Larry Orson Christensen

May 1, 1936 - July 28, 2017

“…No righteous man is ever taken before his time.” (Pres. Joseph Fielding Smith, 1971). Larry Orson Christensen was such a man. He passed away peacefully on July 28, 2017, surrounded by family who loved and admired him as husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Larry was born on May 1, 1936 in Tremonton, Utah to Orson Mads Christensen and Nina Johana Larsen. He and his younger sister Joan and younger brother David grew up in a loving household, centered around the gospel of Jesus Christ. At the age of 21 he served a faithful, full-time LDS mission to Denmark. When he returned home he finished his associate degree at Weber State College, then went on to become THE most loyal Cougar ever! During this time, he met his first wife Joyce Naylor. They were married for 34 years and had 5 incredible children. Later in life he met and married Susan Snow in 1996. Together they shared 21 loving years. Larry loved the English language! He spent his life inspiring young minds to love it just the same. For 31 years the halls of Orem Junior High and Canyon View Junior High were brighter due to the knowledge, skills and open door of “Mr. C”. He lifted minds and hearts as teacher and friend. “Lunchtime Activities”, whether it was chess, sports or games, was his way of showing his students that there was always someone on their side, eager to encourage and strengthen them. Go Jaguars and Falcons! Throughout his life he was very involved in sports. From church sports to being the director of women’s and girls’ softball for the city of Orem to being an usher at BYU for games - he was there to cheer for it all. He loved photography, attested to by the thousands upon thousands of photos downloaded on family computers. It was so rare to see him without his camera hanging from around his neck. Nature and family were the principal subjects and he was able to capture the beauty of life through his lens. He worked hard on genealogy, connecting, linking and binding families and hearts together forever. For many years he served as the director of two stake family history centers. And let’s not forget the puzzles! He could not let a day go by without a puzzle laid out on a table. The number of pieces put together over the years would probably encircle the earth a dozen times over. In 2011, Larry suffered a severe stroke, leaving the left side of his body paralyzed. But despite the last six years of struggle, his heart and countenance were filled with joy, laughter, kindness, tenderness, hope, faith and friendship. He wanted to serve in any capacity he could. No matter his circumstance, he had a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his lips. He loved and fought to the very end. Larry is survived by his wife Susan, brother David, and his children Dave, Tammy, Jen (Steve), Gary (Alicia), Julie, and Jennifer (Richard). He also leaves behind 22 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Joyce and his sister Joan. A Viewing will be held Friday, August 4, 2017 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Park 8th Ward, 114 South 400 West, Orem, Utah. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, August 5th, 2017 at 2:00 pm at the Orem Park Stake Center, 195 West 300 South, Orem, Utah where a Viewing will be held prior to services from 12:30 to 1:30 pm. Interment in Orem City Cemetery, 1520 North 800 East, Orem, Utah. Funeral Directors: Utah Valley Mortuary