Alvin Albert "Bud" Christopherson

1925 - 2017

Alvin Albert "Bud" Christopherson

Alvin Albert "Bud" Christopherson passed away peacefully on 1-17-2017 just short of his 92nd birthday at Salem hospital. He was born to Albert and Madge on 2-22-1925 in Malta, Montana. He was raised with his two brothers Henry and Edwin in Montana following his father up and down the hi-line as his Dad worked for Burlington Northern Railroad. When Bud was 16 he joined the army. His family always had stressed the value of patriotism and Bud sure put those values to practice. He went to basic training in Hawaii what a big difference from the frigid Montana winter which he never missed. Bud graduated basic training and on Dec 6,1941 his Sargent immediately put him on guard duty. Bud said he felt 9 feet tall guarding the largest naval operation in the pacific. He remembered thinking "I wish the guys in Havre, Montana could see me now." The next morning was a morning he never forgot, Japanese forces attacked Pearl Harbor. A piece of shrapnel hit Bud's head making a bump reminding him daily of what he had lived through till the day he died. Bud was a very proud Pearl Harbor survivor. Now there is only one survivor left of the 19th infantry which Bud served in. Bud was very proud of the fact his Dad, both brothers and his mother all supported the war effort at the same time. Bud was interviewed by several media outlets for his memories of the infamous Pearl Harbor attack.

Bud married Dorothy Renner in 1955 preceding him in death. They raised 4 daughters all surviving him: Connie Leo of Everett, Washington, Betty Christopherson of Sacramento, California, Mary Ann Wieser of Shingle Springs, California and Patti Jo Powell of Aniak, Alaska. In 1965 Bud graduated college with a Bachelor Degree in Sociology putting it to good use as Executive Director of the Children's Homes in California and working for the state of California until retirement. Bud was a published writer of the book Destiny's Tot part one and two. In 2002 he married Hazel "Bettie" Stearns inheriting a whole other family. Per his special granddaughter Annette Day " Bud was a very colorful person, never met a stranger, he loved to talk politics and history. Bud and Bettie loved to travel at one time traveling 9,800 miles across the United States visiting relatives. They also traveled to Alaska and Hawaii. Bettie preceded him in death in 2008. In 2009 Bud married Elizabeth Davis who survives him in Salem, Oregon. Bud is survived by one half brother Greg Christopherson of Saco, Montana, grandchildren Scott, Tony, Bane't, Bryan, Jeff, Lori, great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Also preceding him in death are parents Albert and Alma Christopherson, Bennie and Madge Ruiz, brothers Henry and Edwin Christopherson, nephew Henry Jr "Bud", and great-nephew Michael Evans. You will be greatly missed by many.

A Committal Service is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 23 at 9:00 a.m. at Willamette National Cemetery. Flowers can be delivered to Ross Hollywood Chapel.