Baker City, Oregon
Wayne Albert Christensen, 61, of Baker City, died peacefully at his home on Jan. 4, 2001.
His memorial service will be next weekend in the Portland area. Please contact his daughter, Camille Campbell, at 503/537-0885 for specific information.
Mr. Christensen was born Jan. 2, 1940, at Trinidad, Colo., to Frederick and Rilla Posornow Christensen. Upon graduation from high school he entered the U.S. Army, where he served his country during the Korean War.
After his service, he went into business for himself, opening Mesa Muffler in Costa Mesa, Calif. He returned to school in Southern California after the sale of his business and his marriage to Melanie Mack. He completed his education by earning a bachelor of science degree in psychology from Chapman College. He also did graduate work at UCLA.
In 1971 Mr. Christensen moved to Bend with his wife and children. There he was owner/operator of Good Guys Muffler Service. He arrived in Baker City in 1989 to pursue mining interests.
He was known for his generosity and his witty sense of humor. He took special enjoyment in the little things in life, like a child’s smile or a sunny day. He was very spiritual and approached life with a young-at-heart attitude. His interests included world travel, fishing, mining, music, being with his friends and family, and science and natural history.
Mr. Christensen is survived by his mother, Rilla Christensen; his son and daughter-in-law, Zachary and Jessica Christensen of Portland; a daughter, Camille Campbell of Newberg; a brother and sister-in-law, Keith and Virginia Christensen of Lake Havasu City, Ariz; sisters, Patricia Larsen of Kent, Wash., and Donna Keulen and her husband, Al, of Paso Robles, Calif.; a grandson, Jordan Campbell of Newberg; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father and one brother, Bill Christensen.
Used with permission from: The Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, January 12, 2001
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor