Byron Ronald Christensen
Byron Ronald Christensen passed away peacefully at home on October 23, 2024. He spent his final days surrounded by his loving family.
Byron was born on December 30, 1934, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Edward Marion Christensen and Marie Elizabeth Miller Christensen. Along with his identical twin brother, Myron Donald, he was the youngest of eleven children.
Byron grew up in Salt Lake City, graduating from Granite High School, where he met his sweetheart, Zelma Faure Anderson. They married in the Salt Lake Temple on June 16, 1954, beginning a loving partnership that would span seven decades.
Byron’s career began at Linford Brothers Glass, marking the start of his lifelong profession in the glass industry. In 1956, he was drafted into the United States Army and served in the National Guard. During his time in Washington, he met a business partner with whom he founded the Glass Doctor. Byron built and managed the business as it grew, eventually moving to Vancouver, Washington, where he raised his five children and ran the Portland, Oregon-based business with great dedication.
Byron served faithfully in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in many callings, including as Bishop and Stake President. In 1997, Byron and Zelma were called to preside over the Canada, Halifax Mission, where they served for three years and grew to love the people of the Maritimes: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland. Returning home in 2000, Byron was called to serve as a counselor in the Portland Temple Presidency and, later, as the President of the Halifax Temple. His dedication to service left a lasting impact on all who knew him.
In 2004, the Glass Doctor name was sold, and Byron’s business became Heritage Glass, a successful venture that enriched the lives of many. Alongside his business, Byron continued to serve in the Portland Temple with Zelma for many years. He was also an avid woodworker, crafting beautiful furniture pieces for his home and for his children and grandchildren. He built the beautiful home they retired to in Hazel Dell.
Byron had a great love for travel, especially with his beloved Zelma and family. He once drove his family across the United States and visited church history sites and US landmarks. They traveled world destinations such as Israel, Kauai, and numerous cruise destinations. His generosity extended to inviting family to join them on many of these cherished trips.
In November 2017, Byron and Zelma made a final move to Meridian, Idaho, where they quickly became part of the community and made many friends. Byron continued his service as a temple sealer in the Boise Temple. Known for his humor, storytelling, and love of laughter, Byron made friends wherever he went. He had a passion for puzzles, meticulously completing and framing them, turning his garage into a gallery of his favorite creations.
Byron and Zelma celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in June of 2024. All of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were able to celebrate with them in Boise.
Byron was the last surviving member of his family. He was preceded in death by his parents and ten siblings. He is survived by his devoted wife Zelma, his children Carrie Foster (Curtis), Mark Christensen (Lisa), Scott Christensen (Ann), Quinn Christensen (Gail), and Julie Borg (Michael), as well as twelve grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren. His legacy of faith, family, service and friendship will be cherished by all who knew him.
Visitation for family and friends will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Bowman Funeral Parlor, 10254 W. Carlton Bay Dr. in Garden City. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, November 15, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 11918 W. Ustick Rd. in Boise, with visitation at the church beginning at 10:00 am.
A committal service with military honors will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, November 18, 2024, at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, 10100 N. Horseshoe Bend Rd. in Boise.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.