PASSING OF PAST NATIONAL PRESIDENT DICK CHRISTIANSEN

TRIBUTE BY BOB FOLKMAN
My year as president-elect of the SUP corresponded to Dick’s year as past president. To be associated with him in service to the Sons of Utah Pioneers was an honor. We travelled together to many chapter meetings in two states to train and encourage local leadership. Dick was an inspiring teacher on these occasions, and his commitment to the organization set a great example for me. He also set an example of wise judgment, integrity, and firmness in doing what was right as he carried out his leadership responsibilities. He and Marcia were a remarkable and effective team, always in full support of each other through some challenging times. There are few people who I have and will continue to miss as much as Dick and Marcia Christiansen.

TRIBUTE BY DAVID B. WIRTHLIN
I first had the privilege of getting to know Dick when he was serving as the national president of SUP and I was president-elect. Dick was totally focused on preserving the deep pioneer heritage that our organization stands for. He travelled throughout Utah and Idaho, visiting the chapters and encouraging them to strengthen their membership by effective recruiting and well-planned monthly meetings. He was especially dedicated to our country and the Constitution, and on Veterans Day he organized a program held at SUP headquarters to honor our veterans. Attired in his formal “dress blue” uniform as a major general in the US Army, Dick cut quite an impressive figure. He gave a stirring reminder to the audience of our blessings as Americans and what Veterans Day should mean to all of us.
Dick became a major general in the US Army, serving in the Army Reserve for 36 years. His career began when he was called on active duty as a 2nd Lieutenant during the Korean War. He didn’t talk much about his experience there, but he did share with me how he was ordered to hold a hill at all costs and how he set up his lines of defense, with machine guns and infantrymen placed in strategic places on the hill to stop a stubborn and relentless attack by the Chinese. His troops stayed in place during below zero weather and repulsed the attack. For this and other battles he participated in, and for his years of leadership, he was awarded several rows of battle ribbons and meritorious ribbons that decorated his uniform.
I think the trait that best describes Dick is courage, physically and spiritually. He was never afraid of hard work or any physical demands. Even at an older age he would participate in the heavy cleanup projects held around the SUP headquarters. Spiritually he was totally dedicated to keep the commandments and stay on the Covenant Path. He set a sterling example of faithfulness for others to follow.

TRIBUTE BY G.S. GALLCHER
Richard Christiansen is married to my wife’s deceased older sister, Marcia. As such, I have known Richard since the late 1950’s. In 1977, after taking a new job in Salt Lake City while my wife remained in Colorado to sell our home and I stayed in a basement bedroom with the Christiansen family. During my many months there, I never once heard a harsh word or loud emotional voice come from Richard. That is how he was, always kind, loving, lifting others, teaching with kindness and patience, and a blessing to all those he knew in his life.
Richard always tried to build up individuals—young and old. He would instruct and bless and inspire them in the work to be accomplished. He always spoke the truth, yet he was a genuine peacemaker and exhibited sincere love for everyone he ever met and dealt with.
We will never forget the annual Labor Day picnics with Richard and Marcia and their four children in their backyard in Centerville, Utah. Fresh fruit and vegetables from his massive garden and orchard were always a treat.
Richard accepted, loved, honored, and obeyed his Savior, Jesus Christ. He also loved his country and his associations within the military. He cherished all the years he spent serving with the Sons of Utah Pioneers organization. Thank you, Richard Ogden Christiansen. How can we ever forget the wonderful years spent with you and Marcia? The memories flourish in abundance.
Dear brother, God be with you ‘til we meet again.