"Coach" Lynn Richard Christensen

Washington, Utah.

Our dear husband, dad, grandpa and coach, Lynn Richard Christensen, passed away peacefully in his home on January 20, 2025, at the age of 81. We are saddened by his sudden passing, but find comfort in his love for each of us and his legacy of faith and values. He was a teacher of life, a loyal friend and mentor. Loved, admired and respected by many.

Lynn was born on September 6, 1944 in Providence, Utah to Arnold Francis and Rachel Barbara (Schiess) Christensen, the baby of nine children. He married Carma Jean Staheli on June 18, 1966 in the St. George Temple. They are the parents of three daughters and three sons.

As a young boy Lynn learned the value of hard work, he used this strong work ethic to excel in athletics. Upon graduation from South Cache High, he joined the army, where he served for two years, and in the reserves for five. After his service, Lynn attended Dixie College and Weber State on athletic scholarships. While at Dixie, he established ties to southern Utah that would bring him back to marry, raise his family and devote countless hours to coaching and impacting the lives of hundreds of young athletes. Coach Lynn, as he is affectionately called, taught them how to compete, but most importantly he taught them how to make a difference in other people's lives. He encouraged these young men to either serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or join the military because he knew that they would learn the value of hard work and service.

Lynn said, "If you like what you do, you'll never work a day in your life." He had an outstanding career teaching and coaching for over three decades, starting at Ogden, then Hurricane, where he built a program that won them their first state championship, and retiring at Pine View High School winning eight region championships and numerous state playoff appearances. Coach Lynn was known for his toughness, intensity, and disciplined teams.

He was recognized for his outstanding achievements as an athlete and coach being inducted into Dixie State University's Hall of Fame as a member of the 1963 undefeated football team and as a five-sport star athlete. He was also inducted into the Utah Softball Hall of Fame. He received the Utah Sports Hall of Fame "Distinguished Coach" Award and "Coach of the Year" three times in his classification.

Lynn often referred to the quality of his life being greatly influenced by the people in life - family, teammates, teachers, leaders, coaches and players. He was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and a respected civic leader, serving two terms on the Washington City Council. He played a pivotal role in the development of the Green Springs Golf Course and was honored with the prestigious Heart of Service Award for his contributions.

Lynn is survived by his wife Jeannie; children Jena (Harold) Nelson, Jed (Amy) Christensen, Jill (Brad) Baker, Hammer (Alicia) Christensen, son in law Ben (Kati) Lindquist, Josh (Karisa) Christensen; 27 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren with 5 more on the way. He is also survived by brothers Ivan and Ralph and sisters Florence and Kathryn. He is preceded in death by his daughter Joy, brothers Arnie, Dave, Wes, and Owen, 2 grandchildren and his parents.

Funeral services will be Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 11:00 am in the Washington East Stake Center at 1835 South Washington Fields Road, Washington, Utah. An evening visitation will be Friday, January 24, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm and a morning visitation will be Saturday, January 25, from 9:30-10:30 am at the same location. Interment will be in the Washington City Cemetery.

Arrangements were made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary. 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah, 84770. 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to share memories on Lynn's digital memorial page at www.SpilsburyMortuary.com