Verd “Chris” Christensen passed away unexpectedly at our newly built dream home on Jan 3, 2018 at the age of 60. He was born April 26, 1957 in Pocatello, Idaho. He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years Diane, his parents Tim and Fayann, sister Janee, brother Blaine (Andrea) and brother Billy.
Chris grew up traveling, as a family unit from construction site to construction site based upon the location of his father’s jobs. After graduation he joined the Navy in 1975 where he was a boiler technician. After his honorable discharge he came to AZ where, with his controls engineering background, got his first job at Borden. He moved on to Sky Harbor Airport and to DMI (Diversified Mechanical, Inc.) where he met his wife Diane and their journey began. Chris enjoyed skiing, bowling, camping (dutch oven cooking), boating at Lake Powell on their Canyon Dream and elk hunting with friends. Chris completed a frame off restoration in his garage of their Chevelle where they won many prestige awards such as Best Engine, Best Chevelle, People’s Choice, Best of Show and Award of Excellence.
Chris loved to tinker on home projects and was an innovator. His projects included building a hydrogen generator, building a winch and light bar for his truck as well as his “home automation system” that he was installing at his home. Chris was good at “mcgyvering” things. There wasn’t anything that he could not do.
Chris took pride in his work. Some of his greatest projects are BOB (Bank One Ballpark) now known as Chase Field, his work at St. Joe’s Hospital as well as security work at Sky Harbor Airport after 9/11. He was currently working at NRG where he replaced the entire controls system.
Chris will be dearly missed by all that knew and loved him. A celebration of life will be held in the spring. Memorial donations can be made to American Cancer Society (earmarked for Endocrinology).
Uncle Chris may you rest in peace you will be missed. Wish I could have gotten to know you better
I’ve known Chris since 1991, and am proud to call him my best friend . We spent many hours together working, hunting and camping, riding our quads, and just hanging out.
Chris was a guy that wasn’t shy about offering his opinion, and people either liked or disliked him, but either way, he made an impression on everyone he met, and earned their respect.
Brother, I love you, and miss you terribly.
Rest easy, Big Boy.
Still in shock, I absolutely loved working with Chris. He would come in the office every morning and ask “How are things” . He told the greatest stories, I really liked talking and joking around with him. Going to miss you a lot sir!!!
My big brother, during the 17 years I spent overseas you were always there for me. Doing things like sending me the latest TV shows on tape so I could keep current. You always thought of other people before yourself. It’s just so unfair you were taken from us so suddenly, so unexpectedly, just as you and Di were finishing you new home together. In our youth we played, we fought, we laughed and we cried. But we were always by each other’s side. Thank you for all you love and the memories we shared. I treasure them as I treasured you! Rest in pease my big brother, Rest In Peace.
Chris, you were one of a kind. I liked coming into the office in the morning and seeing you. I completely understand why my ol’ man considered you to be a close friend. RIP.
Chris was a great friend and an amazing person – I only got to know him over the past four years but I have a deep respect for his talents – there wasn’t anything electronic that he couldn’t figure out. I miss getting his emails every Monday morning – letting me know everything was ok at the plant …….I will be installing the home automation system he recommended this weekend and thinking of him! The trailer won’t be the same without him….RIP
For those of us who have worked with Diane and heard some of their stories, and their shared hopes and dreams, the loss of Chris is beyond description. Our thoughts and prayers are with Diane and the family in this time of sorrow. Diane, we look forward to your return to work, and even though you are not here where we can give you a hug, know that hugs are being sent long distance regularly!
Chris was friendly, funny, and very giving. We lived next to him and Diane for years and he helped my mom out so many times with repairs. I am still thankful for that and am so sorry to hear of his passing.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you Diane and of course the entire family and host of friends of Chris. May Our Heavenly Father provide you with strength and the calming of His everlasting love!
Dear Diane, I knew that Chris was a very talented man, but I’ve learned so much more when I read about him! I have my own fond memories of him and of you.
I remember Chris showing me all the things that he not only built but sometimes invented for both his car and your house. Your yard was beautiful. And he did beautiful woodwork.
To me, he was always that rather quiet, kind neighbor that I enjoyed visiting and teasing with. At times, I managed to get myself into places where I really needed help, like the time I dragged my desk from the bedroom to living room and broke it on the way. It was completely unusable, unless I were to sit on the floor with one end of the desk on the floor and the other end in the air. I went to find Chris. He fixed it, of course.
Another time, my hot water heater broke late in the evening and, again, I went to find Chris. He not only took me to get a new one, but he brought it home and installed that night.
It was so nice to have you and Chris for neighbors. You looked after my house when I was away, and I looked after yours when you were away. I remember one time, Diane, when you left me in care of your new car. I was so worried that something would happen to it that I nearly slept in your driveway beside it to keep it safe!
Another time when you were taking care of my house and pets, you couldn’t find Calle anywhere. She had simply disappeared. You told me that you were about to panic when you finally found her very quietly watching you and Chris search for her from her vantage point behind the dining room table. You’d think that a 100 pound Akita wouldn’t be that hard to find, unless, of course, she was being very quiet.
Chris called me early one morning to tell me that Calle was in my front yard. I told him that she couldn’t be, because the gate in the backyard was locked. He told me to go look and, sure enough, there she was. The lock had broken. Chris fixed for me.
We all enjoyed visiting back and forth through the years. and I felt lucky to have you as friends and neighbors. The one think I really regretted when I moved away is that I wouldn’t have you and Chris as neighbors anymore.
Sadly, we lost touch after I moved, but Diane, I hope that you know that if you need me, I’m just not that far away.
I will always be grateful that Chris was my friend.
With love and my deepest sympathy, Beth
Chris was such a great guy. Sometimes he seemed a little rough around the edges, but really he was just a big ole teddy bear who loved my sister with all his heart. It breaks my heart that he is not going to enjoy their new home. He left an imprint upon our hearts. We will love him and remember him forever.
Still in shock! We have known Chris since 1987 when we moved to Arizona from N.J. He & his wife to be , Diane, were getting married & we became great neighbors & best friends. He will be sadly missed. He enjoyed life & nature. RIP
Prayers to the family & God Bless
Chris-I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a great friend to Mark. All these years we have known you he has said how incredibly smart you are and how he could have learned so much from you if only he would have been around you when he was younger. I am grateful he was able to help you with the new house. Mark and I will deeply miss you, always cherish the memories, and continue to be here for your Diane. Love you Chris-forever in our hearts.
He was our first born son. He was such a joy, always willing to help the other. He always watches over his two brothers and sister. There are so many things I would like to say but there’s space to say how much we love and miss him. He loved hunt, camp in the mountains, Spend time at Lake Powell on their beautiful boat. He loved his beautiful wife so very much. They did everything together. He was a very hard worker and a great memory. He helped us any time we needed it. We love you and will miss you
My big brother! Who is always there for me as a child. He taught me how to say the Pledge of Allegiance, crawl up a flight of stairs before I could walk, fought with me, danced with me , threatened my boyfriend to take care of me. He was everything a big brother should be and more! we didn’t always see eye to eye on things , but that’s what siblings do right? He married the love of his life and lived with her till his death. You can’t get any better than that! I love you big brother! You always be in my heart! And I will miss you so much!
Diane, I know that you’ve just lost half your heart! I’m so sorry for your loss! I am very grateful that you have your friends and family around you to help you through this! We do love you as you are the one person who made Chris happiest! If you need us you only need to call.
Well big brother, I hope you rest in peace. The hole that you leave in everyone’s heart is huge! I will always remember you I will always love you! Your little sister
I knew Chris as “Verd.” He and Jenee’ were good friends to me in High School. We had so much fun working at the Flying M, dragging main in his cute yellow car and just hanging out. My heart hurts for his wife and family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Chris will be missed but many memories of a loving soul and witty man will live on. My deepest condolences to Diane and his family. Rest in peace my friend.
Chris hired me in 1996 and I owe my career in large part to his presence in my life. He was literally a giant among men and had an incredible ability to solve any technical problem. The first time he shook my hand I felt tiny and immediately looked to him as someone I could trust and learn from.
I worked on two projects with Chris that both changed my life. The first being Chase Field (Bank One Ballpark back in the day), my first exposure to building automation and controls. My fondest memory was sitting in the upper deck with Chris and our crew in the very early AM of opening day. Chris provided pizza for everyone as we sat in silence reflecting on the three years we had all invested building the ballpark and making the most state of the art (at the time) sports facility on the planet.
The second project was Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Chris designed the incredibly complex video surveillance system that everyone said wouldn’t work. I did the CAD work for the project and learned from the best person in the industry. Little did I know that several years later I would manage that system for almost 12 years.
Chris was always the voice of reason and kept everyone together. He also pushed us to be the very best people and organization we could be. As I talk with friends that worked with us back in the day, we all say the same thing. We had the very best crew with the best leadership (Chris).
Chris I say farewell friend. I hope you know the impact you had on my life both professionally and personally. You are truly missed and I cannot wait to see you again friend.
This mountain of a man and his giant heart filled with kindness treated me like a son. He scolded me at work when I did something wrong, praised me when I did something good and guided me when I needed direction. Out of all this, a mutual respect and loyalty developed into our lifelong friendship. You and Diane made me feel like part of your family. Inviting me to hunt with you and just being together felt comfortable to me. I was lucky that we got to work in the same location together and enjoy passing visits and special lunches. He left everyone with the fondest memories because it’s who he was. He was my friend, my big, giant friend! Love to you and Diane!
Chris left a footprint wherever he went. I first met Chris at nrg where we worked together, side by side, many long hours, on many different projects. Chris was our controls engineer in every sense of the word. Whatever was going on at work sooner or later required Chris. He had an amazing mind and a way of looking at things different than most. He never backed down to a new challenge and was always willing to give it his all for us and even thought sometimes we butted heads, we learned from each other. One of the things I admire most in Chris was he knew who he was and stood up to what he believed in. He did not back down when he believed his way was right. He was so much more than our controls engineer, he could do anything he was asked whether it be computers or anything else we asked, his knowledge knew no limits. His documentation of all his jobs was unsurpassed, he truly was one of a kind and will be missed greatly by me and all that knew him. Chris was not just a large man, with a big heart he left the biggest pair of shoes to fill, I have ever seen. My wife and I loved him, enjoyed all the time we had with him, she called him the gentle giant, and I called him my friend. Rest in peace my friend, till we meet again. Our deepest sympathy to his wife Diane and his family and friends.
Thank you so much for sharing this story. It has touched me knowing that Chris made a “big” impact on someone’s life career. I remember those jobs well and knowing the respect that he had from people is heart warming and puts a “big” smile on my face.
Chris hired me in 1997. I remember the trivia games at lunch at the restaurant around the corner from the office, with Randy, Todd and others. He was really, really good at it.
I owe him my career. I would not have been successful without his mentorship.
My Uncle Chris was one of the smartest people I know. He was also kind man and very patient. I know he had just finished building his house with my Aunt, and they were putting the finishing touches on it. I will miss him greatly and wish he had a chance to meet my Daughter. I will miss him more than I may let on.
I’ll deeply miss you uncle chris had some good memories together to many to mention I’ll never forget you. Love ya
Uncle Chris/Boat Captain
I wish I could have seen you more. Seeing you and Aunt Diane that summer has truly left me with unforgettable memories. I mean because of you I know how to properly dock a boat. Putting out the fenders so not to damage the boat while docking. You made us crew member shirts and made us swear in before we were allowed on the boat. Completely cheesy and so funny. Looking back now I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I had to much fun sleeping in that cave on the boat and you pulling us on the airhead float with the Sea-Doo. The night you made Jared walk the plank because he kept saying “here snipe snipe” was probably one of the funniest days of my life. You took us to the Grand canyon and made us close our eyes until we were at the edge of canyon. I am so glad that we took so many pictures when we were out visiting. I’ll cherish each picture especially the one of all of us with the cactus in your front yard. I’ll also never forget how you had all the Chevy bowties on the Chevelle all straight and perfect. I just want to thank you for all the memories and say that, you and Aunt Diane taught us so much that summer. Without saying it, you taught me to have nice things you have to have an education and work your butt off. So that’s what I’m going to do. Rest easy Uncle Chris! Hopefully you and Jared are already together up there, probably fishing.
Chris you were a dear friend and will be missed by many people. We enjoyed going to the pavilions with our chevelles and racing the cars down Central Ave. When we also went to Firebird raceway and the guys competed against each other and your chevelle had problems. Diane and I were in the bleachers saying what the heck happened. Chris and Phil loved racing their cars. You will be dearly missed by both of us.
We had good times at Pavillions Saturday nights walking around looking at all the nice cars.You be miss greatly.
Chris you weren’t just a brother-in-law to me you were a brother and my friend. It saddens me to be writing this but another unexpected loss puts you up to watch over my Jared and my mom. You were an “Awesome ” uncle to all 4 of my children. You taught them all so much and I know that you left a huge imprint on their lives as well as mine. You were my twins ” Everything ” and I know in my heart she was yours. You will be truly missed but I’m sure you know I’ll be spending as much time as I can with Diane who also means the world to me. R.I.P Chris till we meet again. Love Always ?
It saddens me that your gone, but not without tons of memories. I’ll always remember you taking us camping , going to disneyland and buying me my 1st basketball hoop. Or watching you fish with a bow and making epic sandcastles. It’s a shame we lived so far apart. I really wish i could’ve seen you more as I became an adult with my own family. Until we meet again love Jeremy
Chris and Diane have been my neighbors since I was 8 years old and my family moved just two doors down. I have many memories of Chris and Diane like organizing the neighborhood watch meetings that were held in their living room. Most weekends I would see them do projects around their yard and Chris was always working in his garage.
In 2007 Chris saved my parent’s house from burning down in a fire. Some faulty electrical issues started a fire in the ceiling above the stove and as we called 911 someone yelled for me to run to the neighbors to get a fire extinguisher.
I ran to Beth’s our next door neighbor’s house yelling to her asking for a fire extinguisher. And next thing I remember Chris is in our kitchen and had a fire extinguisher lifted into the ceiling with his arm almost all the way in the attic and had put out the fire. I remember thinking how brave and fearless he was in the face of an emergency he didn’t hesitate to help and did so in a very level headed purposeful and calm way.
The most recent memories though that I have of Chris and Diane were created when they asked me to be their realtor in their search for land for them to buy and to sell their current home they have lived in for 30+ years.
After a few months of getting to know Chris in a more personal way he began to call me “darlin”. Mostly in our greetings and goodbyes.
. One thing I learned about Chris is how reliable and punctual and organized and structured and routine he and Diane both are. He could fix anything and was very creative and talented when it came to mechanical things and he was so practical he had or made things around him function better than it had originally to make life that much better. One night we had lots of real estate business to take care of and I was asking Chris about the age and condition of some of the systems in their home and specifically about the pool
I said, “So, how long ago did you redo the plaster on your pool?
And he replied “about 12 years ago”
I said, “No way really? “
I was obviously very surprised Because of the amazing condition the pool was in had lead me to believe the answer would be within just a few months or a year.
I asked him how the pool looks so nice and he looked at me and said “Susan, we take care of our shit”
I started to laugh and then all three of us were cracking up. And he was right he did take care of his shit. He would even take care of things at my mom’s house after my dad past away which meant a lot to me and my mom.
Mostly he took real good care of his wife and was an amazing husband. Building Diane a dream home and he getting his dream workshop built. I wish he was able to have really enjoy proof of all the hard work he had put in. I admire Chris and Diane’s marriage and it was a pleasure to get to know them better during the house sales and watching them together and seeing their unique and deep connection was inspiring. Being their agent thru their home purchase and selling their home on Donner allowed me to get to know them so much more than I had previously and I will miss Chris and I will miss seeing “Chris and Diane”
Recently they told me that when I was young they would see me out the front window of their living room walking down the sidewalk sneaking out of my parent’s house. They weren’t going to tell my parents but they made sure I came back home okay. Hearing that meant the world to me and made me realize even though it was recently we had become friends that they were Always family.