David Wayne Christenson, a longtime Moscow-area resident, lost his two-year-long battle with cancer Friday, March 23, 2012, at Hospice House in Coeur d'Alene. He was 73.
Dave was born March 11, 1939, in Troy, on the wrong side of the tracks, to Doyle and Ledelia Weeks Christenson. When he was young the family moved to Moscow, where he went to school, graduating from Moscow High School in 1957. He joined the U.S. Army and served in Okinawa, Japan, before his discharge in 1960.
On Nov. 26, 1960, he and his high school sweetheart, Shannon Hites, were married in Moscow. He worked construction for several years before going to work for the city of Moscow. Dave retired in 1987 as the supervisor of the parks and recreation department due to a back injury. Dave lived for the outdoors, enjoying four-wheeling; he was a great elk hunter and passed his love for the sport to his family. In his earlier days, he rode horseback for the sheriff's posse and participated in many area gymkhanas and parades. For 11 years, Dave and Shannon had their own karaoke system, singing and playing throughout the Northwest in local establishments. Dave loved to sing.
They lived in Troy before moving to Bovill, and for the past 15 years have lived in Fernwood.
Dave is survived by his wife of nearly 52 years, Shannon of Fernwood; his daughters, Tonya (Steve) Lyle of Coeur d'Alene and Tami Young of Goodyear, Ariz.; his grandchildren, Trisha, Cody and Amanda; and a great-grandson, Wyatt.
At his request, there will be no formal funeral service, but a "Karaoke Wake" will be held this summer in Fernwood. A notice will be sent out early this summer.
Dave will be greatly missed by family and friends.
The family suggests memorials be made to Hospice of North Idaho, 2290 W. Prairie Ave., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Short's Funeral Chapel of Moscow, and online condolences may be sent to www.shortsfuneralchapel.com.