Obituary: Christianson, Warren G.
At age six Warren and his family came by train from Superior, Wisconsin, settling in the Hillyard area of Spokane.
As a youth he ambitiously peddled magazines over long distances from Hillyard to downtown, and as top salesman he won a brand new bicycle which he unselfishly shared with his sister Ruth.
A graduate of Rogers High School, Warren served as a coxswain in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1946, chauffeuring high level officers and dignitaries around London in those remaining years of WWII.
Returning with his bride from London, he was married for a brief time.
A lifelong attraction to trains led to Warren’s dedication and long career on the railroad.
He proudly served 38 years as conductor/brakeman for the SP&S Railroad and later Burlington Northern Railroad, retiring in 1985.
For many years he met regularly for breakfast with members of his former railroad crews, and his favorite topic of conversation with family and friends often featured sharing of memorabilia, and experiences from his years riding the rails.
Warren was a life member of the Elks and Veterans Post 1474, as well as a loyal member of Central Lutheran Church since childhood.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman C. and Elvera Christianson (Spokane); sisters Louise Fairburn and Ruth McDavis, (Spokane); brother Cy Christianson (Clarkston, WA), and niece Carol Isaacson (Hayden, ID).
Survivors include nephews and nieces: Richard Fairburn, Nine Mile Falls, WA; Janet Wood, Lake Oswego, OR; Linda Cress, Salem, OR; Jim Christianson, Vancouver, WA; Bruce McDavis, Spokane; Sue Shipton, Spokane; Dale Christianson, Clarkston, WA; and Anne McQuary, Vancouver, WA.
Special thanks to his devoted caregivers, Michael and Yelena Kutsar, at Pleasant Comfort Adult Family Home, to Gentiva Hospice, and to his nephew Richard Fairburn for his faithful assistance and support during Warren’s declining years.
Service at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, April 16, 2015, in Fairmount Memorial Park Chapel with Pastor Dave Kappus officiating.
If desired, Memorial contributions may be made to Central Lutheran Church, 512 S. Bernard St., Spokane, WA 99204.
Online guestbook at www.riplingerfuneralhome.com