David Valdamar Christensen
Marriages
Dixie A. - June 14, 1964
Rifle, Colorado
Burial Details
Obituaries
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel page 3B Death Notice - June 16, 2018
David Valdamar Christensen, 74, Grand Junction, died June 13, 2018, in Grand Junction. Services will take place at 2 p.m. Friday at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary. Survivors include his wife, Dixie A.; one son, Bill of Grand Junction; one daughter, Lisa Hatcher of Grand Junction; one sister, Vicky Swenson of Grand Junction; and four grandchildren. Memorial contributions to the St. Mary’s Medical Center Foundation, 2635 N. Seventh St., First Floor, Grand Junction 81502.
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel page 5A Obituary - June 20, 2018
David Valdamar Christensen January 26, 1944 - June 13, 2018
On the eve of David and Dixie’s 54th wedding anniversary, David lost his three-week battle with pneumonia. David Valdamar Christensen of Grand Junction, Colorado, passed away Wednesday, June 13, 2018, with his family at his side. David (74) was born January 26, 1944, to Wilma and Leonard Christensen in Cheyenne, Wyoming. David’s grandfather, Valdamar Christensen, was an immigrant from Denmark who settled in Cheyenne and started the Plains Dairy, a prominent business in town. Valdamar later became Mayor of Cheyenne and family lore is that the famous cowboy and bucking bronco icon that is the symbol of the state of Wyoming originally belonged to Valdamar and his Plains Dairy. The icon could be found on all the milk bottles and delivery trucks for the Plains Dairy. Wilma and Leonard, with their children, Vicky and David, eventually settled in West Divide Creek, south of Silt, Colorado, where they had a cattle ranch for 50 years. There are several family stories about the ranch and the little prairie school house where Vicky and David grew up. Stories included walking to school and back uphill both ways in the snow, having an outhouse, tying the horse to the hitching post, along with practical jokes on the teacher. David, since a very young age, has been known for his unique character. High school for Dave was in Rifle, Colorado, where he met the true love of his life, Dixie. Dixie and Dave were married on June 14, 1964, in Rifle, Colorado. They later moved to Grand Junction, Colorado. Two children came next, Bill and Lisa. Dixie has been a devoted wife of 54 years and together the two have prospered both in family and business. Dave would tell you that his greatest love was always his wife Dixie. They exemplified a loving and caring marriage that remained until the last day. Dave worked in the oil field, GJ Steel, and Ultronix Corp until the early 70’s. His adventurous spirit pushed him forward, and with Dixie at his side, construction became Dave’s passion for the next 15 years. CW&H, and later Frontier Construction, built and developed many homes and neighborhoods in town. Many close friendships developed during these times. In 1987, Dave joined his son, Bill, in WD Yards, Inc. WD Yards was a small up-and-coming lawn care business that Bill started in Dave’s garage, even syphoning gasoline from Dave’s pickup to fill the lawn mower. Bill was headed to college at CSU in Ft. Collins and someone needed to take care of the lawn care business while he was away. They remained partners in business for 28 years until his retirement in 2015. Dave’s daughter, Lisa, attended and graduated school at Fort Lewis College in Durango. She too shares Dave’slife spirit. She lived in Alaska and Hawaii before returning to Grand Junction. She is probably Dave’s biggest admirer. Her eyes shine as bright, maybe brighter, than his. Dave had developed even more close friendships during this time: long time hunting buddies, poker pals, venture partners and genuine friends. Dave never met a stranger. He was salt of the earth, loved the study of people, and was fascinated by all animals. He was a business owner, hunter, outdoorsman, friend, grandfather, father, and loving husband. Dave also loved weddings, and one could find a tear of love in his eyes during a ceremony. You could get his honest opinion from him whether you asked for it or not. His big blue eyes held no secrets, he loved you... period. Growing up, all of Bill and Lisa’s friends knew he loved them like his own children. He showed all of us responsibility, work ethic, pride, workmanship, and value of family and friends, mostly by his actions. Don’tmisunderstand, he was a bit rough on the outside, but inside was all of this and most everyone understood it and loved it. To borrow a line from a friend of his: He was a giant of a man, both in size and presence. Dave leaves a big hole with his death. He was loved by many and it is hard to think of days without his kind of influence. Dave is survived by his wife, Dixie Christensen; daughter, Lisa (Shiloh) Hatcher, and son, Bill (Angela) Christensen. Dave had a very special place in his heart for all his grandchildren, Jack Hatcher, Jake, Annie and Will Christensen. Dave is also survived by his sister, Vicky and her husband, Tom Swenson, all of Grand Junction. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 22, 2018, 2:00 p.m., at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary in Grand Junction, with a celebration gathering following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mary’s Medical Center Foundation, 2635 N. Seventh St., First Floor, Grand Junction, Colorado 81502.
