Posted on 07/20/2018
Raymond Johannes Christensen "Chris" passed away peacefully at his home in Arnold, MD, on July 16, 2018 after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Spokane, WA on May 19, 1928 to the late Anker H. and Alice M. (Nord) Christensen. A U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Class of 1953, Captain Christensen had over 35 years of dedicated naval service to his country. During this time, he accumulated over 8,000 hours of flight time; earned a Masters Degree in Aeronautical Engineering; served as Assistant to the USNA Academic Dean; and as the Deputy Naval Inspector General. But his fondest assignment was when he served as Commanding Officer of VP-23, a P-3 Orion squadron. Among his awards from the Navy include: WWII Victory Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal w/bronze star, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Legion of Merit. He retired from active duty in May 1983. He is listed as a member of the Naval Aviation Museum. Ray's hobbies included woodworking and building/flying model aircraft. He recently celebrated his 90th birthday with close family and friends. Ray is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Janice S. Christensen; a sister, Evelyn Murray (husband, Al) of Clovis, CA; four children, Susan Ochenkoski (husband, Jim) of Rathdrum, ID, Laura Gartner of Charleston, SC, David Christensen (wife, Leisa) of Winder, GA and Scott Christensen (wife, ReBecca) of Dickson, TN; 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Tanya Pfister (husband, Thomas) of Lexington Park, MD and one grandchild. A Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, August 16, 2018 at 11 am at the U.S. Naval Academy, St. Andrew's Chapel with inurnment and military honors to follow at the columbarium. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Cancer Society, 7500 Greenway Center Drive, Suite 300, Greenbelt, MD 20770, or Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy, Pasadena, MD 21122.
Published in The Capital Gazette from July 20 to July 22, 2018