David G. Christensen

David Gordon Christensen, 72, of West Valley City, passed away July 24, 2016 surrounded by those he loved after complications resulting from a stroke. 

David was born May 19, 1944, in Columbia Mississippi to Hugh Wilford and Nelda Lee White Christensen. David grew up in Bountiful, Utah and is the oldest of 7 children. David learned how to work by spending his summers working the farm with his cousins in Mississippi. As a young man, David served an LDS mission in Scotland where his love of travel, world history, and culture began. 

David married Cheryl Dee Nordfors in 1965 in Salt Lake City, Utah and they had six children together.  In 1986 he married Peggy Amsler, and gained another son. 

David had a lifelong love of learning, and even more, loved to share his knowledge with others.  He attended Bountiful High School, the University of Utah, and graduated from the University of Missouri at Kansas City Dental School in 1970.

Dr. Christensen practiced dentistry in Salt Lake City for 43 years, retiring in 2015, much to the dismay of many lifelong patients.  His long-time assistant and friend, Diane, managed not only the office, but also worked to keep Dave in line.

David loved his country and was a patriot.  He joined the US Army Reserves in 1968 and was stationed in Vietnam from 1970 – 1972.   He served in the 143rd Medical Company where he proudly deployed with the US Army to 4 continents.  He later had the honor of Commanding the 143rd.  His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit from the Secretary of the Army, the Bronze Star with V Device, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Army Reserve Achievement Medal with a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster.  David retired from the US Army in 2004 at the rank of Colonel.

Dave had a sense of adventure and an excitement for life’s adrenaline, which led him to the things he loved.  Hiking, camping, mountaineering, marathon running, photography, and scuba diving filled many years of his life.  More recently he traveled the world on cruise ships, listened to audio books, and cooked with Peggy, whom he adored.  He loved history & culture, the National Parks, Ed Abbey, Top Gear, and Rabbie Burns.  He did not love the current state of politics and we are certain he is thrilled he’ll not have to vote in the coming election.

David had a quick wit and was a quick study in everything he did.  He was passionate, and impulsively tried all this world has to offer at least once (collecting all the gear along the way), always wanting to share the best things in life with those he loved.  He also found joy in volunteering at the Lee Kay gun range where he spent thousands of hours.

David is survived by his loving and patient wife, Peggy, their dog Winkie, seven children: Susan (John) Longman, Trisha (John) Gulledge, Richard (Holly) Smith, Erin (Jeffrey) Fuller, Rob (Angel) Christensen, Meghan (Tyler) Webb, and Jared (Jennifer) Christensen, 19 grandchildren, his mother Nelda Christensen, in-laws Fritz and Melba Amsler, siblings Dale (Brent), Don (Cheri), Dean (Sandra), Janet (Scott) Lunt, Ruby (Marcus) Lunt, Dwight (Kris), his sister-in law and brother in-law, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as traveling buddies and friends.  Dave was preceded in death by his father Hugh, his aunts, uncles, and brother-in law.

A military service will be held Friday, July 29, 2016 at 10:00 am at the Post Chapel in Fort Douglas located at 120 South Fort Douglas Boulevard in Salt Lake City, Utah.  In lieu of flowers, Dave would instead like you to spend time with a loved one, learn something new, or find an adventure.  Rabbie Burns wrote “Nature’s law, That man was made to mourn.” and mourn you we do this day.