Daniel Ryan Christensen

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Daniel Ryan Christensen, who died peacefully at home on November 6, 2025, at the age of 92. He was born on July 16, 1933, in Hillsboro, Oregon to Carl and Mary Christensen. Dan was the youngest of six siblings. He often told stories of his adventures in the fields and forests near his childhood home. While attending Hillsboro High School, Dan spent his summers working for the Oregon State Forestry Department. This was where he met his future bride, Joyce Howard, of Vernonia, Oregon.

Two weeks after graduating from high school Dan was drafted into the U.S. Army. He trained at Fort Ord and served in Munich, Germany.

After completing his obligation to Uncle Sam, Dan married his high school sweetheart, Joyce. They were a wonderful match from the start. They beautifully complimented each other, sharing a spirit of positivity, joy and love. The couple moved to Eugene, Oregon, where he attended Oregon State University. Later they moved to Portland, Oregon where their son Michael, and daughter Julie were born. Dan worked at Fred Meyers and attended night school for three years studying electronics. It was from here that he was recruited by Litton Industries in Woodland Hills, California. The family moved to Thousand Oaks in 1964, where their son David was born. Dan worked at Litton for 36 years until his retirement in 1999. He was often recognized by the company for his hard work, and he was appreciated for his attention to detail and his commitment to teamwork.

Beyond his professional life, Dan loved golfing, gardening, photography, and reading. He was an avid Duke University basketball fan and enjoyed watching college sports. He was a source of strength and guidance to his children. His sense of humor, positive outlook, and generous spirit, touched everyone he met.

Dan and Joyce were instrumental in organizing the first Christensen family reunion in 1989, bringing the far-flung family together. It was so well received that it became a tradition, that carries on to this day.

As the center of our family, our father will be missed immensely. He was someone we could count on to provide a calm, clear, simple approach to life.

He is survived by his brother Terry; his children, Michael (Alice), Julie (Tim), David; and his grandchildren, Oliver, Caitlin, and Mary. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Joyce, his sister Joan, and his brothers, Carl, John, and Henry.

A funeral service will be held on November 28, at 10:00 am, at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Memorial Park in Westlake Village, California.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a Veteran’s charity of choice.