Gayle Kay Christensen

Centerville, UT - Gayle Kay Christensen, 88, died Sunday, October 13, 2024, in Bountiful, UT, surrounded by his family, almost 22 months after the passing of his childhood sweet heart, Lani Kay Harrison. He married Lani on May 5, 1956, and was later sealed together in the Salt Lake Temple.

He was born October 5, 1936, in Garfield, Utah to Harold and Ina Christensen. He was the second oldest of their four children. He lived almost his whole life in South Davis County. He and his brother, Roger took up roller skating as teenagers and he met Lani and her sister, Cece. He and Lani became skating partners and thus began their partnership for life (and beyond). 

Gayle did not have an easy life growing up. He contacted rheumatic fever as a young boy and spent a large portion of time in a care facility until he recovered. He started working as a bus boy at the upscale Hotel Newhouse soon after and progressed to a short order cook. This was the start of his love of cooking that he carried throughout his life and shared with Lani. They loved having big Sunday dinners and barbeques with the family and friends.

He was a very hard worker which he inherited from his Danish immigrant father and Danish first generation immigrant mother. He loved to keep a garden of almost an acre for decades working after getting home until past dark all summer. This garden helped feed the family, relatives and the surplus was sold to neighbors. He taught his children to work in this garden. It was his one true hobby.  

Because of his health as a youth and the financial situation he was raised in he was not able to do many youth activities, except skating and playing the saxophone. He loved playing music and not only was in the band in high school, but joined a jazz band for a period. Lani came from a very sports active family so she encouraged him to help his children participate in sports. He learned to enjoy watching them in all manner of sports. He even volunteered in the management of various leagues. He was so proud of each of his children's achievements in sports and in life. 

Gayle worked in the fire protection industry most of his life, including working at the University of Utah Fire Marshall Department. He retired from the U in his early 70's. It was a testament of his work ethic. He and Lani were deeply involved in the Centerville JC's for years and served in leadership positions in that organization.

He is survived by his sister, Carol Siebers and his children including Tod Christensen (Kathy) of North Salt Lake, Brad Christensen (Celeste) of Woods Cross, Catherine (Cathy) Williams (David) of Tucson, AZ, Michelle Gardiner (Gary) of Centerville, Denice Bradfield (Grant) of Centerville, and Brenda Lutz (Stanley) of Mesa, AZ. He is also survived by sixteen grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. Gayle was preceded in death by his wife, Lani Kay Christensen, his parents, Harold and Ina Christensen, and brothers, Jack and Roger Christensen.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 21, 2024 at the Centerville Cemetery, 650 East 400 South, Centerville, Utah. A viewing will be held from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, prior to the graveside.

Special thanks to his children, and the care givers at Country Home Assisted Living.