Thor K Christensen

Thor Kenneth Christensen of Santa Fe, NM was called home by our Lord on Saturday, August 25th, 2018.

He was born to Theodore and Mary Christensen in Flushing, New York on April 18, 1944 where he grew up and graduated from Bayside High School. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Canaan College in Canaan, NH and attended graduate school at New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM where he met the love of his life, Shirley (Lopez) Christensen, at a dance. They were married on August 30, 1969, established residence in Santa Fe, NM and began their family that included two children. He served as a passionate and dedicated mathematics educator for nearly 50 years at Santa Fe High School, St. Michael’s High School, Pojoaque Valley High School and Santa Fe Community College. He also honorably served the Santa Fe community as a volunteer firefighter from 1983 to 1987.

Thor was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather (“Papa”) and put his family first for his entire life. He also loved music, including starting a band titled “Thor and the Four Lords” that performed in the subways of New York City, and sports, particularly the University of New Mexico Lobos, the Dallas Cowboys, the New York Yankees and, more recently, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Though born and raised in New York, Thor fell in love with New Mexico and considered himself a true New Mexican. He taught himself the art of wood carving with the inspiration of his father-in-law and became a devoted green-chile eater! His teaching career provided him with a unique stage to serve as an inspiration and mentor to countless individuals. The success of his students was his top priority and it brought him great pride and satisfaction. Known as “Mr. C.” to his students, he lived by the mantra “Do the things you need to do, to do the things you want,” had the respect of his students, and ingrained positivity in all of his activities.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law, Jose G. Lopez of Truchas, NM. He is survived by his wife, Shirley; children Kenneth Christensen (Amanda) of Mishawaka, IN and MaryAnn Robertson (Chad) of Albuquerque, NM; grandchildren Kenny, Allison, Jada, Aiden, Diego and Blake; sister Linda Larson of San Jose, CA; and mother-in-law Mary Lopez of Truchas, NM. He is also survived by sister-in-law Delma Maestas of Truchas, NM as well as brother-in-law Gene Lopez (Emily) of Los Alamos, NM and numerous nieces and nephews.

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