Fred Christen | Obituary

Fred Christen passed away peacefully on July 2 in Blaine, WA, surround- ed by family. A father of five, stepfather of four, grandfather of 22, and great-grandfather of 20, Fred prided himself on his incomparable work ethic and dedication to providing for his family.

Born in Chehalis, Washington on December 26, 1933, Fred grew up in Chehalis, married Helen Lyle, served four years in the Navy, six years in the Navy Reserves, and attended the University of Washington School of Dentistry. He and Helen had 5 children together. Fred loved dentistry and practiced for many years in Kent, Washington before moving to Ellensburg to farm. His second marriage was to Molly Hayes which brought 4 stepchildren into his life. These were all treasured relationships to him. After many years of farming, Fred bought the Cook Creek Court in Kittitas and enjoyed his Cook Creek Community and the opportunity to continue with productive and enjoyable work overseeing improvements to the Court and lively conversations with Cook Creek residents. His close work with Rob Newcomb and the chance to be in conversation with his neighbors and family and friends in Ellensburg and Kittitas were sources of joy for him. Fred loved prime rib, Husky and Seahawks football, poker, cribbage, real estate, and hard work. He was fiercely independent (and famously stubborn!) with a true entrepreneurial spirit.

Fred is survived by his five children Mike Christen, Betty Thompson, Pat Christen, Morgan Christen, and Bob Christen, stepdaughters Marsha Hayes Weyand, Pat Hayes Rominger, Pam Hayes Bailes, Robin Hayes Newcomb, and his sister June Rado and brother John Christen.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests for those so inclined, donations be made in Fred’s memory to the University of Washington School of Dentistry.