Willie Christenson
A long time resident of Nanoose Bay and for the last 10 years at Cokely Manor in Parksville,
Willie passed away in comfort and peace on
November 8, just shy of his 94th birthday.
Willie was born to a Scandinavian homesteading family in Bienfait, Saskatchewan December 12, 1922. Willie married Florence (1925-76) in 1944 and they had two children, Jennifer and Chris. Willie was married to Doreen from 1981 to 1986.
The family moved to Prince George in 1952 and in 1966 to Nanaimo. He enjoyed carpentry until his retirement in 1981. Willie moved to Nanoose Bay in 1986 doing odd jobs for people and for the Nanoose Centre and Day Care Centre. He continued to garden, build furniture and was active with the Lions Club and the local seniors club. He loved to dance and play cards with his lovely friend Malla and enjoyed lawn bowling and floor curling.
Willie moved to Cokely Manor in 2006 where in his words he “had a ball.” The staff and other residents became Willie’s extended family.
Willie is survived by his daughter Jennifer (John Leech), son Chris (Sheila), grand daughter Kate Cree (Patrick Peeling), grand daughter Erin (Neil Whyte), and many nieces and nephews. Willie was especially proud of his two great grandsons, Charlie Christenson Whyte, 2½ years and Julien Cree Peeling, 15 months and the expected great granddaughter (January 2017).
Willie was, and his family continues to be, extremely grateful for the assistance, care and compassion that he received from so many health care practitioners and the Medicine Shoppe (Parksville). The Cokely Manor staff and home support team are awesome; they gave Dad security, comfort and love for over 10 years. Thanks to all from the bottom of our hearts.
Please no flowers. Those wishing to honour Willie’s memory may do so by donating to Arrowsmith Health Care Foundation Society. Any donations received will be directed to Cokely Manor.
A Celebration of Life will be held at
Cokely Manor at 1:30 pm on November 20.