Obituary

Harold Perry Christensen, 75

Harold Perry Christensen was born on May 1, 1924 in Wells, Utah, the son of Rosco and Nellie Valentine Christensen. Harold=s formal education consisted of school through the 2^nd grade, but his education in life would be much more than that. Harold=s father was a hide buyer and at a young age, Harold learned the trade of sheep herding on the prairies of Utah. As a young man, Harold was very watchful as he kept the sheep safe from harm.

In March of 1950, Harold and Margaret were married. They would have 12 children together. Margaret kept the family home while Harold would go and tend to the sheep. Margaret was devoted to her family, and stayed at home and saw to it that their children were in school while Harold was out with the sheep.

In 1989, Harold retired from sheep herding, but he never would retire from caring for animals. During his retirement, Harold enjoyed spending time with his family and prospecting for gold. Harold was a man that loved nature, and had a nurturing spirit. Harold derived a great deal of satisfaction from doing little things for others. Things that many others would never think to do. Harold rolled his own cigarettes and was very precise in the way that he rolled them. He was even known to roll a pack of cigarettes for someone else. It was his small acts of kindness that set him apart from others. He never had any aspiration of being rich or famous, just kind and caring. Harold was a artistic man, and demonstrated this through some of his beautiful leather craft projects. He was an incredible horseman, and realized the value of a good dog.

In June of 1999, Harold moved to Haswell, Colorado where he made his home until his death. He always said that he liked the wide open feeling that Haswell provided, it reminded him of home. In fact, Harold was at home wherever he was, as long as he could breathe clean air, and enjoy the beauty of the earth. Harold liked the solitude of country living. Someone was heard saying that the thing they admired most about Harold was his Aconcern.@ His concern for others not himself.

Harold Perry Christensen died on October 25, 1999 in Haswell, Colorado at the age of 75. He is survived by his 12 children, Harold Jr., John Roy, Billy, Herman, Jeremiah, Elsie, Rose Marie, Roslyn, Mary, Patti, Jennifer and Claudette. He is also survived by a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as two sisters and his ex-wife Margaret. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Grave side funeral services for Harold Perry Christensen were held on Friday, October 29, 1999 at the Haswell Cemetery in Haswell, Colorado with Rev. John Nadasi officiating. Visitation and funeral services were under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.