Dean Christen

Dean Leonard Christen of Sumas went home to his Heavenly Father on Jan. 2.  He passed at home after spending his final week surrounded by his family and close friends.  

Dean was born on March 4, 1936 in Bellingham to Leonard and Helen (Goodlund) Christen.  He was a lifelong resident of Whatcom County.

Dean grew up in the Bell Creek community near Dem-ing, graduated from Mt. Baker High School and farmed in Sumas for 58 years. 

 Dean was a faithful attendee of Cornwall Church in Bellingham and Rosedale Church of God in Rosedale, B.C.  

His love for trucking was unsurpassed. He purchased his first log truck at the age of 19 and drove for 56 years.  

He married his loving wife Dorothy (Vaughn) in 1963 and raised their four children on their farm in Sumas.  

Dean is survived by his wife Dorothy; children Deanna (Mike) Zapien of Sumas, Dorene (Dave) Moors of Bellingham, David Christen of Shoreline and Daniel (Shannon) Christen of Monroe; six grandchildren (Nancy Colyer, Kelli Zapien, Christen Moors, Jason Moors, Alexander Christen and Reagan Christen); two great-grandchildren (Colin and James Colyer), his sisters Carolyn (Terry) Smith of Bellingham and Sharon (Howard) Davenport of Kent, and numerous nieces and nephews.  

Dean will be remembered as a faithful and steady family man and friend. He demonstrated his love for God through an unwavering faith and by living the example of a Christian life.  

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 15 at 11 a.m. at Cornwall Church.  

The family would like to thank the exceptional staff at Whatcom Hospice for their excellent support.  

Memorials can be made to The Friends of Fircrest, 15230 15th NE, Shoreline, WA 98155,  www.friendsoffircrest.org. 

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.