Forrest Raymond Christie

FORREST  RAYMOND  CHRISTIE

June 5, 1927     February 24, 2015

Forrest R. Christie, 87, died peacefully February 24, 2015, with family by his side.  He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Rose Mary,  children Mark (Maureen) and Jill (Jeff) Hansen,  daughter-in-law Robin,  6 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, brothers Howard (Bennie Belle),  Ralph (Kay),  sister Shirley Allies,  sister-in-law Mary,  brother-in-law Wilmer Leptien and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.  He was preceded in death by son Scott Forrest,  brother Ernest and brothers-in-law John Leptien and Milton Allies.  Forrest was a long time employee of  The Denver Water Board and a WWII veteran of the US Marine Corps.  His family received friends Sunday, March 1st at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel in Thornton, Colorado.

Forrest’s pride and joy were his grandchildren:  Dr. Gentry Michael Hansen, Alisha Christie Wildenstein, Alexandra Lee Christie, Specialist 4 Noelle Rosemary Stumm, Duane Patrick Christie, Tamara Michelle Axent and  his great-grandchildren:  Anabelle Christie Wildenstein, Makinley Paige Wildenstein, Rilee and Jacob Stumm, Shayla Jade Gaudian, Keegan, Taiven and Xaeley Axent

Forrest was the eldest of 5 children born to Raymond I. and Gladys L.(Brown) Christie, long time residents and members of the farming community in the Montrose area.  As youngsters,  Forrest  and his brothers and sister all worked very hard before and after school hours  as well as week-ends  on the family farm.

Forrest attended Oak Grove  School and Montrose County High School.  After graduation he entered the US Marine Corps and upon completion of his service, attended Colorado A. & M. College in Fort Collins.  After relocating to the Denver area, he attended the University of Colorado.

Forrest was an avid gardener and enjoyed growing orchids, hibiscus, bougainvillea and Bird of Paradise plants in his backyard greenhouse.  Every year he  planted and harvested a large vegetable garden as well as tending an extensive collection of  iris and African violets.

In addition to traveling throughout the United States, Forrest and his wife traveled extensively in Europe, Central and South America, the Caribbean region, Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii.  The kid from the farm who could not swim enjoyed snorkeling the waters of the Hawaiian Islands, the islands of the Caribbean and the Great Barrier Reef of Australia..  Though in failing health,  Forrest was able to make a final visit to his favorite island, Maui, in October 2014.

Forrest’s ashes will be interred in Grand View Cemetery, July 17, 2015, at 1:00 PM.   Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.