Paige Walrath Christiansen

Paige Walrath Christiansen, 91, of Sylva, N.C., passed away April 11, 2015 at The Hermitage Memory Care Home. Mr. Christiansen was born July 7, 1923 in Miles City, Montana to the late Milo and Joyce Christiansen. He was the oldest and only surviving son. Paige was united in marriage to the late Dorothy A. Christiansen, December 27, 1950 in Madison S.D.. They shared 64 wonderful years together. Paige was a story teller. During his long Professorship at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in Socorro, N.M., he captivated students and the general public with stories of the Wild West, Spanish travels in the west and of pioneers of gold and silver stories. His story telling never ended in the classroom, he could give a lecture to any group and hold them on the edge of their seats. During his tenure he wrote hundreds of journal articles and 8 books. His early years were at Michigan State University where he ran track and played football, he then served his country in WWII for four years in Europe before returning to Michigan State to finish his degree and run track, winning two National Championships for high hurdles. His undergraduate work was done at the University of New Mexico for his Masters and at Berkeley for his PH.D. He retired from active teaching in 1989 but still gave talks and wrote articles until his passing. His hobbies were as many and as active as was the man. He enjoyed hiking, back packing, fishing, rock hunting, snow skiing, hunting in general and camping. He was very happy in the outdoors. In later years he took up golf and it became one of his passions. Survivors include: his children, Scott Christiansen of Boulder, Colorado, Brian Christiansen of Tucson, Arizona and Becky Christiansen-Cashwell of Sylva, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in his name to the American Red Cross, PO Box 4002018, Des Moines, IA, 50340-2018. Paige supported Dorothy in all things this was their charity. Scott, Brian and Becky wish to share, our dad's hand always was there to help pick us up, brush us off and pat our backs, encourage us to get back in the "game", keep trying, keep going for our goals. He was a very special man with honor, courage and integrity. We are better people because of him. He will be with us forever. . .