LOGAN, UTAH: Garold Call (Chris) Christensen, 77, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2005 at Sunshine Terrace Rehabilitation Center. For over 5 years he has courageously lived with the challenges of Parkinson's Disease, complications from which caused his death.
Chris was born in Bancroft, Idaho, November 5, 1927, the youngest of five children; to Lars Fredrick and Chloe Jane Call Christensen. He attended elementary and high school in Bancroft. As the completion of his senior year; he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.
After 2 years in the Navy, he enrolled at Utah State Agricultural College (USU), where he majored in Business for 2 years. There he joined the Army ROTC and spent 2 years of active service,. where he attained the rank of 1 st Lt, in the Quartermaster Corp.
Chris married Leora Naylor Mason on May 13, 1951 in Elko, Nevada, Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. Leora died October 17, 1986. They were the parents of 6 children: Barbara Mason Veronick (Dan) of Portland; Oregon; Walter L (Sonny) Mason (Stephanie) of Logan, Sue Cole (Alan) of LaHabra, California, Gary Christensen (Diane) of Tooele, Utah; Jerri Carson (Dennis) of Corona; California; and Christi Lee Christensen; deceased at birth.
Upon his discharge from the Army in 1953, Chris began working for Standard Oil Company (Chevron), as a service station attendant. He rapidly progressed and made many moves with his family as he advanced with the company. He was a station manager, tune up specialist and trainer, district supervisor, to mention only a few of his responsibilities. He was highly respected by all who worked under his supervision or with him. At the time of his retirement on November 1, 1986 he was working as a Fuel and Lube Engineer for Chevron. He decided early in his career that he would stay with one company; which he did for 33 years, Chris' beloved Leora passed away 2 weeks prior to his retirement.
On January 9, 1988, Chris married Leah Dunford Parkinson. She was the widow of Paul C. Parkinson; and is the mother of 2 children: Helen Parkinson Cox (Dean) of Ephraim; Utah; and Paul D. Parkinson (Rebecca) of Logan
Chris was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a Scoutmaster, YM President, 2 ward Bishoprics, High Councilor, a Stake Missionary, and a dedicated Home Teacher. He also served 2 missions with his wife Leah: Salt Lake Temple Square and South Carolina; Columbia mission, These were highlights in their lives together.
He and Leah are lifetime members of the USU Alumni Association, and members of the Old Main Society. They also served as officers of the USU Emeriti Association, and continued to enjoy the trips and activities shared with their friends. Chris was always a people person and along with the
joys he experienced with his family; he has made many friends wherever he has lived.
In addition to his children and his wife Leah, Chris is also survived by 27 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren; a sister Lucille C. Rigby; Salt Lake City; sisters in law: Donna (Charlie)
Mortenson; DeEsta Naylor; Donna Naylor; and Janet Naylor; all of Logan. Also, sisters in law Ann Marie (Ned) Budge; Carol Dunford and Nola Dunford; and brothers in law Lloyd (Sharon) Naylor; J. Hulme Dunford; T. Jay Nelson; Lewis C Elison (Dona), Thomas J. Dunford (Joan); and Joseph W. Dunford (Leah).
He was preceded in death by his wife Leora, an infant daughter Christi Lee, his parents, a brother Don; and sisters Vera and Mary, Also brothers-in-law Stanley Rigby, Russell Naylor, Dean Naylor, Ross Naylor, Robert M. Dunford, Edwin F. Rogers, and sisters in law Nadine D. Nelson, Vera Dunford, and Elaine D. Elison.
Funeral services will be held at Noon on Saturday, October 29, 2005 at the Logan 8th Ward Chapel, 325 Lauralin Drive in Logan. A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 PM on Friday, October 28, 2005 at the Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 E. Center in Logan. Friends may also call from 10:30 to 11:00 AM on Saturday prior to the services at the church. Interment will be in the Logan City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to the Garold (Chris) and Leah D. Christensen Scholarship fund in the College of Business at Utah State University. Condolences may be sent to the family at
www.allenmortuaries.net