Carl Stanley "Bud" Christiansen

Bud was a large and gentle man with a warm and ready smile, wonderful hugs, and a boundless heart. He was eager to showkindness to everyone he met, and to tell them his one simple message, “God loves you!”

Bud had no in-laws, only full members added to his family by love. There have been many to call him father, grandfather, great-grandfather, cousin, uncle, brother, and friend. But there has been only one to call him sweetheart: Ruthi his faithful and loving wife of more than 68 years. He was a wise man, and led his family well, showing others how to live in harmony.

Bud was a master bricklayer and stonemason, whose beautiful work is spread across the West Coast. He was a craftsman, producing intricate decorations with Ruthi for their long-running business at Portland Saturday Market. A tireless worker and a considerate employer. He was a natural mechanic and engineer, routinely solving problems not addressed in manuals. He was an artist and a preacher. He was accomplished as a vocalist, pianist, organist, guitarist, violinist, and musical arranger. His beautiful baritone voice was often heard in solos, duets, trios, quartets, and men’s double octets. Bud was known for sometimes breaking loudly and impressively into an aria in the middle of a construction site. One of his favorite activities was to join a choir in belting out Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus.”

Bud quit school early to provide for his siblings and widowed mother. He was a WWII Veteran, a U.S Army Technical Sergeant assigned to the 120th General Hospital in New Guinea, Southern Philippines, and Luzon. Bud was honorably discharged having received the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with One Bronze Star, a Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. He was proud to have served his family and his country.

Bud is survived by his dear wife Ruthi Christiansen; by his children Connie Christiansen, Destiny Sefarina, Daniel Christiansen and Daniel’s wife Ana; by two sisters, Norma Clarno and Dixie Matthews. He also leaves behind 9 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and many children of his heart. Most importantly, he leaves a world he has changed for the better, and he is survived by a legacy of love.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a contribution to Ruthi to help with Bud's final expenses. If you wish, please send it in care of Daniel Christiansen:  2919 NE 88th Court, Vancouver, WA 98662