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David Juel Christensen
08/31/1988 — 03/28/2003
From West, Richland, WA, US | Born in Richland, WA
David Juel Christensen
David Juel Christensen, age 14, passed away Friday March 28th in his West Richland home.
David was born August 31, 1988 in Richland. He was an 8th grade student at Hanford Middle School.
David is survived by his devoted parents, Lorelee and Kirk Christensen, Grand parents Donald and Norma Nelson, Grandmother Evelyn Christensen. Many Aunts and Uncles; Michelle and Jeff Nelson with cousin Juliana Rose, Connie and Jack Christensen with cousins Alec and Eric, Misti and Kevin Noffsinger, Bert and Mercedes Christensen with cousin Maacah, and Trudy Christensen, his beloved pets, Emma, Rocky, Bella and ''The Newt'' As well as many loving Great Aunts and Uncles. His grandfather, Leonard W. Christensen, preceded him in death.
We were very proud of the patience and kindness David showed to everyone he met. We were always lifted up by his humor and his radiant smile. David was involved with the Boy Scouts Troops 252 and 228. David was a member of the Tri-City Steel Band Association and played with the OK 2 Botay band. He had been a member of the Kid Calypso band while attending Tapteal Elementary. He participated in the Destination Imagination teams in 2000/2002/2003 and numerous hockey, baseball, and basketball teams throughout his life. David will be greatly missed by his many friends, teachers and teammates.
David loved skateboarding, playing guitar and especially bass guitar. For many years he has loved playing and teaching the steel drums and the many outdoor activities that are a part of family camping and Scouts. Mostly he loved being with friends and family playing and laughing.
We love you and miss you so much David. Remember - Skateboards are free in heaven!
Please come and help us celebrate his amazing life on Friday April 4th at the CUP Church on Stevens in Richland at 3 pm.
Memorials can be made to the charity of your choice or to the David J. Christensen fund at Gesa Federal Credit Union for the family to choose and plan a remembrance in David's name.
Heaven is a halfpipe. If I die before I wake At least in Heaven I can skate...
''Hey be nice to each other. ..Skate on, rock on!''
Lorelee & Kirk, my thoughts and prayers are with you always. Here is a poem I thought may comfort you!
When tomorrow starts without me,
And I’m not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn’t cry
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
We didn’t get to say.
I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you’ll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I’d have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye,
For all my life, I’d always thought,
I didn’t want to die.
I had so much to live for,
So much yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays,
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
And all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for awhile,
I’d say good-bye and kiss you
And maybe see you smile.
So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don’t think we’re far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I’m right here, in your heart.
He was always really fun to be around. When you were down he brought you up. He didn’t care what others thought about him. He was very unique. You could see his smile a mile away. His presence lit up the room. We will miss you forever!!!!!
We will always miss you here at HMS!!!!! You will stay in our hearts forever!!!!!
Kirk & Lori,
I won’t be able to come to the funeral, but wanted you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you. I didn’t know David, but I know he was special in your lives. God be with you.
Terry O.
Lori & Kirk,
My heart and prayers are with you. Steve “Bear” Davis always wanted a buddy to hang with. I’m sure David is at his side right now. The bear will take good care of David until you both see him again.
Dear Christensens,
I am sorry to here about David. I did not know him very well but I will not forget his loving smile and the friendship that he gave my son, Nathen, and my nephew Jon. Whenever Jon would come over to skateboard with Nathen, Nathen would come in a say, “Is it ok if David can come over to skateboard?” Of course I would tell him yes, and before I knew it, all 3 of them were out in the driveway making a ramp with scrape wood we had out back. Jon and Nathen will miss him very much! And I too will miss that special gift of love that he brought over with him.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at your time of lost. And always remember that he is in good hands and God will comfort him until you see him again.
Love and Prayers,
Kandi
David was a joy to have around, he will be sorely missed by Bobby and his family, Mark and Michele and Tony Braccia.
Lorelee and Kirk,
I didn’t know David but everyone I’ve talked to said he had the greatest smile. You’re in my thoughts.
Lori Joyce
Dear Christensens,
We wanted to write and tell you that we will miss David alot. We remember the duct tape and the dancing hamster and the beach trip with Okay to Botay. We also want you to know that we hope you feel better knowing David will be remembered.
Mrs. Schumacher and the 4th Graders at Tapteal
Mr. and Mrs. Christensen:
I hope you’re holding up well. I know that David
was an only child and that you loved him very much.
Please know that he touched so many lives, and he
was always happy and kind to everyone. David will
live on, because we at Hanford Middle School will
never forget David.
Are thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time of sorrow.
David will be greatly missed by me and my friends.
He was such a good person, and we love him a lot!!
R.I.P David C.
To all of David’s friends, teachers, teammates, bandmates, schoolmates and neighbors, I am sorry for your loss and your sadness.
To Lorelee and Kirk, and to David’s family, you might be getting sick of people saying, “I’m sorry”. Just try to remember, that in our own shock, heartbreak, sadness and loss, we just can not understand completely what you must be going through, and “I’m sorry” seems to be the only thing we can say. We know that those two words, although well meaning, can’t possibly compensate you.
So, I say “Thank You For David”. Thank you for raising such a neat kid. He touched the lives of so many people, and his sudden, unlikely and unfair death hurt us too.
The day I heard the horrible news, I too was in shock. That night, as I told my children good night, I hugged them extra tight, and said a prayer. I asked God to wrap His arms around you, as I was with my children, giving you the warmth and security my children felt. I prayed to David too, and told him congratulations on a fine life, and welcome to Heaven. I told him that although he is probebly more at peace and happier than I could imagine, to try and understand our sadness, and his parents anguish. They are not upset over where you are, they are sad right now over where you are not. Be with them in spirit. Enjoy the family reunion, as the family comes together now. Help your parents to feel much joy and pride in the life you shared with them, and to not be overwhelmed by anger and sadness.
Lorelee and Kirk, I couldn’t possibly know what you’re going through, most of us can’t, but I do know that we care about you, and wish you the best, and we will miss David too.
Amy Carrigan
I wish there was some way to take away your grief, but I know there is none. David will live on always, in our memories. He had such an easy smile. The last time I saw him in the church basement with his scout troop he smiled and waved. He was such a cute and kind kid. He will be with us always. We love you guys.
Lorelee & Kirk,
My memories of David were from kindergarten through 5th grade at Tapteal. He was a fellow frog lover in elementary school. One time David brought his fire toad to school and he and Lorelee brought it over to my desk to show me. Some time later, the fire toad disappeared; it was later found in the bookcase – a dried-up fire toad!
I’m praying for the two of you everyday – that our Lord will give you strength for the day and give you His peace.
“I’ll lend you for a little time
A child of Mine,” He said,
“For you to love the while he lives
and mourn for when he’s dead.”
“It may be six or seven years,
Or twenty-two or three:
But will you, ’til I call him back,
Take care of him for Me?”
“He’ll bring his charms to gladden you
And shall his stay be brief,
You’ll have his lovely memories
As solace for your grief.”
“I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return;
But there are lessons taught down there
I want this child to learn.”
“I’ve looked the wide world over
In my search for teachers true,
And from the throngs that crowd life’s lanes
I have selected you.”
“Now will you give him all your love,
Not think the labor vain;
Nor hate Me when I come to call
And take him back again.”
I fancied that I heard them say,
“Dear Lord, Thy Will be done!”
For all the joy Thy child shall bring,
The risk of grief we’ll run.
“We’ll shelter him with tenderness,
We’ll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we’ve known
Forever grateful stay.”
“But shall the Angels call for him,
Much sooner than we’ve planned,
We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes
And try to understand.”
Anonymous
Love,
Cheryl Thiederman
To our dear friends Kirk & Lorelee there are no words to express the sadness we feel at this moment. David was your life, and you his. Take some comfort in that your sweet boy was met at the Rainbow Bridge by many: Ruger Dooger, Kodie, Crystal, and the many other pets he loved in his life. David will forever play in Fields of Gold. Lorelee, remember the words of Kahlil Gibran from The Prophet On Joy & Sorrow: When you are joyous look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy. When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. Some of you say, Joy is greater than sorrow, and others say, Nay, sorrow is the greater. But I say unto you, they are inseparable.
mb
GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU AS ONE OF HIS MOST PRECIOUS ANGELS, DAVID. KEEP YOUR MOM AND DAD SAFE AND CLOSE TO YOUR HEART AS THEY DO YOU. LORILEE AND KIRK, OUR PRAYERS ARE ALWAYS FORTHCOMING TO YOU. ALWAYS REMEMBER, GOD IS STRENGTH AND LOVE. HE WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR YOU, NO MATTER WHAT YOU FEEL. BLESS YOU ALWAYS, THE DE PEEL’S P.S. DAVID, DON’T SKATEBOARD ON CLOUDS….THEY’RE NOT TOO STURDY!!!
Lorelee and Kirk,
Words cannot adequately express the depth of your loss. As a kindergarten kid, David was an awesome student and had such depth of thought about so many subjects that interested him. He had an uncanny ability to feel deeply about others and was such a good friend and role model to the other kids. I will always see his ready smile whenever I think of him because he was such a happy kid. He had such an impact on so many people in his short life. You are both great parents as demonstrated by the fact that you raised a phenomenal boy. He will be missed by many but will live on in the hearts and memories of all of us. Much love and prayers to both of you.
Sincerely, Linda
Dear Kirk and Lorelee,
I am praying for you and your entire family. I lost my daughter Paige in 1998 and my heart breaks when I see that another parent has lost their child too. I wish no parent ever had to feel this anguish…I just want you to know that I am praying for you.
Amy Smith
Kirk and Lorelee,
Not a day has gone by that we haven’t thought of David. He will always be in our hearts and we feel blessed that we have so many wonderful memories of him.
We love both of you and can’t begin to know how to best comfort and support you. Please know we are here for you and thinking about you all of the time.
Love and hugs!
Dearest Kirk & Lorelee,
I have thought about the many things I wanted to say for a long time now and that is why it has taken me so long to write in the guest book, but somehow I cannot find the right words, no words would ever be right. So with that said, I will try to tell you that I feel blessed having been touched by David in my life. From the time he was a tiny baby, watching him grow up was a joy. He was without a doubt one of the cutest kids ever. It is no wonder he did so well in the “Little Mr. Tri-Cities” Pagent. He will always be “Little David” to me.
As he grew up it was a joy to see him playing in the neighborhood. He was such a nice boy, so polite. He obviously had the best parents who did a fantastic job of raising him. Then one day, he came to my door to bring something over and I almost couldn’t believe it was him. It was like he grew up over night into a fine young man and yes, still the sweet polite guy he always was. I want to say Thank You for sharing him with us. He touched the lives of everyone he was around.
He will continue to touch our lives from the other side and he will still be alive in all of us. The joy of his memories will live on forever.
You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers always.
Carleen Golden & Family
When David died it was so hard to understand why something like this could happen. This is a poem that many people have already seen that I wrote the day after he left us. It is sort of a story that tells what I believe may have happened in the moments prior to God calling David home on March 28th,2003. Lorelee has asked that I share it on this website so here it is… with love to you, Lorelee, and Kirk.
Upstairs Waiting
By Rachael Blake
Some people live for decades
And never understand
You can’t waist time complainting
When things don’t seem so grand.
God sent David special
To teach us how to love,
To give, to dream,and hope to share
His strength from up above.
He modeled how to smile,
How to make a friend,
And keep that friend forever
Until the very end.
When others felt tired or grumpy,
When life seemed so unfair,
David laughed and pointed out,
That really they shouldn’t care.
In his heart he had a hunch
That life was way too short
For people not to laugh and sing,
And be a super sport.
He rode hes skateboard, told silly jokes,
Cranked out tunes on his new bass,
He played Steel drums, joined DI,
And plastered penguins on his case.
When David walked upstairs that night,
I should have come as no surprise,
That Jesus was there waiting
With a twinkle in his eyes.
“You’ve served your purpose well young man.
I’ve watched you from ab
When David died it was so hard to understand why something like this could happen. This is a poem that many people have already seen that I wrote the day after he left us. It is sort of a story that tells what I believe may have happened in the moments prior to God calling David home on March 28th,2003. Lorelee has asked that I share it on this website so here it is… with love to you, Lorelee, and Kirk.
Upstairs Waiting
By Rachael Blake
Some people live for decades
And never understand
You cant waste time complaining
When things dont seem so grand.
God sent David special
To teach us how to love,
To give, to dream, and hope, to share
His strength from up above.
He modeled how to smile.
How to make a friend.
And keep that friend forever
Until the very end.
When others felt tired or grumpy
When life seemed so unfair,
David laughed and pointed out
That really they shouldnt care.
In his heart he had a hunch
That life was way too short
For people not to laugh and sing
And be a super sport.
He rode his skateboard, told silly jokes,
Cranked out tunes on his new bass
He played steel drums, joined DI,
And plastered penguins on his case.
When David walked upstairs that night,
It should have come as no surprise,
That Jesus was there waiting
With a twinkle in his eyes.
You served your purpose well young man.
Ive watched you from above.
Not even one day ever passed
That you didnt spread my love.
Youve earned something very special,
Its an extraordinary treat,
Im here to take you with me
Your time here is complete.
Your leaving wont be easy
For those youve left behind
Theyll lose some sleep and shed some tears
But your memories theyll find.
Your parents will grow stronger
Your friends will finally see
Through their tears they all will learn
With them youll always be.
Its only certain children
I take home not fully-grown
Youll never have to suffer, grieve,
Or live life on your own.
So,
When our hearts are heavy
And we think we might lose hope
Know Davids up in Heaven watching
And hell gladly help us cope.
David was my neighbor and I really miss him.
Dear Kirk and Lorelee, It is amazing how a broken heart can keep on beating in one’s chest. But with bruised and broken hearts and souls you two have smiled through tears and embraced others. Your elegance in the face of total blackness has been profound. You are the proud parents of a wonderful boy named David. Love, Ruth Richman
Coming up on what would have been 20 years old for the Smave. We miss you bunches David. Do skateboard wheels wear out in Heaven? Love your Uncle
we will miss you from everybody your friends and most your family but you will always be in our hearts and memories p.s heavin is a special plac to be see you in heavin
Kirk and Lorelee,
David was such a wonderful person. He was so BIG of heart. I have many memories of him in our classroom. He was always so ready to learn. I can see him sitting there with one leg tucked up underneath him, chewing on the end of his pencil ready for anything. David was always so quick with a smile and so careful of others feelings. I am a richer, better person for having known David. He will be so missed! Tim and I have your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Hi, I’m goings to miss you man, To bad we only new each other for two years. I will always remember you! The DI team will always remember you forever!
Branodon Walter Winston Carro
Kirk & Lorelee
We will never understand why God needs children in heaven.
My heart hurts for you our dear dear friends. Be strong for eachother.
We love you dearly Chip & Dee
Lorelee & Kirk, my thoughts and prayers are with you always. Here is a poem I thought may comfort you!
When tomorrow starts without me,
And I’m not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn’t cry
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
We didn’t get to say.
I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you’ll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I’d have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye,
For all my life, I’d always thought,
I didn’t want to die.
I had so much to live for,
So much yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays,
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
And all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for awhile,
I’d say good-bye and kiss you
And maybe see you smile.
So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don’t think we’re far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I’m right here, in your heart.
He was always really fun to be around. When you were down he brought you up. He didn’t care what others thought about him. He was very unique. You could see his smile a mile away. His presence lit up the room. We will miss you forever!!!!!
We will always miss you here at HMS!!!!! You will stay in our hearts forever!!!!!
Kirk & Lori,
I won’t be able to come to the funeral, but wanted you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you. I didn’t know David, but I know he was special in your lives. God be with you.
Terry O.
Lori & Kirk,
My heart and prayers are with you. Steve “Bear” Davis always wanted a buddy to hang with. I’m sure David is at his side right now. The bear will take good care of David until you both see him again.
Dear Christensens,
I am sorry to here about David. I did not know him very well but I will not forget his loving smile and the friendship that he gave my son, Nathen, and my nephew Jon. Whenever Jon would come over to skateboard with Nathen, Nathen would come in a say, “Is it ok if David can come over to skateboard?” Of course I would tell him yes, and before I knew it, all 3 of them were out in the driveway making a ramp with scrape wood we had out back. Jon and Nathen will miss him very much! And I too will miss that special gift of love that he brought over with him.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at your time of lost. And always remember that he is in good hands and God will comfort him until you see him again.
Love and Prayers,
Kandi
David was a joy to have around, he will be sorely missed by Bobby and his family, Mark and Michele and Tony Braccia.
Lorelee and Kirk,
I didn’t know David but everyone I’ve talked to said he had the greatest smile. You’re in my thoughts.
Lori Joyce
Dear Christensens,
We wanted to write and tell you that we will miss David alot. We remember the duct tape and the dancing hamster and the beach trip with Okay to Botay. We also want you to know that we hope you feel better knowing David will be remembered.
Mrs. Schumacher and the 4th Graders at Tapteal
Mr. and Mrs. Christensen:
I hope you’re holding up well. I know that David
was an only child and that you loved him very much.
Please know that he touched so many lives, and he
was always happy and kind to everyone. David will
live on, because we at Hanford Middle School will
never forget David.
Are thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time of sorrow.
David will be greatly missed by me and my friends.
He was such a good person, and we love him a lot!!
R.I.P David C.
To all of David’s friends, teachers, teammates, bandmates, schoolmates and neighbors, I am sorry for your loss and your sadness.
To Lorelee and Kirk, and to David’s family, you might be getting sick of people saying, “I’m sorry”. Just try to remember, that in our own shock, heartbreak, sadness and loss, we just can not understand completely what you must be going through, and “I’m sorry” seems to be the only thing we can say. We know that those two words, although well meaning, can’t possibly compensate you.
So, I say “Thank You For David”. Thank you for raising such a neat kid. He touched the lives of so many people, and his sudden, unlikely and unfair death hurt us too.
The day I heard the horrible news, I too was in shock. That night, as I told my children good night, I hugged them extra tight, and said a prayer. I asked God to wrap His arms around you, as I was with my children, giving you the warmth and security my children felt. I prayed to David too, and told him congratulations on a fine life, and welcome to Heaven. I told him that although he is probebly more at peace and happier than I could imagine, to try and understand our sadness, and his parents anguish. They are not upset over where you are, they are sad right now over where you are not. Be with them in spirit. Enjoy the family reunion, as the family comes together now. Help your parents to feel much joy and pride in the life you shared with them, and to not be overwhelmed by anger and sadness.
Lorelee and Kirk, I couldn’t possibly know what you’re going through, most of us can’t, but I do know that we care about you, and wish you the best, and we will miss David too.
Amy Carrigan
I wish there was some way to take away your grief, but I know there is none. David will live on always, in our memories. He had such an easy smile. The last time I saw him in the church basement with his scout troop he smiled and waved. He was such a cute and kind kid. He will be with us always. We love you guys.
Lorelee & Kirk,
My memories of David were from kindergarten through 5th grade at Tapteal. He was a fellow frog lover in elementary school. One time David brought his fire toad to school and he and Lorelee brought it over to my desk to show me. Some time later, the fire toad disappeared; it was later found in the bookcase – a dried-up fire toad!
I’m praying for the two of you everyday – that our Lord will give you strength for the day and give you His peace.
“I’ll lend you for a little time
A child of Mine,” He said,
“For you to love the while he lives
and mourn for when he’s dead.”
“It may be six or seven years,
Or twenty-two or three:
But will you, ’til I call him back,
Take care of him for Me?”
“He’ll bring his charms to gladden you
And shall his stay be brief,
You’ll have his lovely memories
As solace for your grief.”
“I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return;
But there are lessons taught down there
I want this child to learn.”
“I’ve looked the wide world over
In my search for teachers true,
And from the throngs that crowd life’s lanes
I have selected you.”
“Now will you give him all your love,
Not think the labor vain;
Nor hate Me when I come to call
And take him back again.”
I fancied that I heard them say,
“Dear Lord, Thy Will be done!”
For all the joy Thy child shall bring,
The risk of grief we’ll run.
“We’ll shelter him with tenderness,
We’ll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we’ve known
Forever grateful stay.”
“But shall the Angels call for him,
Much sooner than we’ve planned,
We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes
And try to understand.”
Anonymous
Love,
Cheryl Thiederman
To our dear friends Kirk & Lorelee there are no words to express the sadness we feel at this moment. David was your life, and you his. Take some comfort in that your sweet boy was met at the Rainbow Bridge by many: Ruger Dooger, Kodie, Crystal, and the many other pets he loved in his life. David will forever play in Fields of Gold. Lorelee, remember the words of Kahlil Gibran from The Prophet On Joy & Sorrow: When you are joyous look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy. When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. Some of you say, Joy is greater than sorrow, and others say, Nay, sorrow is the greater. But I say unto you, they are inseparable.
mb
GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU AS ONE OF HIS MOST PRECIOUS ANGELS, DAVID. KEEP YOUR MOM AND DAD SAFE AND CLOSE TO YOUR HEART AS THEY DO YOU. LORILEE AND KIRK, OUR PRAYERS ARE ALWAYS FORTHCOMING TO YOU. ALWAYS REMEMBER, GOD IS STRENGTH AND LOVE. HE WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR YOU, NO MATTER WHAT YOU FEEL. BLESS YOU ALWAYS, THE DE PEEL’S P.S. DAVID, DON’T SKATEBOARD ON CLOUDS….THEY’RE NOT TOO STURDY!!!
Lorelee and Kirk,
Words cannot adequately express the depth of your loss. As a kindergarten kid, David was an awesome student and had such depth of thought about so many subjects that interested him. He had an uncanny ability to feel deeply about others and was such a good friend and role model to the other kids. I will always see his ready smile whenever I think of him because he was such a happy kid. He had such an impact on so many people in his short life. You are both great parents as demonstrated by the fact that you raised a phenomenal boy. He will be missed by many but will live on in the hearts and memories of all of us. Much love and prayers to both of you.
Sincerely, Linda
Dear Kirk and Lorelee,
I am praying for you and your entire family. I lost my daughter Paige in 1998 and my heart breaks when I see that another parent has lost their child too. I wish no parent ever had to feel this anguish…I just want you to know that I am praying for you.
Amy Smith
Kirk and Lorelee,
Not a day has gone by that we haven’t thought of David. He will always be in our hearts and we feel blessed that we have so many wonderful memories of him.
We love both of you and can’t begin to know how to best comfort and support you. Please know we are here for you and thinking about you all of the time.
Love and hugs!
Dearest Kirk & Lorelee,
I have thought about the many things I wanted to say for a long time now and that is why it has taken me so long to write in the guest book, but somehow I cannot find the right words, no words would ever be right. So with that said, I will try to tell you that I feel blessed having been touched by David in my life. From the time he was a tiny baby, watching him grow up was a joy. He was without a doubt one of the cutest kids ever. It is no wonder he did so well in the “Little Mr. Tri-Cities” Pagent. He will always be “Little David” to me.
As he grew up it was a joy to see him playing in the neighborhood. He was such a nice boy, so polite. He obviously had the best parents who did a fantastic job of raising him. Then one day, he came to my door to bring something over and I almost couldn’t believe it was him. It was like he grew up over night into a fine young man and yes, still the sweet polite guy he always was. I want to say Thank You for sharing him with us. He touched the lives of everyone he was around.
He will continue to touch our lives from the other side and he will still be alive in all of us. The joy of his memories will live on forever.
You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers always.
Carleen Golden & Family
When David died it was so hard to understand why something like this could happen. This is a poem that many people have already seen that I wrote the day after he left us. It is sort of a story that tells what I believe may have happened in the moments prior to God calling David home on March 28th,2003. Lorelee has asked that I share it on this website so here it is… with love to you, Lorelee, and Kirk.
Upstairs Waiting
By Rachael Blake
Some people live for decades
And never understand
You can’t waist time complainting
When things don’t seem so grand.
God sent David special
To teach us how to love,
To give, to dream,and hope to share
His strength from up above.
He modeled how to smile,
How to make a friend,
And keep that friend forever
Until the very end.
When others felt tired or grumpy,
When life seemed so unfair,
David laughed and pointed out,
That really they shouldn’t care.
In his heart he had a hunch
That life was way too short
For people not to laugh and sing,
And be a super sport.
He rode hes skateboard, told silly jokes,
Cranked out tunes on his new bass,
He played Steel drums, joined DI,
And plastered penguins on his case.
When David walked upstairs that night,
I should have come as no surprise,
That Jesus was there waiting
With a twinkle in his eyes.
“You’ve served your purpose well young man.
I’ve watched you from ab
When David died it was so hard to understand why something like this could happen. This is a poem that many people have already seen that I wrote the day after he left us. It is sort of a story that tells what I believe may have happened in the moments prior to God calling David home on March 28th,2003. Lorelee has asked that I share it on this website so here it is… with love to you, Lorelee, and Kirk.
Upstairs Waiting
By Rachael Blake
Some people live for decades
And never understand
You cant waste time complaining
When things dont seem so grand.
God sent David special
To teach us how to love,
To give, to dream, and hope, to share
His strength from up above.
He modeled how to smile.
How to make a friend.
And keep that friend forever
Until the very end.
When others felt tired or grumpy
When life seemed so unfair,
David laughed and pointed out
That really they shouldnt care.
In his heart he had a hunch
That life was way too short
For people not to laugh and sing
And be a super sport.
He rode his skateboard, told silly jokes,
Cranked out tunes on his new bass
He played steel drums, joined DI,
And plastered penguins on his case.
When David walked upstairs that night,
It should have come as no surprise,
That Jesus was there waiting
With a twinkle in his eyes.
You served your purpose well young man.
Ive watched you from above.
Not even one day ever passed
That you didnt spread my love.
Youve earned something very special,
Its an extraordinary treat,
Im here to take you with me
Your time here is complete.
Your leaving wont be easy
For those youve left behind
Theyll lose some sleep and shed some tears
But your memories theyll find.
Your parents will grow stronger
Your friends will finally see
Through their tears they all will learn
With them youll always be.
Its only certain children
I take home not fully-grown
Youll never have to suffer, grieve,
Or live life on your own.
So,
When our hearts are heavy
And we think we might lose hope
Know Davids up in Heaven watching
And hell gladly help us cope.
David was my neighbor and I really miss him.
Dear Kirk and Lorelee, It is amazing how a broken heart can keep on beating in one’s chest. But with bruised and broken hearts and souls you two have smiled through tears and embraced others. Your elegance in the face of total blackness has been profound. You are the proud parents of a wonderful boy named David. Love, Ruth Richman
Coming up on what would have been 20 years old for the Smave. We miss you bunches David. Do skateboard wheels wear out in Heaven? Love your Uncle
we will miss you from everybody your friends and most your family but you will always be in our hearts and memories p.s heavin is a special plac to be see you in heavin
Kirk and Lorelee,
David was such a wonderful person. He was so BIG of heart. I have many memories of him in our classroom. He was always so ready to learn. I can see him sitting there with one leg tucked up underneath him, chewing on the end of his pencil ready for anything. David was always so quick with a smile and so careful of others feelings. I am a richer, better person for having known David. He will be so missed! Tim and I have your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Hi, I’m goings to miss you man, To bad we only new each other for two years. I will always remember you! The DI team will always remember you forever!
Branodon Walter Winston Carro
Kirk & Lorelee
We will never understand why God needs children in heaven.
My heart hurts for you our dear dear friends. Be strong for eachother.
We love you dearly Chip & Dee
David –
We love you angel boy. We want you in our arms, but we hold you in our hearts forever. We know heaven needed you.
Love Mommy and Dad
Dear Kirk and Loralee,
David was an exceptional young man who touched many lives. My heart aches for you and I will keep you in my prayers. There’s a new angel in heaven and we’re so glad we know him. He was lucky to have had you both as parents and you were blessed to have had him as a son.
Larelee and Kirk,
David was an excellent young man. I know you are proud of him, and you should be proud of yourselves also, because you raised him right.
I only knew David through the DI team, but I know others who knew him through Boy Scouting and sports, and they are universal in their praise of him.
David was cool kid, he skateboarded, he played bass, he played sports, he listened to Greenday, etc. If I was 14 years old, I would want to be his friend and hang out with him. I know that my son Brandon was proud to call David his friend.
Importantly, David was a good kid. I never heard him complain. I never heard him say a negative word. I never saw him in a bad mood. I never heard him criticize or disrespect anyone. Heaven is better place because he is there now.
Lorelee & Kirk,
David was a very special young man. He had such a kind heart and loving smile. We feel truely blessed to have known him. We will think of him often and miss him dearly. Are hearts ache for the two of you. David was very fortunate to have you for his parents. He knows you loved him with all your heart and soul. He is now in the arms of angels, and always in our hearts.
Dear Kirk and Lorelee, I was so deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your son. I cannot imagine how you must be feeling, and I so wish there were something I could say to bring you comfort. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I did not know David, but have been hearing so many wonderful things about him that I wish I could have met him. God’s peace be with you always.
Debbie
Lorelee and Kirk,
Just wanted you to know, you have been in my thoughts and prayers all week. I am so sorry. What a wonderful boy, he accomplished so much in his life, you must be very proud. Please take care of yourselves, I know he is with you and forever in your heart.
Kathy Wolfe-Rosano
Kirk and Lorelee,
We are grieving with you over David’s death and know that he is now with his heavenly Father no doubt teaching him a few things about skating!. We are thankful we had the opportunity to know David. Derek will always cherish their friendship. We pray that God will hold you close and comfort you.
Love,
Mark, Jennifer, and Derek
There are no words that can take away your pains but the two of you are on our minds and in our hearts. Working with Kirk for so many years, I thought of all the stories that you shared with me and David seemed more like a nephew. Love you guys
~David~,
you always brightened up everybody’s day and always had a smile on you face we will love and miss you very much R.I.P and skate on buddy.
DAVID
I miss u so much…… and wish u were here I will see u in heaven were we can roam with penguins
Guestbook for
David Juel Christensen