1930 ~ 2003
Dr. Don Lee Christensen passed away on Thursday, July 24, 2003 in Oceanside, California while vacationing with his entire family at their annual beach trip. He loved his family, and their annual trek to the beach was the highlight of every summer for the past 22 years.
Dr. Christensen was born April 20, 1930 in Salina, Utah to Paul DeLloyd and Gladys Christensen. He grew up in Redmond, Utah where he helped his dad on the farm and raised cattle. He loved to hunt and fish and ride horses while growing up. He excelled in school and was valedictorian of his high school class. At an early age he knew he wanted to pursue a career in medicine.
His undergraduate degree was from the University of Utah. While in Salt Lake City, Utah he married Lora Dee Nelson who was attending nursing school. He continued his education at the University Of Utah School Of Medicine and obtained his medical degree in 1955. Their first daughter Paula was born during these medical school years. He fulfilled his internship training in Madison, Wisconsin where he was recognized as the Outstanding Intern that year. The young family then moved to San Francisco, California where Dr. Christensen completed his residency in general surgery at Stanford Medical Center. During this time they welcomed three more daughters into their family: Michele, Tammy, and Karla.
After completing his residency Dr. Christensen joined the Air Force and was assigned to Japan as a general surgeon for a period of three years where he also served as Chief-of-Staff at Johnson Air Force Base Hospital. The family thoroughly enjoyed these years. Dr. Christensen was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and he held many leadership positions within the Church while in Japan. He was then reassigned to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs where he served as Chief-of-Staff. At this time another daughter, Terri, joined their family.
In 1965 he and his family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada where he practiced general surgery. Their sixth daughter, Connie, was born there. He practiced for 31 years with Dr. Thomas Armour II and retired from his practice in 1996. Dr. Christensen was greatly admired by his colleagues and his patients not only for his surgical skills, but also for his never-ending compassion. He loved medicine and served in numerous leadership positions in the medical community. He was Chief-of-Staff at Sunrise Hospital Medical Center, and founded the Ethics Committee while there.
He also loved the community of Las Vegas. He was a powerful advocate in helping to recruit physicians in the area. He was active in Scouting, and served on the board of the Boulder Dam Area Council. He loved sports and was a strong supporter of UNLV athletics.
Throughout his life Dr. Christensen was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many leadership positions in the LDS church including Bishop, Stake President, Church Area Spokesman, and Regional Representative. He and Lora Dee also presided over the Arkansas, Little Rock Mission from 1996-1999. This was a particularly fulfilling assignment for the Christensen's. At the time of his death, he and his wife were serving as President and Matron of the Las Vegas, Nevada Temple.
Dr. Christensen was preceded in death by his parents Paul DeLloyd and Gladys Christensen. He is survived by his beloved wife, Lora Dee and their daughters Paula Wood, Michele Hastings, Tammy Wood, Karla Busby, Terri Latimer, and Connie Boman and also by his sister Lola Jean Merrill of Fresno, California. He is also survived by his 28 grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at the LDS Paradise Stake Center on Friday, August 1st at 11:00 a.m. The church is located on 1725 Palora in Las Vegas. It is most easily reached by turning west on Golden Arrow off of Eastern Avenue. A viewing will be held on Thursday, July 31st at Palm Mortuary, 7600 South Eastern from 6 - 9 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the LDS Church Perpetual Education Fund.