RICHARD L. CHRISTIANSEN

Richard L. Christiansen passed away on January 20, 2013 at University Medical Center in Tucson after complications from a tough battle with lymphoma. He was the younger son of Felix and Ada Christiansen, born on August 11, 1933 in Douglas, Arizona. Mr. Christiansen grew up on the family ranch in Paul Spur and graduated from Douglas High in 1951. Upon graduation from the University of Arizona and ROTC, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Friedberg, Germany. While there, he met and married the love of his life, H. Ursula Rockel.

Richard and Ursula were best friends and inseparable partners for 55 years of marriage. Upon returning to the U.S. they made their home and ranched near Douglas, where they raised their own children, while also being adopted “parents” and “grandparents” to several cherished friends from around the world.

Richard was employed as a chemist at Phelps Dodge Copper Smelter until his retirement. He was a lifetime member of First Presbyterian Church in Douglas, serving the congregation in many capacities. He was appointed to the first Cochise County Merit Commission and was a Board Member of the Forrest School District for many years. He loved music and had a beautiful voice. He was dedicated to God, his family, his ranch, and to living a life of quiet service and uncompromising integrity. He was deeply loved and respected by his family as the best of husbands and the greatest of dads and granddads.

He is survived by his wife, Ursula, his children, Peggy, Birgit and David and their spouses, J.D., Greg and Nancy respectively; grandchildren Dustin and Kyle Sandell; Sofie (Andrew) Parker, Matthew and Will Christiansen; great-grandson , Felix; his brother, James (Jean); and several cousins, nephews a niece, and many loving friends.

A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 26, at 1:30p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Douglas followed by interment of ashes at Calvary Cemetery with Military Honors by the American Legion & VFW.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in his honor to First Presbyterian Church in Douglas or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Brown Page Mortuary is in charge of arrangements, 364-3434.