Details
About Gary Ray Christensen
Gary Ray Christensen, “Mr. C” and “Uncle Gary” age 83, of Mesa, AZ passed away on October 10, 2020, in his second home, The Big Red Truck. Gary, born May 15, 1937 in Pima, AZ was a 31-year veteran teacher in Queen Creek Unified School District, he taught subjects in Math, Science, Wood Shop, and coached Girls Basketball and other sports. He was an avid hunter, outdoorsman, Lifetime NRA member, and gun safety instructor. Gary was everyone’s favorite Uncle and a military veteran who served a peacekeeping tour of duty in South Korea. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Denmark. He was passionate about family and always supported his nieces and nephews in shooting activities and other family events.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Sarah Jane Christensen, and siblings; Beth Ellsworth, Phil Christensen, Geraldine Harrison, Lot Christensen, Coreen and Coleen Christensen (twins), and Jane Theobald. Gary is survived by siblings, Betty Cook, Rose Shumway, Carol Shupe, Joy Jones, and Jim Christensen.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday October 16th, with a viewing at 3:00 PM and services at 4:00 PM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 745 North Val Vista Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213.
The services will be streamed on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/SLwArafukZg
Interment: Saturday October 17th, 1:30 PM, in the Pima Cemetery, 800 South, 400 West, Pima, AZ 85543
4 comments
James Christensen
Thank you very much. I know the Rogers were special neighbors to my family.
Susan (susie) Rogers Holladay
My true, best friend forever. From the age of four years old, five years old for Gary, we explored the Christensen acres on our stick horses, then the whole city of Safford, especially the Saturday cowboy matinees, on our bicycles and finally the foothills beneath the Graham Mountains on any horses bearing a “saddle sore” (meant it wouldn’t buck us off!) within the corral out back of the house. Sundays,Vic and Sarah would stop by our house on their way to church, so I could climb into that big cattle truck with the rest of their kids to attend. I’m sure I was that family’s “special service project” so I could attend weekly with them. Loved them ALL.
Bob Rogers
My condolences to the Christensen family. It has been many years since I have had any contact with Gary, but I have many good memories from our youth.
Lavona Areghini
I’m sorry to hear about Gary. I send my condolences to his family, especially Carol.