Raymond CHRISTENSEN Obituary

CHRISTENSEN, Raymond Paul Raymond "Mr. C" Paul Christensen Sr., 86, of Biddeford, died on Thursday, (March 24, 2011) after battling health problems for many years. Mr. C was born in Hartford, CT on April 26, 1924, a son of the late Walter and Agnes (Cartier) Christensen Sr. He attended Connecticut schools, graduating from Wethersfield High School where he was the Connecticut high jump champion four years in a row. After completing high school, Mr. C passed up an opportunity to try out for the US Olympics High Jump Team to enlist in the US Marine Corps. During his time as a Marine, Mr. C saw active combat duty and fought bravely in the Pacific Theater of Operations, including the island of Saipan, Tinian. Later, during the Korean War, he served his country again as a Marine Drill Instructor at Paris Island, NC. With the help of Senator Susan Collins, Mr. C received recognition of his wartime service in 2003. At a ceremony in his home with a Marine Corps Honor Guard, family and friends, he was presented with The WWII Victory Medal, The American Campaign Medal, The Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with Bronze Star, and The National Defense Service Medal. During his military service, Mr. C met and fell in love with Betty E. Anderson at a Marine dance. They were married in 1949, in between his 2 tours of duty. Betty passed away in 1997. After Mr. C completed his military service, he began working at Metzger's Lamps & Lighting in West Hartford with his late aunt and uncle, Ejna and Clarence Metzger. Later, he became the owner of Metzger's, which served central Connecticut and beyond, including many celebrities. Mr. C and his family vacationed at Fortunes Rocks, Maine every year. In 1989, Mr. C and Betty retired to their dream house on the rocky coast of Maine. Coinciding with the death of his wife, Mr. C suffered from many health problems and underwent many surgeries. During that time Mr. C showed his typical positive can do attitude and inner strength. No matter what his condition, Mr. C always had a positive comment for everyone. During that time his daughter Candace was his live in caregiver. She was a tireless cheerleader and advocate for her father. Mr. C will be remembered for his enthusiasm, warmth and friendly personality. He was able to reach out to people in every walk of life and welcome them into his home. Mr. C is known for his countless stories and gathering his friends together for many good times. He was an avid duck carver, golfer and fisherman. He also made many crafts including the "famous" stickmen, which he took great pleasure in presenting to his many friends. His lifelong spirit and will to survive many challenges have been an inspiration to many. Mr. C was predeceased by his wife of nearly 50 years, Betty E. (Anderson) Christensen and his sister, Theresa Brensinger.Survivors include: his daughter, live-in caregiver and motivator, Candace "Candy" Christensen, of Biddeford, ME (formerly of Wethersfield, CT); his son, Raymond P. Christensen, Jr. and hisdaughter, Sophie, of West Hartford, CT, his brother, Walter Christensen, Jr. and family of Palm Beach, FL; his brother-in-law, Robert Anderson and family of Sunnyvale, CA; his sister-in-law, Linda Anderson-McCoy, of Florida. Friends are invited to greet the family on Monday, March 28, 2011 from 4 – 7 p.m. at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St. Biddeford, ME. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 2 PM at the funeral home with military honors. Burial will be private. To share condolences online, please visit www.HopeMemorial.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. C's memory may be made to: New England Rehab, 335 Brighton Ave., Portland, ME 04102.