What's New

Posted on: Oct 15, 2018 at 12:45 PM

Happy Birthday, Maureen, basking in the warmth of the Arizona sunshine! As you texted me and talked of enjoying life there today, it sounds all too nice. Sounds like you and Cam are living the good life. I hope "71" is even better than 70! Thanks for being such a loyal RAM throughout the years, Maureen! We Love You!! xoxo

Posted on: Oct 29, 2018 at 12:25 PM

So, I just added Bob MacDougall to our In Memory "Wall", and that makes 9 for this year! Thus far, that is the most that we've lost in any single year, that I've counted, and it's only October. Yes, life at our age is fragile folks. Please handle with care. It seems like the holidays roll around much quicker each year; is that just me, or does it seem that way to any of you also?
At any rate, one more Halloween, Wednesday and I gave all of my grands, and greats, an extra hug last night at our Halloween party. Peace out my Ram friends ....

Posted on: Oct 18, 2018 at 6:40 PM

OK, I threw this on Facebook, guess I will here too, Yesterday I went and got 3 shots, the senior flu shot, the 2nd Pneumococcal shot, and the whooping cough shot! OUCH, for sure, especially in the arm I got the Whooping cough/Pneun. shot! Expecting a new great-granddaughter in January and they're warning us seniors to help prevent the spread of whooping cough by getting our shots. I guess it's way worth it in the big picture. Are all of you caught up? Play it safe this year! Sally Safe, here, encouraging you to get out and get your shots! Just jumped off soap box....ouch... LOL

Posted on: Oct 18, 2018 at 6:31 PM

Happy birthday, Dave! You are just a squeak older than me! Hope your day is great, and your 71st year will be filled with good health and happiness! xoxo

Posted on: Oct 10, 2018 at 11:44 PM

Paul Gilbert Christensen
1929 ~ 2018
Paul Gilbert Christensen, known as "Mr. C" to many, passed away peacefully on October 8th, 2018 at the age of 89 in Holladay, Utah. He was born on August 29, 1929 in Holy Cross Hospital in Salt Lake City Utah to Jensen Duhn (J.D.) Christensen and Dorothy Anderson Christensen. The family lived in Sugar City and Shelley, Idaho before they moved to Payson, Utah in 1937 where J.D. became Director of Music at Payson High School. Paul followed in his father's footsteps and grew to love music learning the piano, trumpet and French horn, charming his siblings while practicing right after milking the cows. He participated in school music activities, played in local dance bands, and excelled academically. While in high school, he fell in love with Bonnie Marie Ockerman, a noted soprano whom he frequently accompanied. The couple attended Brigham Young University where Paul attained Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music. They married in Payson in 1950.
They began their family as Paul taught music in Santaquin and Nephi, Utah. In 1956 he was offered a job teaching choral music at East High School and so they moved to Salt Lake City. Shortly thereafter, Paul was recruited to become the head of the choral program at the newly built Highland High School where he became an "institution" during his 30-year tenure. Paul impacted thousands of lives and will be remembered not only for his great musical talents that he so willingly shared, but also for his quick wit and generous nature.
In addition to teaching school, private piano and organ, Paul served as the Music Director at the Holladay United Church of Christ for decades where he and Bonnie made many life-long friends. Paul was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and generously shared his expert musicianship at the organ and directing ward choirs. Every Christmas Paul performed a Christmas Eve organ service hosted by the Mt. Olympus Stake which drew devoted listeners year after year.
Paul and Bonnie loved to travel. Summers meant family vacations with their children and grandchildren. Each of their children had the opportunity to travel abroad when Paul led several high school groups on European tours.
Paul could often be found on the tennis court or hiking in the mountains, two of his favorite pastimes. With help from his son and sons in-law, he built his own cabin in Big Cottonwood Canyon. He shared his love of the mountains with his children and grandchildren, often taking them on hikes through his beloved Wasatch Mountains.
Several years following
Bonnie's death in 1999 Paul married Elizabeth Mackey and they spent four wonderful years together until her death in 2009. He is survived by his children, Rebecca (Thomas) Durham, Susan Sharp, Jill Christensen, Tony (Kathy) Christensen,13 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, brothers Kenneth ("Lucky") Christensen, Howard (Bonnie) Christensen, and sister Sharil (Gale -deceased) Holt. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Clelia "Chris" (J.R.) Gardner, and wives Bonnie Marie Ockerman Christensen and Elizabeth Mackey Christensen.
Funeral services will be at 12:00 PM on Saturday, October 13th at the Olympus Cove Ward, 4407 South Fortuna Way (3695 East) SLC. Friends may call one hour before the funeral on Saturday. A viewing will take place at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, on Friday, October 12th, from 6-8 PM.
The family wishes to thank those who cared for him at The Ridge at Cottonwood, and Brighton Hospice Services, and all those who helped Paul during these last few years as his health declined. Please consider a memorial contribution to the Highland High "Mr. C" Choral Scholarship fund.

Posted on: Oct 09, 2018 at 2:26 PM

MR. C PASSED AWAY LAST NIGHT. Please see the below message from Steve Newton regarding singing at his funeral this Saturday. He sent a message to “the class of 66” , but I’ve heard some didn’t receive it.
Farewell to our new awesome Mr. C! We Love You!!


“To all Mad and a capella members. Mr. C is fading fast and it is anticipated that we will have a funeral on Saturday. The family has asked that we send out a plea for anyone willing to sing at the funeral. If you are able to practice Thursday evening in Sandy and sing Saturday midday, please send me your email to my email Steve@businesslawassociates.com. Thanks all.”

This was posted on Facebook for Dean Collett today, for his 90th birthday! Very cool! I thought it would be nice to post here:
“Happy 90th birthday, Dean! We love you and appreciate all of the work and service you have done for 6 decades of Highland Rams!”
The attached photos were with it. It looks like he was presented with a large photo memorial they
placed in the trophy case. CONGRATULATIONS MR. COLLETT!

Posted on: Oct 01, 2018 at 8:00 AM

Sandi - At some level we all understand that God did not intend this life to last forever. Even so, the reality of going through the process of losing someone so important in every moment, every aspect of your life must be more difficult than you anticipated. Our concern for you and Craig is real. We trust you find comfort in the Lord and his promise of an eternal marriage. You have given words of loving encouragement to others. May this be a blessing in return to you.

I was so sad adding this obit to our "In Memory" pages.  I met Chris Maurer in Junior High and we became friends quite easily.  We had a lot in common, in hobbies, choir, some of our other friends, etc.  Sometimes we did things on the weekend, or after school, and I would go to her house or visa versa.... at any rate, we had a lot of fun just hanging out!  Somewhere, she picked up a nickname to call me, "mush".  I have absolutely no recollection why, but just that she called me that.  What a weird memory!!  Things got busier in high school, and although we were still very good friends, I didn't get to see her as much, only had choir together, I believe, and I really missed being around this funny, wonderful girl.  After we graduated and went our separate ways, we fell out of touch, and I've always been sorry.  I was so touched in reading Chris' obit, seeing all the incredible accomplishments she's had in her life, despite some major set backs.  Such a trooper, this lady.  Heaven is gaining an angel for sure!  RIP, dear Christie!  xoxo

Posted on: Sep 20, 2018 at 6:15 AM

I’m late, but nonetheless would like to wish you a happy birthday, LeGrand! Wow, are you one of the first in our class to do the 71 thing? Congrats! You’ve achieved survival! It’s been awesome having you at many of our monthly lunch get togethers! Always something new to talk about and enjoy. So, here’s to good health & happiness, my friend! Xo

Posted on: Sep 25, 2018 at 1:09 PM

Thanks Elline Davis and Jim Saley for letting us know about Christie Maurer (Utley's) passing on Saturday. I'll post her obit as soon as it's available. Loved this girl! She will be sorely missed!!

Steve and I grew up next door to each other.  Although he did not finish high school, he would have graduated with our class. Several classmates have requested we remember our friends we know on our "In Memory" pages that did not complete hight school, but went through most of our school years with us.

 I'm happy to add Steve.  He was my pal, as a toddler and young kid.  His father ran a sand and gravel company, so naturally, their backyard was a haven for gigantic sandpiles to make dunes, towns, roads, you name it, out of sand and gravel.  I was the neighborhood Tomboy, so I loved it.  Steve's younger sister, Valerie (Val) is my best friend, still to this day.  Steve was such a smart guy!  Honestly, he knew so much and once he read something, could remember anything.  He was part of our neighborhood outdoor sports, night-time game, and prank-pulling gang.  He was a free spirit, and left home quite young, but was always checking in with his folks, and I'd usually see him then too.  The last time I saw him was such a treat, it had been many years, and was not too long before he passed away.  His children are beautiful, successful souls.... he would be so proud.  As I read through Steve's obit, once again, I realize how much i miss this guy!  RIP, dear friend!

Happy birthday Laraine! I hope you're approaching this new decade healthy and ready for a new adventure! Enjoy!

Posted on: Aug 18, 2018 at 11:15 AM

Happy Birthday, Laraine. We've got a big milestone this year.

Steve Demars and Steve Curtis were two guys everyone liked. I've thought about both Steves from time to time, now the last of this great pair have moved on but live in fondness in many memories.