CHARLES CHRISTENSEN Obituary

CHARLES CURTIS CHRISTENSEN Charles Curtis Christensen was born January 30,1934 in the small tightly knit community of Kendrick, in northern Idaho. Charles was delivered by his father, Douglas A. Christensen, a beloved country doctor skilled in surgical procedures and emergency medicine. His mother, Irene Snowling, was a wonderful woman with a huge heart, often inviting guests for dinner and opening their home to patients from the community, at all hours of the day or night. As a young man, Charles roped cattle, rode horses, and harvested crops on their 600 acre ranch, which provided him a foundation towards his pursuit of a degree in veterinary animal science at the University of Washington, at Pullman. While there, he was introduced to his sister's roommate, the lovely Leila Kailikea from Kaua'i. They were married shortly after and moved to North Kohala, Hawai'i with their baby daughter, Honey. He was hired as the Soil Conservationist for the Big Island, working with farmers and ranchers to improve soil testing and farming techniques, contributing to higher crop yields. While in Kohala, a second daughter, Charlene was born. After a few years, Charles was hired by Richard Smart, owner of the famous Parker Cattle Ranch. His job as Agriculturalist placed him in charge of the grazing lands and water conservation practices in the varied microclimates for the entire ranch, to improve beef production. Charles planned, organized, and supervised the first feedlot for the ranch and continued improvements during his 13 year tenure. Charles and Leila later moved to Honolulu to be near family. As Land Animal Specialist with the Department of Agriculture Plant Quarantine Branch SOH, he was often seen on the morning or evening news displaying a boa constrictor, iguana, brown tree snake from Guam, or other exotic or invasive species that had found a way, via land or sea to Hawaii's shores. He absolutely loved what he did, and remained with the department until he retired. This man led a varied and exciting life. He enjoyed many hobbies such as diving for seashells, enjoying all things connected to Hawaiiana and Hawaiian culture. Charles was a Field Associate in Botany for the B.P. Bishop Museum identifying new plant species as well as propagating native and endemic plants. While on Kauai, he also worked closely with the Pacific Tropical Botanical Gardens. Charles authored an in-depth book, "Kauai's Native Land Shells." Our Dad will be terribly missed, but always in our thoughts. Charles was a devoted dad, adored grandfather, a kind, and honest man. He was a friend to many, liked and respected by his peers. He is survived by daughters Charlene Ueno, Honey Justman, grandsons Dane and Drew, granddaughters Chelsey and Devan and great-grandsons Camden and Kaimi. He is preceeded in death by spouse Leila Christensen. A graveside service will be held Friday, September 27, 2024 at 2 pm, at Diamond Head Memorial Park 529 18th Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96816. Arrangements Provided By: Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC