Gary Victor Christensen, 90, of Springerville, Arizona, passed away Thursday, May 28, 2026. Gary was born February 9, 1936 eight miles west of Apache, Oklahoma to Victor Soren Christensen and Cleo Orthel Moore Christensen. He grew up with two sisters and a brother.

In 1954 the family relocated to Socorro, New Mexico and later settled in Reserve, New Mexico.

While living in Socorro Gary met the love of his life, Patricia Elmore. They married in 1955 and shared more than seventy years of marriage together.

Gary proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1955-1957 as an artillery survey specialist with the 7th Army in Germany. Following his military service he began a career in surveying, engineering and construction; working on a variety of municipal and highway projects, including work associated with White Sands Proving Ground.

In 1958 Gary joined the United State Forest Service where he built a distinguished career that spanned thirty-five years. Starting as a GS-4 surveyor in Silver City, New Mexico, he advanced through the ranks to GS-11. His service took him to Flagstaff, Arizona and eventually to the Apache National Forest where he became Assistant to the Engineer in Springerville. Throughout his career Gary was known for his strong work ethic, technical skill and dedication to public service. He supervised the planning and construction of forest roads and trails and was also a certified blaster.

Gary and Patricia made their home in Round Valley beginning in 1967 and remained a part of the community for nearly six decades.

Above all, Gary valued family, service, hard work and commitment. He leaves behind a life marked by loyalty to his country, dedication to his profession and devotion to his wife and family.

Gary is survived by his wife, Patricia Christensen, son, Travis Christensen, grandson, Travis Christensen, II and other loving family members and friends.

A viewing will be held Friday, June 5, 2026 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Burnham Mortuary, Eagar, followed by a graveside service at 2:00 p.m. (NM time) at the Reserve, New Mexico Cemetery.