Leslie Don Christensen resident of McGill, Nevada, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2018. Les was born in 1925 in Clarkston, Utah to Joseph and Anne Christensen. He was the twelfth of fifteen children.
He graduated from North Cache High School in 1943. Upon graduation, he entered the United States Army and served in World War II, Pacific Theater as a member of General McArthur’s staff. Upon discharge, he enrolled in the University of Utah and graduated with honors in 1949, with a degree in business.
He accepted a position as a secretary to the general manager of Kennecott Copper Corporation, Nevada Mines Division and moved to McGill in 1949. He interrupted his employment for two years to serve a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, West Central States Mission.
Les met and courted Gae Giles and they were married in the Salt Lake City, Utah LDS Temple in 1954. The Christensen’s made their home in McGill, where they were blessed with three sons, Jeffrey, Lindsay, and Brian. In addition to family activities, Les enjoyed yard work, gardening, reading (particularly poetry) and crossword puzzles.
Les worked for Kennecott until his retirement just short of 30 years. Other positions he held with the company included employment officer, industrial engineering clerk and maintenance clerk. After retiring, he became a substitute teacher for the White Pine County School District.
Les served the community as secretary for the Kinnear Public Library, Board Member and President of the Community Concert Association and Board Member and President for the White Pine County Library.
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, he served in many leadership and teaching positions, including Bishop of the McGill Ward, Stake High Councilman, Ward Clerk and Sunday School Teacher. From 1993 to 1994, he and his wife served a mission in the St. George Temple Visitors Center.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife, Gae Christensen, sons, Jeffrey Christensen (Kathy), Lindsay Christensen (Alice), Brian Christensen (Kathi). Grandchildren, Robert Christensen (Jill), Michelle Frost (Philip), Jennifer Jones (Zachary), Bethany Kline (Taylor), Ryan Christensen, Anna Christensen, Fred Christensen. Great grandchildren, Zachary Kline and Elizabeth Kline.
Services were held on July 11, 2018, at the McGill Ward, LDS Chapel, with burial in the Ely City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the White Pine County Library in memory of Leslie Don Christensen.
Gae and boys, Sharon and I share with your loss of Les. He was a great friend to us and we cherish he time we spent serving with him in McGill. Les was my first home teacher that I can remember and he served our family well. It was always our pleasure to stop and visit with him and listen to his teachings. Our best to you and your families. Lee and Sharon Duncan, Salt LakeCity
So sorry to hear of the loss of Les he was a good man and will greatly be missed love and prayers to all at this time
Gae and family. So sorry to hear of Les’s passing. What a great man! It was good to visit with you recently at the McGill Ward. Take care. Love, Sherril Cottrell England
Sending much love and condolences at the passing of your husband, father, and grandfather. I am thankful for the opportunity to have known Les and the family when we lived in McGill.
Sincerely, Kathleen Johnson
Karla Jones, Clint Johnson, and Rhoana Johnson
So sorry this amazing man has left us. He was such a dear friend, he will not be forgotten. My favorite memory of Les will always be singing ,”Are You Lonesome Tonight.” We sang this song together every time we met, he knew the entire song, word for word, I will miss our duets with you Les, just for now. Love and hugs to Gay and his family.