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Dr. Richard C. CHRISTENSEN

About

Chaminade Julienne High School Georgetown University Rutgers University

FUNERAL HOME

Quinn-Shalz Funeral Home & Cremation Centre

3600 Third Street South

Jacksonville Beach, Florida

Richard CHRISTENSEN Obituary

Name: Memorial Gathering for Dr. Richard C. CHRISTENSEN
Start: 2015-12-06T22:00:00.000Z
End: 2015-12-07T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Quinn-Shalz Funeral Home & Cremation Centre

News Death Notice

CHRISTENSEN, Dr. Richard C. Dr. Richard C. Christensen, who spent his life working to improve those of countless others, died on November 26, 2015, in Lusaka, Zambia, while on a home-building project for Habitat for Humanity International. He was 60 and a resident of Jacksonville Beach. Dick, who was Director of Behavioral Health Services at the Sulzbacher Center and a Professor in the Division of Community Psychiatry at the University of Florida's College of Medicine, was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver while on his morning run on Thanksgiving Day. It also was the 32nd anniversary of Dick's wedding to Kathy, his partner and best friend, the love of his life, who was with him in Zambia. Affectionately known by many as "Dr. C," he will be dearly missed by his family, friends and colleagues - and by the thousands of people whose lives he touched in the clinic and on the streets, in downtown Jacksonville and at the Beaches. Self-effacing and possessed of a wicked-funny sense of humor, Dick eschewed the limelight as he worked to provide shelter and medical care to the underserved, focusing on mentally ill homeless people. He received the University of Florida's highest teaching honor, the Hippocratic Award, and was named an Exemplary Teacher in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Dick was a 1973 graduate of Chaminade High School and earned his medical degree from Wright State University School of Medicine. He also held a Bachelor's degree in philosophy from Rutgers University and a Master's degree in philosophy from Georgetown University. Dick is survived by his wife, Kathy (nee Moeder) and son, Christopher( Cara Trujillo, fiancé); his mother Janet Christensen of Atlantic Beach; sisters Kathleen of New York and Mary Anne of Jacksonville Beach; brothers Kim (Christina) of Long Beach, Calif. , and Pete (Tracey) of Peachtree City, Ga.; and two dozen nieces and nephews. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, December 7, at St. Paul's Catholic Church with the Rev. William Kelly as Celebrant and the Rev. Ron Anton as Concelebrant. A gathering will be Sunday, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Quinn-Shalz. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Beaches Habitat for Humanity and Sulzbacher Center. Please visit our online Tribute at www.quinn-shalz.com. Arrangements by Quinn-Shalz Family Funeral Home, Jacksonville Beach, FL.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Dayton Daily News on Dec. 4, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard CHRISTENSEN

Sponsored by Quinn-Shalz Funeral Home & Cremation Centre.

13 Entries

Jeri Millard

November 29, 2019

The world was made better due to Dicks many gifts. May his family find peace this holiday season.

Luana Alger

May 9, 2016

I remember Dr. C well. I was not a patient of his, but my fiancé, Lance, was. Sadly Lance passed away quite suddenly in front of me on 4 Apr 2015 and I walked around all dazed for weeks afterward. It was a very traumatic experience for me and I remember Dr. C catching me at the Beaches Clinic. He stopped me as I was leaving and tried so desperately to get me to come in and talk to him. I just couldn't, but I told him that I would make an appointment at a later date when I felt ready... Then I heard of his passing in November and I am stunned. He seemed like a man truly concerned about his clients and I have no doubt he will be sorely missed.

Lisa Kersey

December 8, 2015

I was a client of Dr. C and made great strides toward better health due to his compassion and care. Thank you for sharing him with us. He will never be forgotten.

Edye McCown

December 7, 2015

My dear friend, Mary Ann. I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. Family is so dear to me and I am sure as well to you. Please know that you and your entire family have been in my thoughts and prayers.

On behalf of the entire FreshMinistries family.

John Strukamp

December 6, 2015

I attended school with Dick 8th-12th grade. We played basketball and worked at Pappy's Kitchen together. He and his family accepted the new kid at school and the neighborhood when others did not. He was a special friend, a fine man from a fine family. Though we lost contact I have special memories. My condolences to his family. He lives in love!

December 6, 2015

Dick was great a 8th-12th grade friend. He and his family accepted me as a new kid in school and the neighborhood. We played basketball and worked at Pappy's Kitchen together. Many special memories. Even though we lost contact I know a fine family lost a fine person. He lives in love! John Strukamp Dayton

Bonnie Solloway

December 5, 2015

Mary Anne, Kathy and Family:

There are simply no words, explanations or reasons that make any sense right now. Only remembering the tremendous gifts which Dick so easily and selflessly shared with our most vulnerable citizens. I hear over and over how devastating his loss will be to our community,....to the mentally ill and homeless. Not to mention to his family and friends.

We offer our deepest condolences ..... and will continue to send thoughts and prayers of strength and healing your way.

We are all honored to have known him.

Our love,
Bonnie and Michael

Mila Pascual

December 5, 2015

I had the pleasure of working with Dr. C for just a couple of years but he left such an imprint in my life. His dedication to serving the underprivileged, his self-effacing character, his kindness to the clients and his colleagues and more are the traits that I remember most about Dr. C. Jacksonville and North Florida will truly miss him.

December 5, 2015

Dick and Kathy were neighbors of ours many years ago, and he was truly as wonderful a person as has been said. Always positive, always generous and always smiling, he will be missed enormously! Our love to Kathy and Chris.
.- Kathleen Fox, Charles Griggs, Tia and Kenzie

Jeri Millard

December 4, 2015

Dick was a truly special human being and will be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with Kathy, Chris and his other family members. I will remember him fondly. God bless you all.

Rick and Joy Wood

December 4, 2015

Doctor Christensen's legacy will be cloaked in enormous sacrifice and commitment to his fellow man.

No finer example found among us - his shall be a history of love and service worldwide.

A giving man of invaluable talent and ability his vision, focus and inspiration to our community and those abroad will remain robust for decades.

It is with profound sadness that we offer our deepest condolences to a family who's genuine and sincere contributions seek to make the lives of so many vibrant today.

May God bless you all and bring you peace during this very difficult time.

Rosetta Wright

December 4, 2015

I had the pleasure of working with Dr. C for several years and he was truly a remarkable human being. He was loved by all and will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Sherry Rumsey

December 4, 2015

Dr. Christensen was a kind and gentle man who took care of the most vulnerable and needy individuals in our area. His compassion was endless. He will be greatly missed by one and all. My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to his family and the community. We lost a really wonderful man and great human being.

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