Obituary of Charles Roy Christensen

Charles Roy Christensen, 70, of New Vernon, died on April 15,2016 after a long illness. Family members were at his side. Born in Washington, Pennsylvania, he was the first son of Lawrence Christensen and Grace Crutchfield Christensen. Roy graduated from Canon-McMillan High School in Canonsburg, PA inl963 and earned bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering from Cornell University in 1967 and 1968, respectively. In 1984, he received his MBA from New York University. As an employee of Caltex Petroleum Corporation, he spent 10 years living and working abroad in Bahrain, Japan, the Philippines, and South Africa. After returning to the US, he settled in New Vernon, continuing his career with Texaco, Inc., where he held executive positions in international business. Roy was a deeply compassionate man who genuinely enjoyed serving others. A long-time member of The First Presbyterian Church of New Vernon and later of Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church, he served as an Elder, Clerk of Session, and Stephen Minister. Several mission trips to Malawi enabled him to use his handiness and empathy to contribute to the betterment of living conditions for orphaned children. Supporting Boy Scout Troop 43 and sitting on the New Vernon Planning Board were other areas of service that he cherished. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, nothing made Roy happier than spending time with his family. He was an accomplished oarsman in college and maintained a lifelong love of rowing and the Cornell crews. Among his other interests were birdwatching, gardening, travel, and delighting in the great outdoors. Roy's excellent sense of humor came through regardless of circumstance, and his ability to see the glass as "half full" rather than "half empty" characterized his perspective on life. Survivors include his beloved wife of 44 years, Cheryl (Zack) Christensen; three sons, Eric and his wife Corinne, Kenneth and his wife Susan, Scott and his wife Jennifer; one daughter, Anne-Marie; nine grandchildren; four siblings; and many extended family members and friends. A memorial service will be held at 10 :00 AM on Saturday, May 7,2016 at Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to LCPC (P.O. Box 55, Liberty Corner, NJ 07938) ; online at www.libertycorner.org or Smile Train online at www.smiletrain.org. If you would like to leave a condolence message for the family please visit Gallaway and Crane Funeral Homes website at www.gcfuneralhome.com