Chris Christensen

It is with much sadness we announce that Christen “Chris” Christensen, age 89, of Kyle, SK passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 16, 2023.

Chris is survived by his children, Anne (Bill) Clendening, Mark (Sheri) Christensen, Eric (Wanita) Christensen, and Tracy Kondor; his grandchildren, Kaleesha (John), Kristen (Chris), Lacy (Chad), Keegan (Traci), Breanne, Cameron (Elin), Chantal (Lance), Emily (Shane), Trent (Amber), Melissa, Allison (Dawson), and Shelby; his sixteen great-grandchildren; and by his sister, Edith Haun.

Chris was predeceased by his loving wife of 43 years, Ildagert “Ilda” Christensen; his parents, Ejner & Elsie Christensen; his second wife, Marlene Sivertson; and by his son-in-law, Steve Kondor.

Chris was born January 2, 1934 in Vestervig, Denmark to Ejner & Elsie Christensen. After arriving in Canada from Denmark on April 26, 1937, Chris’s parents and their two young children — Edith and Chris — settled in the Rural Municipality of Lacadena, SK. Chris attended school at the Russleton School District No. 778 until he completed his grade ten education. He then started farming full-time with his father.

When Chris was 22, his father passed away leaving, himself and his mother, Elsie, to manage the many aspects of farm life. On July 15, 1961 Chris married Ilda Baycroft, a beautiful young woman and school teacher, who was born in Aberdeen, SK. After their wedding, Ilda joined Chris at the Christensen farm and they began their new life as husband and wife. While Chris managed the day-to-day operations of the farm, Ilda taught school in White Bear, SK and Chris’s mom stayed close by, visiting the farm regularly from her home in White Bear.

In 1965, Chris & Ilda started growing their family. First came daughter Anne, and then two sons, Mark and Eric, and finally, daughter Tracy. In addition to the responsibilities of grain farming and now raising his children, Chris also busied himself with cattle, pigs, laying hens, and family pets, including horses, dogs, cats, and many batches of kittens. Included in the mix came the many recreational vehicles, and occasional repairs, that provided so much entertainment for both Chris & Ilda and their children. In the mid 1990’s, Chris & Ilda and son, Eric, founded Danehaven Cattle Company and they began growing and breeding their herd of grass-fed LowLines.

Sadly, on September 15, 2004, Ilda passed away following a long battle with illness. The following year, Chris moved into the Southview Apartments in Kyle and Eric and his new bride lived at the farm. Dad commuted between town and the farm for the next few years, trying to figure out the concepts of semi-retirement and life without Ilda. Although a challenging time and transition for him, he eventually came to appreciate his well-deserved retirement. While living at the Southview Apartments, Chris met Marlene Sivertson, who was also a resident there. They befriended one another and on December 12, 2007 they were married. Sadly, Marlene was diagnosed with cancer three years later and she passed on August 1, 2011.

Still at 89, Dad relished the opportunity to go for a drive or an outing. He especially enjoyed his trips past the farm yard and the land that held the Christensen name for 75 years, spending time at Clearwater Lake with his family, being treated to a home-cooked supper of beef and gravy or a traditional Danish dish, and we cannot not forget, how he loved his desserts and his newly acquired evening beverage — a can of Angus Stout from the 9 Mile Legacy Brewery! These things all put a smile on his face. He had even bigger smiles when he had the opportunity to share these things with family by his side, whether one-on-one or by the pack.

As such, he spent many hours this summer planning his own 90th birthday party. It was to take place at Clearwater Lake during the summer of 2024 and every generation of his family — his four children, his twelve grandchildren, and his sixteen great-grandchildren — would be in attendance. There would be games played, stories told, much laughter, and many new memories made.

Although Dad had many talents and great qualities, he was best known for his sense of humour. It was something that never left him and something that we all loved about him. Oh how we will miss his humour, his stories, his teasing, his advice, and his presence in our lives. 

At Dad’s request, the family will be having a private Celebration of his Life at Clearwater Lake in the Summer of 2024. The Interment Service will take place at Horse Butte Cemetery in the Kyle District following the Celebration.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to a charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated by the family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Chris Christensen, please visit our floral store.