Obituary of Howard Otto Christensen

August 17, 1922 - Standard, Alberta

October 20, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Howard Otto Christensen of Calgary, AB, passed away on Friday, October 20, 2023 at the age of 101 years.

Howard was born on the family farm on August 17, 1922, near Standard Alberta. He had four siblings and family was a big part of his life. While his brothers were conscripted to help in WW2 Howard received a letter from the Government confirming that he could not enter military service, as he was designated an ‘agricultural worker’ and required to work on the farm much to his chagrin.

Howard wasn't big on school, but he enjoyed shooting his gun and was a crack shot. He said he got good at it because there was not much else to do at times on the farm. He wanted a challenge once so he set up a knife on a fence post with a board behind it to see if he could split a bullet and he did. He never bragged about anything though, he was humble. He said he remembered working on the farm and driving a tractor when he was about ten years old.

Howard got his pilots license when he was in his 30’s, he trained at the Calgary Airport, and his test flight was from Calgary to Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and back to Calgary. He said that was the last time he flew.

He met and married Betty June Angel, who had arrived in Chancellor to be the teacher, and they had four children. For fun he made the kids a go-cart, monkey bars and even a slide in the shape of a giraffe. He would hook up a sled behind a tractor and pull the kids around the snowy yard in the winter. When grand and great-grandkids came along he invented new things to entertain them. He is remembered for making a wagon for two grandsons, and then babysitting them and taking them out in the wagon.

Howard farmed in the Chancellor area until 1964, when he moved the family to Calgary and worked as a handyman/painter. In his later years he was always working on numerous projects for family and friends in his wood shop, making tables and an assortment of other tasks as he was skilled in many things.

For over twenty years Howard initiated a family picnic to ‘celebrate everyone's birthday for the year’. It started at Forgetmenot Pond and eventually held at Cobble Flats and these past two years at Carburn Park when it started to get harder for him to get around. He was sharp right until the end.

Howard always liked baseball, so when he retired he got on a city seniors mens team and played ball until he was in his 90’s. He won the Bob Sanderson Award in 2013 for the player ‘who best exemplified the quality of perseverance and sportsmanship in his continuous effort to improve’.  He also curled into his 90’s, playing two times a week. Howard also enjoyed cross-country skiing and hiking.

He was involved for years helping his Conservative constituency offices during elections getting signs put up and taken down. Howard was caring with an easy going nature. He was always willing to lend a hand with any task. Many people will miss him and his great big grin and easy-going nature.

Howard is survived by sons, Colin Christensen (Robyn Benner), and Kevin Christensen (Rose Amar); daughter Shirley Berry (Bob Ryans), daughter-in-law Sandra Christensen; grandchildren, Dion, Shawn, and Josh Clarke, Kimberley Christensen, Connor and Dane Christensen, and Kristian and Kasey Christensen; and nine great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, many friends and a special friend, Georgie Muir and her family. Howard was predeceased by his son Daryl Christensen in Rathdrum Idaho on March 5, 2022

At Howard’s request there will be no funeral service, but a family gathering will be held at a later date. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at www.mhfh.com.