Obituary of Lawrence Walter "Chris" Christianson

Lawrence, known by most people as “Chris” or “Barney” passed away on November 16th, 2013 at the age of 82. Chris leaves with his passing, his loving wife Virginia, brother Lloyd; sister Gloria Ataide; Sons Cameron (Sharlene) and Rory (Lana); Grandchildren Brooke (Stephanie), Blair (Kylee), Crystal (Jesse), Chelsy (Jodie), Rory Jr., Kendra, Braden, and Rayna; Great Grandchildren Avery, Holden, Weston, Maddox and Parker. Chris was born in Calgary Alberta on July 1, 1931 and grew up in Calgary at the Booth Memorial home along with his brother and sister. Chris was a determined and industrious young man and in his early twenty’s he left Calgary to seek new opportunities, landing a job in Drumheller working for Gulf Oil where he met his wife Virginia. Chris and Virginia were married in 1955 and finally settled in Stettler in 1956. Chris spent 23 years working with Gulf Oil, all the while, managing businesses on the side including the Western Gem Hotel in Drumheller. Chris finally quit Gulf Oil and went into business for himself in 1971 starting a mobile home dealership and later ventured into real estate and motels where he enjoyed success working along side his family. Chris was a very charming, social and fun loving spirit and those who knew Chris would always light up at the opportunity to chat with him because a conversation with Chris guaranteed a good hardy laugh. Chris was everyone’s friend and he was known widely for his good sense of humor. He loved to visit with everyone at social and family gatherings. Chris and Virginia retired in 1989 and spent their winters in Arizona where they lived on a golf course and enjoyed golf and happy hour every day for nearly twenty years. Summers were spent enjoying his family and grandchildren, following Rory and his family on the race circuit, and puttering around Rory’s shop. Chris will be dearly missed by his friends and family; Chris’ wonderful spirit, and our memories of him will forever bring inspiration and smiles to us all. . Donations in memory of Chris gratefully accepted to Salvation Army ~ Drumheller Ministry