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Harold D. Christensen, Jr., born in New Haven April 1, 1930, passed after a brief illness at his home on Jan. 4. He was surrounded by family and friends. Cris lived in many towns along the shoreline, settling in Deep River. He was a man of many names—Cris, Sonny, Dad, Pop, Grampa, Uncle—but know by all as “The Cowboy.” He was the son of the late Harold D. Christensen, Sr., and Louise Mott Christensen of North Haven and brother to the late Ronald Mott Christensen. At age 18, he joined the United States Air Force working on the atomic bomb project, and often shared stories of how he walked the beaches of New Haven Harbor at age 14 during World War II, defending the shores with a bully club. He had many fascinating stories to share.

Being stationed in New Mexico for a time, he found his love of horses and rodeo, returning to Connecticut with cowboy hat in hand. He then worked for the New Haven Railroad/Metro North for many years as an engineer. After retiring, he enjoyed many games of sport: softball, racquetball, cornhole, and of course his beloved horseshoes. On any given day, if you drove through Deep River Village, you would see him there throwing shoes. Cris was completive and enjoyed teaching anyone who was interested to play. He was a champion horseshoe player, playing from an early age at backyard picnics with uncles and cousins. He loved the game, and his horseshoe family.

Cris leaves his wife and friend of 64 years Betty Christensen of North Guilford; his three children, H. David Christensen (Donna) of Northford, E. Lori Gregan of Deep River, and P. Cody Christensen of North Guilford (Betsy); and his eight grandchildren, C.J., Madeline, Tyler, Ned, Oliver, Augustus, Lyza, and Elizabeth. He also leaves his eight great-grandchildren; his sister, Linda Holmes Christensen of Fort Pierce, Florida; and an amazing amount of friends and extended family that all enjoyed his company, his snarky personality, and his amazing twinkling blue eyes!

He will be remembered with a clang of a ringer, a coffee with a friend, and grabbing the tab when out for meal, something he greatly loved to do.

The family would like to thank the Connecticut River Valley Visiting Nurses Association and in Home Hospice Service along with all of his nurses and aides whom he kept laughing to the end.

A memorial service will be held at high noon on Saturday, Jan. 16, at the Deep River Congregational Church outside at the horseshoe pits. Full military honors will also be rendered. A mask must be worn and all COVID-19 guidelines must be followed. A private sendoff service at the Deep River Landing will be held with his committal taking place at the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown. Cris loved the River Valley area and if you wish to make a memorial contribution in his name to something or an organization, please consider something local.

To share a memory of Cris or send a condolence to his family, please visit www.rwwfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook.