Marion Christensen died April 30, 2007, in Oak Harbor following a stroke on Sept. 20, 2006.

Born in 1909 in Minnesota to Danish immigrants, Hans and Andrea Christiansen, Marion was the youngest of 13 children. He moved to Whidbey Island as a young man.

Marion spent most of his working career as a heavy equipment operator, working on the Olympic Peninsula and Kodiak Island, as well as local road building and construction projects, including Ault Field in the early 1940s. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers for 65 years.

After retirement Marion remained active, working in his shop nearly every day. He had played saxophone in a local dance band as a young man, and resumed playing as a senior. Marion enjoyed dancing, attending at least two senior dances nearly every week.

Marion was a member of the Island County Sheriff’s Posse in the late 1950s. He was also a life member of the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 12 brothers and sisters. He is survived by his son, Russ Christensen, and many nieces and nephews who, along with his friends, will miss him.

According to his wishes his remains were cremated and interred privately at Maple Leaf Cemetery.