August 'Chris' Christensen, 70

| February 6, 2019 4:00 AM

On Friday Feb. 1, 2019, August “Chris” Christensen, 70, received his angel wings at his home in West Valley.

Chris was born and raised in the Flathead Valley, where he learned the skills needed to be a genuine cowboy from Montana. When he became a young adult, Chris enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a submarine welder. After serving nine years in the military, he received an honorable discharge and returned to his hometown. After many years and life experiences, Chris and Penny fell in love and were joined in marriage.

Chris loved animals and had a gift when it came to his four-legged friends. He rescued a variety of animals and gave them a loving home during his time. His woodworking talents allowed him the ability to see an idea on paper and transform it into a masterpiece. He also enjoyed gardening, hunting, horseback riding, hiking and fishing. He even enjoyed the occasional snowmobile ride while ice fishing with his son. He had a wonderful sense of humor and could easily make his family smile. He loved trying to embarrass Penny in public with silly pranks and jokes.

He was so proud of his family, especially his son, Wayne, but his greatest joy in life was watching his granddaughters learn and grow. They had him wrapped around their little fingers and melted his heart whenever they were together.

Surviving Chris at the family home is his loving wife Penny, and his “girlfriend” Lily (who went everywhere with him). Chris is also survived by his son Wayne and wife Kristina, his daughter Valynda and husband Jim, and his son Jens. He is survived by his beloved granddaughters, JoHanna and Cheyenne.

A celebration of life gathering will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday Feb. 8, at the family home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Flathead County Animal Shelter or Mission Valley Animal Shelter in memory of Chris.

Friends are encouraged to visit the website, www.buffalohillfh.com, to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.