Obituary of Douglas Cregg Christensen

Doug Christensen born May 24, 1947...passed away in the early morning hours of January 23, 2017. Doug's father Sam Christensen and his mother Norma, preceded him in death. He is survived by his sister Carol Carson and her husband Dave and one daughter Raini Alexandra Hernandez. As anyone who knew Doug will attest, he always spoke his mind. You may not always have agreed with him, but you always knew where he stood. These are the facts of his life he wanted you to know: "I barely graduated from Hillcrest High in 1965 and enrolled for two quarters at the U of U for other than educational reasons. As a true autodidact, I always loved learning for the sake of learning and was never satisfied with "I don't know". Once a long time ago in Primary class I was told there were no dogs in heaven. At that point in my life I became an atheist and nothing has ever convinced me otherwise. I always found wonder and beauty in nearly everything and loved anything outdoors. I was an egalitarian, thanks to the early influence of my mother, and couldn't fathom why everyone wasn't. My moral compass was The Golden Rule and I did the best I could to live it. Much of what influenced my past 21 years I found in AA. Many of it's members had a profound impact on my outlook on life, happiness, gratitude and love. If you think your out of options, you just may be in the best possible spot in your life. I was not without faults and would be the first, or with a little prodding, a close second to admit as much. I was also not without regrets and remorse but I did my best to make amends. And finally, this may sound loaded with hubris but for some of you it will resonate and matter. I am truly sorry for your loss. I've seen it in your eyes and heard it in your voices and it's caused me real grief while at the same time it's been a source of joy to know I was loved. Some of you have been extraordinarily important to me. I hope that in some word or deed, I communicated my gratitude and love for you. Finally, think of someone you can never forgive....and find a way. I'm not saying I have, but it's a useful goal". Doug requested that there be no "formal" funeral but there will be a get-together of friends in a couple of months when the weather is more conducive for a barbecue. Doug did request that "at the gathering I'd like a fly-over of F-22's...but no more than three please, as I don't want too seem ostentatious".