Kelly Baldwin Christensen

Kelly Baldwin Christensen, age 55, of Grants Pass, died Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at his home.

Kelly was born February 22, 1956 in Afton, Wyoming to LeRoy & Ruby Christensen. He grew up in Afton and in 1974 graduated from Star Valley High School. He then served a church mission to Montreal, Quebec, Canada. On June 25, 1976 in Salt Lake City, Utah Kelly married his wife, Anita Frehner. In 1979 he graduated from Utah State University in Logan, Utah with a Music Education degree and for three years taught music in Blackfoot, Idaho before serving in the United States Air Force. From 1982 to 1985 he taught music and theatre at Dixie High School in St. George, Utah and from 1982 to 1990 together with his wife owned and operated a wedding catering business in St. George, Utah. During that time they also operated a bed & breakfast in Zion National Park from 1986 to 2001 and returned to college receiving his English degree from Southern Utah University in 1989. He then returned to teaching at a youth correctional facility in Caliente, Nevada until 1995. Together with his wife he purchased a combination restaurant/gift shop and live theatre at Zion National Park which they owned and operated until 1998 when they moved to Grants Pass, Oregon. In Grants Pass he taught English, drama, and student government and was vice-principal at Hidden Valley High School. In 2005 he graduated with a Masters of Education from Portland State University and in 2008 became principal at Fruitdale Elementary School until December 2010.

Kelly was active in community theatre since the 1970s.

Kelly was an entertainer and enjoyed singing, playing the piano and organ, and acting. He also enjoyed cooking, reading, traveling, skiing, and boating. He was fluent in the French language.

He is survived by his wife, Anita Christensen of Grants Pass, Oregon; a daughter, BreeAnn (Josh) Standley; four sons, Joshua B. (Casey) Christensen, Ryan L. Christensen, Shad J. Christensen, and Caleb J. (Tahnee) Christensen all of Grants Pass; three grandchildren, Thea Christensen, Brandt Christensen, and Carson Standley all of Grants Pass; a sister, Mary Jayne VanLangeveld of California; and two brothers, Roger Christensen of Nevada and Jess Christensen of Utah.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Kathleen Christensen.

A memorial service will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 10, 2011 at Fruitdale Elementary School in Grants Pass.