Arvid "Chris" C. Christianson, 83

Arvid "Chris" C. Christianson, 83, of Polson, passed away on Nov. 20, 2004, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula.

Chris was born on Nov. 24, 1920, in Kalispell to Andrew and Lillie Christianson. He grew up and attended schools in Kalispell. He graduated from Flathead High School in 1940. He was a member of the state champion football team at Flathead High School.

He married Doris McDonald on Nov. 8, 1943.

Chris joined the U.S. Navy and graduated from Naval Flight School in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Aug. 18, 1943. He served during World War II in the South Pacific as a fighter pilot. He served as a recruiter for the Naval Reserves and retired as a Lt. Commander in 1980. He flew the first jets that the Navy had activated.

Chris was partner in Mooney Aircraft in Missoula and the first Volkswagon dealership in Missoula. He also owned and operated Brownies Motel & Drive-Inn.

After Chris retired, they spent their winters in Arizona and their summers at Flathead Lake.

He was a member of the Masumola Club, Kalispell and Missoula Jaycees, Missoula Elks and New Life Christian Center in Polson.

Chris enjoyed flying, fishing, hiking and hunting.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris, on Feb. 3, 1989; daughter, Cheryl Shinton, on March 27, 2002; and two infant children.

He is survived by his daughters, ChrisAnn Boral and her husband Joseph of Potter, Neb., and Janet Warnock and Don Casey of Loveland, Colo. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Thad Miller, Melinda Kelley and Audrey Borla; two great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Teal Kelley; one brother, Click Christianson, and his wife, Arlo, of Kalispell; one sister, Adella Edwards, and her husband, Leonard, of Boise, Idaho; and his special lady friend, Jake Tootell, of Polson.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 26, 2004 at the New Life Christian Center, Polson, with Rev. Shawn Madsen officiating. Military honors will follow the service at the church. A reception will follow the services at the church.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements are by Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory of Polson.