Wilson Christiansen
October 5, 1931 – January 19, 2022
In loving memory of Wilson Christiansen, who passed away suddenly at the age of 90 on January 19, 2022.
Wilson was born on October 5, 1931 in Dryden Ontario. In his young days, he liked to play with friends outside and near the water. One of his first jobs was at Stan’s bakery, as well as a paper route. When Wilson was 16, he went to work for the Great Lake Freighters until he was old enough to enlist in the navy.
Wilson joined the navy and travelled all over the world, stationed in various ports. He saw active duty in Korea, serving with the United Nations Commonwealth Forces. He was a lifetime member in the John J. Rockingham Memorial Unit. After his career in the military, Wilson returned to university. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lakehead University. He spent time working in probation and parole.
Wilson was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus. He attended St. Joseph’s Parish in Dryden and was active in his community by serving at masses and by volunteering to deliver food bank donations.
Wilson leaves behind his wife of 24 years, Lorraine Christiansen, his son John Christiansen of Campbell River British Columbia, step children Brad Petranik of Burlington Ontario, Wade Petranik and Wendy Kennedy of Dryden Ontario, as well as his sister Beverley, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and other relatives.
Last summer, Wilson rode the train at the age of 89 to celebrate his 90th birthday with his family in British Columbia. He spent many months planning the trip and anticipating the amazing time he would have, reunited with his family. He had a wonderful sense of humour and enjoyed daily games of scrabble and building jigsaw puzzles.
A Private family service will take place at a later date. If friends so desire, donations can be made to the DRHC online or through Stevens Funeral Homes, PO Box 412, Dryden, Ontario P8N 2Z1.
“Perhaps passing through the gates of death is like passing quietly through the gate in a pasture fence. On the other side, you keep walking, without the need to look back. No shock, no drama, just the lifting of a plank or two in a simple wooden gate in a clearing. Neither pain, nor floods of light, nor great voices, but just the silent crossing of a meadow.”
A Soldier of the Great War, Mark Helprin, author