Harry Levi Christensen

Harry Levi Christensen 92, of Pilot Rock died Thursday, September 22, 2022, at his home with his loved ones by his side.

Harry was born on July 15, 1930, at the mouth of Pearson Creek at his grandparent’s home to Christian and Viola (Hunter) Christensen.  Later in life he lived with his foster parents Henry and Norma Smith of Pilot Rock.

Harry graduated from Pilot Rock High School in 1949, and then married his high school sweetheart, Iris Hoeft.  They were married in an evening ceremony on December 31, 1950, at the Presbyterian church in Pilot Rock.  At that time Pilot Rock was a close-knit community and the church was overflowing.  They had two sons, William and Lennis that Harry was very proud of.

Harry worked 37 years for the Pilot Rock School District.  He started as a janitor, advanced to bus mechanic and finally as the grounds keeper.  He was a volunteer for the Pilot Rock Fire Department and served as the Fire Chief for many years.  He was inducted into the Pilot Rock Fire Department Hall of Fame in 2007.  Harry was a lifetime member of the Northwest Trail Riders Association and helped establish the Winom-Fraiser Trail Complex.  He spent numerous hours flagging, cutting, and riding all the trails with his wife, sons, and grandchildren.  He would always bring up the rear to make sure they all safely made it.  The Christensen Trail was named for him in the Winom Complex.  Harry loved to hunt, fish, camp and spend time at the family cabin.  He was also known for having the right tool in his bib overalls to fix anything and that also included a few pieces of candy for the kids.

Harry is survived by his wife, Iris (Hoeft) Christensen; son, Bill (Wendy) of Pilot Rock; daughter-in-law, Donna (Mentzer) Christensen of Pilot Rock; Grandchildren, Amanda (JD) Harrison of Pendleton, Rena Christensen of Pilot Rock, Ryan Christensen of Condon, John (Kacy) Christensen of Echo and Jennifer (Evan) Mespelt of Pilot Rock; Great-grandchildren, Trysten, Brayden, Averie, Dallie, Braylee, Isabelle, and Billie.

Harry was proceeded in death by his parents, his foster parents his two brothers, a sister, and his son Lennis.