Richard M. Christensen March 3, 1951 - November 12, 2022

Richard M Christensen, 71, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2022 surrounded by his loving family.

Rich was born in Fresno, California on March 3, 1951 to Chris and Jacqueline Christensen. Upon graduating as a Civil Engineer from Fresno State University, Rich began his federal career with the US Park Service in Yosemite National Park, the perfect job for someone who loved the outdoors. After a few years he transferred to the US Forest Service where he spent the remainder of his career on multiple forests across the West. He always felt he was the luckiest person to have such a wonderful job, good people to work with and to be close to nature in the outdoors.

Rich met his wife, Mary, through his work with the Forest Service. They shared a love of the outdoors and backpacked through beautiful country in the Sierra and Sawtooth mountains. They married in December of 1981 and had two children, Trevor and Kira. Rich avidly shared his love of the outdoors with his family including fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, backpacking, skiing and gardening. These cherished memories of him will be shared as part of his legacy.

When not outside enjoying nature, Rich loved woodworking. In his retirement, he made many of the pieces that furnish his home as well as some specialty pieces including a beautiful ring box for Trevor and Emily’s wedding, and a cherry and walnut rocking horse for his grandchildren.

Rich is survived by Mary, Trevor and wife Emily, Kira, grandson Leif, granddaughter Chloe, sister Karen Soderberg and five nieces and nephews.

Rich is sorely missed, but lives on in our many cherished memories.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 10, 2023. In lieu of flowers please donate blood through your local Red Cross and support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or public lands conservation.