John Christenson

John T. Christenson died on April 12, 2006, in Denver, Colo., at the age of 86.

He was born in Great Falls and graduated from high school in Whitefish, where he met his wife, Myrtle Bangeman.

In 1942, he graduated from the University of Minnesota, magna cum laude, joined the Army, and married Myrtle.

Discharged as master sergeant after 3 1/2 years in Iran, he returned to Spokane to teach at North Central High School and went on to become executive director of the Spokane Education Association.

In 1973, John and Myrtle relocated to Colorado Springs, Colo., and began a new chapter of their lives as owners of multiple personnel-placement businesses. They retired in 1986, and Myrtle died in 1988. Her ashes were scattered along Sheep Creek in the mountains of northern Washington State.

John is survived by his two children, Karen and Grant. John passed on to his children a profound reverence for nature, and in honor of his wishes, they will joyfully scatter his ashes along with Myrtle's this summer.

In memory of John, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at 455 Sherman, Denver CO 80203.