Robert Christensen
Robert Christensen passed away on October 8, 2022 in Rancho Mirage, just shy of his 95th birthday. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Carole Christensen. He is survived by daughters Cay (Bob), Jennie, and Cinda (Dan), grandchildren Amy, Ben, Emily, and Sarah, and 5 great-grandchildren. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Bob’s family moved to Los Angeles during the Great Depression. After graduating in1945 from LA High School, he joined the Navy to serve his country and caught the tail end of WWII. He served in the Pacific aboard an aircraft carrier, the USS Hancock. After the war, he joined the ROTC, making Captain after the Korean War. After WWII, Bob started at USC on the GI bill, earning a Bachelor’s degree in business, then received a teaching credential soon after. He went on to earn a Master’s degree in education from Los Angeles State College in 1957. He had a long career in education, and spent most of his career as a well-respected elementary school principal with the LA Unified School district. Bob and Carole had a wonderful life together, playing golf and tennis, traveling, and enjoying time with friends and family. An avid tennis player for most of his life, he often bested players years younger than him. He and Carole took up golf, and that became a life-long activity (obsession?) which they enjoyed with good friends, either at Lake Arrowhead County Club or later at The Lakes in Palm Desert. Hawaii was a special place for them, and they also vacationed in the Mammoth Lakes area frequently, hiking and enjoying the scenery. Bob has hiked to the top of Mt Whitney 3 times! The family has wonderful memories of camping and waterskiing every summer at Lake Millerton, with Bob telling his famous stories and jokes, and driving the boat for anyone who wanted to ski. Multiple generations and friends came along, and Bob and Carole always made sure everyone had a great time. Bob and Carole were always so gracious and generous with friends and family. Bob was well respected in all aspects of his life, and could be counted on to always do the right thing- for family, for friends, for co-workers. But he also had a great appreciation for a good time and a good joke. He could get to laughing so hard and uncontrollably at times, that everyone with him would also start laughing until tears ran down their faces. This was a good man, who will forever be in our hearts. The family would like to thank all of Bob’s wonderful caregivers during his last few years.
