David Christensen MD

Dr. David Dean Christensen (Nov. 9, 1930 – June 18, 2015)

Dr. Christensen lost his life after struggling with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy, exacerbated by a six year battle with Lyme Disease. He is no longer held back by the ailments he fought so hard to overcome.

David grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah and graduated from the University of Utah in banking and finance in 1952. He then went to Harvard Medical School and graduated in 1958. He practiced medicine in Salt Lake City, UT and Palm Desert, CA.

A gifted, Harvard-trained internist with a brilliant mind, he healed patients with a selfless approach and sincere bedside manner. His patients adored him. David was a loving father, grandfather and husband. A stimulating and complex man who brought joy and laughter, and lit up the room with his dry and witty sense of humor. He had a unique and expansive knowledge of all things and sought to share his knowledge and teach others. Nicknamed "The Elf' in college, David was a prankster with a keen skill for complex and methodical hijinks.

As the seventh son of eight siblings, David was a fighter. He learned early on to fend for himself and became a resourceful, self-reliant pillar who refused to burden others with his problems and ailments. Yet, he opened his heart to the friends and family that he held dear.

David loved nature and its challenges: he was an avid skier, hiker, horseman and fisherman. He was on the University of Utah Ski Team, an Olympic standby skier, and a member of the Sun Valley Ski Patrol. His passion and love for the mountains and outdoors was relentless.
Before his battle with Lyme and CIPD, he would bring his family deep into the Sawtooth and White Cloud ranges surrounding Ketchum to witness beauty that few have encountered. The "Old Goat" would frequently outpace his kids, grandkids and avid hikers one-third his age. If he wasn't hiking, he was on horseback camping trips with his loving and amazing wife, Lyn and his trusty steed, Derby.

He was preceded in death by his parents Niels C. Christensen and Minerva Devere Rozelle Christensen, seven brothers and one sister.

Surviving him are his spouse, Lynette Heiss Christensen; his children Joshua David (Karen) Christensen, Susan Rozelle Christensen, and James Erik Christensen; his step-children Kammy (Bob) Hill, Dan (Norma) Allred, Suzi Allred, and Mondi Christensen; and his grandchildren
Madeleine Claire Christensen, Jack and William Christensen, Courtney and Taylor Hill, Sabrina, Ryder and Chase Anselmo, Danny and Ginger Allred.

Donations are gratefully accepted by the Hospice of the Wood River Valley, P.O.|Box 4320, Ketchum, ID 83340.

Private family services and cremation are under the care of Wood River Chapel.