William Harold Christianson

Obituary for Dr. William Christianson
Everyone who knew Chris whether as Bill, Chris, Doc, Dad, Grandpa or Great Grandpa appreciated his great sense of humor and his stories. We will all miss him immensely.
Dr. William “Doc” or “Chris” Christianson died at the age of 88 in Coupeville Washington on December 5th, 2013 following a lengthy battle with cancer.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Patricia in Coupeville Washington, their daughter Kim Christianson of Cathlamet, Son Vic in Bellingham, and Ron and his wife Vicky of Shoreline. Grandchildren Kristin Iacono and her husband Mike of Everett, and Andrew and Nicholas Christianson of Shoreline Washington. Great Grandchildren Isabella and Athena Iacono of Everett WA.
Chris was preceded in death by his granddaughter Elisa Kaye, his sister Phyllis Parsons and her husband Don Parsons.
Chris was born September 13th, 1925 in Seaview, Washington to Victor and Orpha Christianson.
He grew up in Longview Washington with his sister Phyllis and graduated from RA Long High School in 1943. He was an accomplished musician at an early age as both a pianist and trombone player. A favorite memory was playing as teenager with a band that christened the Kalakala Ferry. He learned to snow ski on Mt. St. Helens.
Chris served in the Army Air Force after high school during World War II and was part of his unit’s band.
He graduated from University of Washington with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery and began his dental practice in Mountlake Terrace soon thereafter. He also attended college at Lower Columbia and Montana State.
He established his first dental practice in Mountlake Terrace. He met the love his life, Patricia Ward, through one of his first patients, “Van” VanNortwick at a musical. They were soon married on August 28th, 1954 in Longview.
They moved and set up his practice in Cathlamet in 1955, Washington where they raised their 3 children, Kim, Vic and Ron. “Doc” was the town dentist for over 35 years.
He was very committed to the community in variety of ways. Chris served on board of the Washington State Dental Association and was a fixture on the school board for Wahkiakum County. He was a member of the Longview Elks and the Lions Club. He was also known locally for his part in the Cathlamet Little Theater and as the villain in the frequent Melodrama productions.
Chris was a great bridge player and enjoyed all types of card games. He was passionate about trout and salmon fishing as well as deer and elk hunting. He also enjoyed bowling and golf with friends and family. He loved dogs! If Washington coast razor clam digging were an Olympic sport he would have been a gold medalist. Chris and Pat were beautiful dance partners.
After retiring Chris and Pat settled in Coupeville Washington and also spent some time wintering in Wellton, Arizona where they met new friends.
We will all miss his great sense of humor. He was legendary for the telling of his Ole and Sven jokes. He always answered “how are you doing?” with “Better than most”.
He was dedicated to his family and was a wonderful husband. He collected stories and retold them with enthusiasm.
Our family’s thanks to the wonderful staff at Careage of Whidbey for their compassionate care over the past 6 plus months.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Elisa Kay Scholarship for the Coupeville Art Center. (360-678-3396)