Albert (Bobbie) Christensen |
| Posted 2009-08-07 by Sharon |
| The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ April 11, 2007, p. A10 Hall of fame stock contractor Albert “Bobbie” Christensen of the famed CB outfit was laid to rest April 10 in his beloved Oregon. Bobbie Senior, as he was known, was born on June 18, 1913 and passed from this world on March 30, 2007. Along with his brother Henry and sister Babe, together they built a stock contracting empire that during its “hey day” would not be matched. From the far-flung dirt arenas scattered throughout the northwest, the Christensen brothers would become known as the “cowboy's contractor.” Known inside the arena for his uncanny ability to “read” a bronc, Bobbie would be selected to pick up at the very first national finals rodeo in Dallas, Texas, in 1959 and then again in 1960 and 1961. His ability to “pluck a cowboy” to safety and to always uphold the welfare of the animal soon made him a popular choice on the rodeo circuit. He picked up broncs at the famed Calgary Stampede. In later years Winston Bruce would name him as “one of the best ever.” From the Pendleton Roundup, Ellensburg Rodeo, the Lewiston Roundup, Livermore, Oakdale, the Cow Palace, Salinas, Porterville, St. Paul, and others, Bob Christensen was not only a “cowboy's friend” but a friend to all he came in contact with. In later years he put his talents to work as a trapper for Douglas County. He had grown up with a 30-30 in his hands and a pack of traps in his saddlebags, so he felt right at home. He enjoyed his years helping protect the ranching folks, and most of all treasured the friendships developed through the years. He retired at the tender age of 85 and once again began a new adventure. This time he packed up and moved to New Mexico to live closer to his daughter and family. While there, he pulled his traps out and worked trapping beaver on the San Juan River and keeping coyotes out of the spring calves for neighbors. He was an avid supporter of his grandsons Jesse Christensen's and Brett Tatum's rodeo careers. Bob always enjoyed keeping up on news through close contact with his son Bobby Jr. He enjoyed traveling to Oregon in the fall for elk hunting and also enjoyed watching the National Finals Rodeo while visiting with his many friends at the Cowboy Reunion. Most recently he resided with his daughter Vicki in Wickenburg, Ariz. His quick smile and the ability to make others feel important and at ease will never be forgotten. He was truly a gentleman and always wanted others to succeed at whatever life handed them. He was a devoted husband to his loving wife Lucille Ward and later to his second wife Rita Sherman. He is survived by his son Bobby Christensen Jr. of Arlington, Ore., and daughter Vicki Felder of Wickenburg, Ariz., along with eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Memorial services were held April 10 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Roseburg, Ore. |
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