose Bowl of 1944.

Following WWII, he moved to Concrete, Washington when he became the first football coach of the Concrete High School Football Team in 1948. His work there was interrupted by a decision to return to active duty in the marine corp. for service in Korea. Following Korea he returned with his new bride, Caroline, to Concrete for several more successful seasons as Football Coach through 1954. During this time they gave birth to their first child, Larry.

The opportunity to again develop a new football program came his way when, in 1955, he assumed the coaching job of the new Mercer Island High School. He served many years as teacher, coach and the shaper of young lives at Mercer Island. He was asked to take a promotion to the role of athletic director for the Mercer Island School District and also headed up the Island?s new parks and recreation department where he was able to develop such projects and the acquisition of the Luther Burbank Park Land. During this period his young family grew to four with the arrival of their new daughter, Cathy.

Anxious to resume the challenges and coaching, teaching and encouraging young people through direct involvement, Tag once again started a new football program, this time at the just constructed Mariner High School, in Mukilteo. He served as head coach until his final retirement from a long and rewarding career in teaching and coaching.

Tag remained active as a substitute teacher, sporting goods rep. To local schools, membership in the retired coaches association, President of the Ballard ?Golden Beavers? and even coaching the Seattle Police Football Team in the ?Bacon Bowl? with his life long friend and fellow coach John Boitano, also of Ballard.

Tag finally lost his two year battle with congestive heart failure on March 25, 2002. He leaves behind his wife, Caroline, on nearly 50 years; son, Larry; daughter, Cathy; two grandchildren, Jonathan and Melissa; brother, Ray and the treasured memories a lifetime of service and love to and from all who knew him.