Orland W. Christensen, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away Oct. 3, 2002, in Olympia at the age of 89.

He was born Aug. 31, 1913, in Kearney County, Neb., to Willie and Frederica Christensen.

He moved with his family to Stanwood at the age of 8 and graduated from Lincoln High School in Stanwood in 1933. He married Ovella, his sweetheart, on Oct. 1, 1939. The Great Depression kept him from going to college, but he was an intelligent man who gathered knowledge and skills throughout his lifetime. He was an extraordinary carpenter, and built his first house at the age of 14.

After retiring to Whidbey Island, he built his last two houses on Joanne Drive in Freeland, where he lived for 20 years. In between he built many things, including cabinets, boats and large commercial buildings. He was a 47-year member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America.

Mr. Christensen is survived by his wife, Ovella; two daughters, Carla (Schuyler) Mitchell of Olympia and Alice (John) Iversen of Graham; five grandchildren, Carrie, Cristina, Jennifer, Cathy and Mark; two great-grandchildren, Darren and Ricky; three brothers, Layton (Lucille) of Eugene, Ore., Vern of Poulsbo and Maynard (Thelma) of Ocean Shores; a sister, Velma of Poulsbo; a sister-in-law, Irene of Clinton; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother Kenneth and sisters Mildred and Charlet.

He will be deeply missed, but will occupy a special place in the hearts of his family members.

His ashes will be interred at Olympic Memorial Gardens in Tumwater.