Morgan ""Dale"" Christensen

Morgan Dale Christensen Resident of Walnut Creek, California May 14, 1934 – October 13, 2024 

Born to Martin Elmer Christensen and Melba Morgan Christensen in Salt Lake City, Utah. Dale and his eternal companion, Carolyn Cahoon Christensen, were blessed with six children, sixteen grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren (and counting). He is survived by his son Larry (Diana) of Vacaville, CA; children Michael (Rebecca; child Paisley), Marissa, Matthew, Marcus, Sierra, Xena, Kammie, Ruby, and Delaney; his son Todd (Karma) of Walnut Creek, CA; children Bryce (Simone; children Scout and Rex), Brandon, and Breanna; his daughter Chante (Gary) of Mesa, AZ; children Alexandria (Marcus; children Charles, James, William, Henry, George, and Philip), Christopher (Sara; children Lucy and Lindon), Spencer, and Jessica; and his son Jared of Walnut Creek, CA; children Owen (Isabel; child Xylia), Avin, and Vila. He is preceded in death by his wife Carolyn, twin sons Michael Scott and Martin Spencer, his parents, Martin Elmer and Melba Morgan Christensen and sister LeRae Christensen Hoggan.

 Dale was a dedicated lifelong learner. He graduated from Granite High School in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1952, where he played the cello in the school orchestra. Dale continued his education at Utah State University in Logan, earning a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1959 and a Master of Science in Horticulture in 1963. His thesis, "A Nutritional Survey of Sweet Cherry Orchards in Utah," was typed out on a typewriter by his wife Carolyn while he dictated it. He later obtained a Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture from Michigan State University in 1968, with a focus on the nutritional requirements for sweet cherry trees. Dale's professional career included nearly three decades with Ciba-Geigy. Following his time there, he started his own company, Plant Protection Consulting, from 1994 to 2001. Through his work, Dale made significant contributions to the field of agriculture, applying his expertise to help improve crop management and agricultural practices. Dale proudly served in the United States National Guard. 

A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served a 2.5-year mission for The Church in the Eastern States Mission, purchased a car to use while serving as a missionary, and covered all his travel expenses. Throughout his life, Dale served as a Home Teacher and Minister, and in various church leadership roles, including Elders Quorum President, Bishop of the Oak Grove 2nd Ward, Counselor in the Walnut Creek East Stake Presidency, and within the Cambodian Branch. Together with his beloved wife, Carolyn, they served missions in Birmingham, England; the Nauvoo, Illinois LDS Temple; the Fairfield, California LDS Employment Center; the Oakland Family History Center; and the Oakland Temple. Dale was deeply committed to community service. He volunteered with The Church Girls Camp for over 15 years, earning the esteemed Tree Award and devoted over 50 years to the Boy Scouts of America in The Iron Horse District, Mt. Diablo Silverado Council. He hiked nearly all the Trail Trekkers Hikes in California, earning the Rimrover Patch, as well as Scouter of the year, several Eagle Mentor Pins, and was awarded the highest Boy Scout service honor the Silver Beaver. 

He loved water and snow skiing and taught his children and many others to enjoy these sports. Dale’s pride and joy was his garden, growing an abundance of fruits, vegetables and flowers. Dale and Carolyn were experts at jamming, bottling, freezing and loved sharing them with others. Known for his dependability and a heart always ready to serve, Dale lived his life by a timeless principle: never watch the clock when helping others. His example taught those around him about God’s love, through his kindness, his love for Carolyn, their family, and his devotion to the community and country. 

 In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to Dale's favorite charities: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Aid (philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/in-memoriam) or Boy Scouts of America, Attn: Scout Troop 818 in Walnut Creek, CA. 

As Dale would often encourage, "Sow a seed of kindness, flowers, fruits, and vegetables." 

A viewing will be held on October 25, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Oak Park Hills Mortuary, 3111 N Main St, Walnut Creek, CA 94597. There will only be a Friday evening viewing.

 The interment will take place on October 26, 2024, from 10 am to 10:30 am at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1965 Reliez Valley Road, Lafayette, CA 94549. 

Funeral Service for Morgan Dale Christensen will take place on Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 100 Northgate Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598