Douglas

Douglas Kohler Christensen born July 3, 1960

     Early on in 1960, we knew that were expecting our fifth child who would be born sometime in early July.  That was to become our dear son, Douglas.

     During the 1959-60 academic year, we continued with our seminary and institute responsibilities, finishing required courses at the University, preparing for the “Preliminary” examinations and choosing and writing the dissertation.

     I was given a contract to teach two graduate courses for the College of Education during the summer.  That was a good experience and also added some significant financial benefits to help with our move to Moscow to be the Director of the Institute of Religion.

     I had told Barbara that I didn’t think it necessary to be there and “walk” through the commencement graduation line.  She said, “Oh yes you will!  We have waited a long time for this and I don’t want to miss it.”  Dad and Mom Christensen made the trip from Banida to Pullman for the commencement exercises and it was a very satisfying time.

     I will always be grateful to Barbara for her support and frugal ways.  I don’t think she hardly ever paid full price for anything and also, she knew how to cook “from scratch,” sew, make clothes and put patches wherever needed.  We were able to leave with the PhD degree, four children—soon to be five—no debt, and have enough in savings to make a down payment on a $10,000 mortgage for a large, old, five-bedroom frame home at 521 Lewis Street in Moscow with enough room in the back for some apple trees and to plant a garden.

     July 3, 1960 at 6:55 AM, Douglas was born in the Gritman Memorial hospital in Moscow, Idaho. He weighed 7 lbs. 12 oz. We were sure glad he was a boy since Steven had said to us just before going to the hospital: "Mommie, if our baby is a girl, send it right back!" He was delivered without charge by Dr. Stephens, who said that he and his partner, Dr. Baird, a pediatrician, had delivered and cared for babies for clergy in the community for years and provided us with the same privilege of receiving their services without charge for  being “clergy,” since we were to serve at the Institute of Religion.  We traveled down to bless him in the Banida ward on September 4th. I wrote in my history that "Douglas is certainly proof that the fifth is as precious as the first. We enjoy him so very much."

     Douglas proved to be a great addition to the family. He was a bright young boy and for example, later when he was about seven years old said, “Momma, I need to know the population of Utah.” We found a report of the 1960 census and he said, “But I wanted for right now.” I said, “That is right now.” Douglas said, “How could it be when a baby is born every eight seconds?”

     After giving a talk in Sunday School when six years old, he said, “Mommy, it seems like every talk I give is just perfectly done.”

     From the start Douglas proved to be very alert, inquisitive, and motivated.  At times, during our family home evenings and scripture reading time, it would appear that he may not be paying much attention but, when questions were asked about what had been going on, his hand was often one of the first to go up to provide an answer.  He also was athletically inclined and played second base on East High School varsity baseball team.  He even entertained an idea of pursuing a baseball career.  He was the first in the family to want, and obtain, his own vehicle, a Jeep, that was the envy of many of his friends.  He made payments from what he earned in part-time jobs. Some of its equity was used to help finance his mission to the Peru Lima North Mission where he served as assistant to the President for several months.  After graduating from the University of Utah in the area of business, he was hired to work full-time at the O. C. Tanner Company.  He progressed in sales and sales management and was selected to serve as Vice President of Strategic Services.  He was appreciated as a counselor in a variety of bishoprics and also as bishop of the young adult ward in the Valley View Stake.  Among his many important achievements was to convince Cathi Jorgensen to become his wife and they have three lovely children.