Wilbur James Christiani

Wilbur James Christiani, age 93, of Grants Pass, died Friday, March 30, 2012 at Highland House Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

Private services and interment were held at Eagle Point National Cemetery. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

Remembrances may be made to the Wilbur Christiani Endowment Fund, c/o Grants Pass Family YMCA, PO Box 5439, Grants Pass, Oregon 97527.

Wilbur was born September 1, 1918 in Prineville, Oregon to Charles Otto & Sarah-Belle (Rannells) Christiani. In 1924 he moved with his family to Grants Pass. On April 25, 1943 in Grants Pass he married Geraldine Heriford and in 2003 they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. From 1943 until 1946 he served in the United States Army. He worked at the former Southern Oregon Plywood and the City of Grants Pass, retiring in 1970. After his retirement, he and his wife enjoyed traveling and camping in their motor home. In 1993, he began a new career with the Grants Pass Family YMCA working in the maintenance department and as a greeter. He also represented the Grants Pass Family YMCA as Goodwill Ambassador until his second retirement in November 2010.

Wilbur was a longtime member of Parkway Christian Center, the YMCA, and the DAV. He volunteered with the Grants Pass Fire Department.

His hobbies included playing the guitar and harmonica, gardening, and tinkering in his workshop. He could “fix anything.”

Survivors include a son, Allen Christiani of Temple, Texas; three daughters, Gayle Wilson of Silverton, Oregon, and Lorie Dotts and Vickie VanArsdall both of Grants Pass, Oregon; nine grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine Christiani in December 2003.