Lawrence "Larry" Julius Christensen

Lawrence “Larry” Julius Christensen, a longtime resident of Colville, Wash., passed away on Oct. 14, 2025, in Colville, Wash., at the age of 81. Larry was born on Jan. 28, 1944 in Seattle, Wash., the son of Lawrence and Margaret (Martin) Christensen.

He began school in Kettle Falls, Wash., and in 1961 graduated from Colville High School.  On July 12, 1961, Larry married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Clark, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. They returned to the Colville area where Larry worked locally at the Shell Station and later for Colmac Coil. He then began a career in timber production. Larry started his career at the Avey Brothers Mill in Kettle Falls and although this mill changed hands several times through the years, Larry remained at the same location until his retirement. When he retired, the lumber mill was owned by Boise Cascade Lumber and Larry had earned the title of master lumberman. He then applied his decades of wisdom into the formation of his own lumber grading and inspection business. Larry took down his business shingle after five years and began enjoying retirement.

Larry and Barb loved to share time with their family at their South Twin lake cabin near Inchelium, Wash. They enjoyed soaking up the summertime sunshine, starting with the sunrise and ending with the sunset reflections upon the water. They shared time lakeside, and on the water, creating timeless memories with generations of family and friends. They also loaded their horse trailers and drove to trailheads and horse camps throughout the Pacific Northwest. Their love for the outdoors was shared in early morning fishing trips, years of hunting camps and camp gatherings, horseback trails, boating and floating adventures and continues to spread throughout the new generations of their family. He and Barb also traveled extensively in retirement to destinations including; Hawaii, England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Larry was involved in the community as a coach for Little League, Elks member and golfer, scorer for wrestling matches and a longtime member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Colville.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Joyce Newell, and grandson, Travis Lein.

Larry is survived by his wife:  Barb Christensen of Colville, Wash.; daughter, Marjorie Lien of Colville, Wash.; son, Larry Christensen (Dana) of Colville, Wash.; grandchildren, Sheena Lien, Dustin Christensen (Chantel), Zack Christensen (Kim); seven great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren; sister, Joan Dunlop (Ron) of Spokane, Wash., numerous nieces, nephews and a host of extended family.

A family gathering was held. Memorial contributions may be given to the charity of one’s choice.  Please visit the on-line memorial and sign the guestbook at danekasfuneralchapel.com.  Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.