Leland Thomas Christensen

Leland Thomas Christensen, 63, passed away while surrounded by song and loved ones from complications of Covid pneumonia on Friday, October 8, 2021.

Leland was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on January 10, 1958, to Harold E. Christensen and Janice G. Christensen. He moved to El Paso, Texas when he was two years old. When he was 12 years old, they moved to Columbus, Georgia, where he met his life long best friend and brother Rob Beesely. He really loved Georgia, where he sang in his high school’s Concert and All State Choirs. He also loved playing basketball at Carver High School. He returned to Salt Lake City at 17 years old and graduated from South High in 1976, where he also sang in the choir.

The fall of that year, he met his sweetheart and future wife, Julie Stromness. Two weeks later, while coming home from work on his motorcycle, he was hit by a drunk driver and lost his lower left leg. Julie stayed by his side for five weeks while he recovered in the hospital and continued to care for him through the next 45 years. Despite his disability, he never gave up, he kept playing basketball and kept trying to do the things he loved. He always kept trying.

He was called to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Washington Seattle Mission and was transferred to the Washington Spokane Mission when it was created. He served from 1977 ~ 1979.

Leland and Julie were sealed for time and all eternity on November 30, 1979, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they created a family of 8 loving children, to whom he said, “I love you, with all my heart. You are my legacy.”

He served in many callings for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; one of his favorites was being the Ward Choir Director. He was a self-taught computer programmer, who loved to tell a good story and was always quick with a joke. He told the best “Dad” jokes and was remarkably “Punny!”  Leland was a man who loved to serve others. He always wanted to be there to lend a helping hand. He loved to be a home teacher and loved the families he served. He donated generously including giving other families a Christmas when they were in need. He loved his Savior and Heavenly Father and he loved and sustained the Prophet. His strong, loving spirit and love and knowledge of the Gospel will be severely missed.

Leland, “Pampa”, was survived by the love of his life, Julie S. Christensen; his children Jami L. Jensen (Trenton), Emily R. McDougal (Hyatt), Kelly L. Bellis (Jeremy), Bonnie J. Phillips, Michael A. Christensen, Samuel L. Christensen, Daniel T. Christensen, Nathaniel E. Christensen (April); mother, Janice G. Christensen; brothers, Paul N. Christensen, Lowell D. Christensen; brother-in-law, Donald L. Hansen (Mina); sister-in-law Irene S. McLelland (Doug); 12 grandchildren: Wyatt M. Jensen, Makenzie L. Jensen, Skyler C. Jensen, Trenton T. Jensen Jr., K. Andrew McDougal, Kaleb B. McDougal, Scott C. McDougal, Glenn Tamerenth D. McDougal, Kirana E. J. McDougal, Annabelle L. Bellis, Harmony R. Bellis, Aaleyah L. Christensen; and many aunts; uncles; cousins; nieces; and nephews.

Preceded in death by father, Harold E. Christensen; sister, Laurie A. (Christensen) Hansen; mother-in-law, Syble I. (Ginn) Stromness; father-in-law, Wilford H. Stromness; sister-in-law, Sally S. Roberts; brother-in-law, Lennis J. Roberts; brother-in-law, Gary G. Stromness; grandparents, Stacey L. Thomas, Gladys G. (Kirkbride) Thomas, Nels E. Christensen, Leona  (Richards) Christensen; and nephew Adam P. Christensen.

The family is so grateful to the doctors and nurses at Jordan Valley West for the care he received while in the Hospital. Especially Dr. Hammond, Nursing Department Manager Emily, Morgan NP, and Stephanie RN for their love and care of the entire family. Leland passionately suggested that everyone who can, get vaccinated for Covid 19.  

“If  it’s not yours, leave it alone!” ~Leland T. Christensen

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 15, 2021, 1:00 p.m., at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah, where viewings will be held Thursday, October 14^th, 6-8:00 p.m. and again prior to services on Friday from 12-12:45 p.m. Interment, Redwood Memorial Estates.

Services will be streamed at: https://vimeo.com/629467343

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