Keep the Whole World Singing
Milt Christensen passed away quite unexpectedly on July 18, 2018 and began a new journey free from pain and suffering. Milt maintained a lighthearted spirit in spite of his infirmities. He was born on June 8, 1932 in Salt Lake City to Milton LeRoy Christensen and Alice Miriam Curtis. He grew up in the Sugarhouse area and was closely associated with his mother's large Curtis family, of whom he had warm and loving memories. He graduated from East High School, where his talents in performing and entertaining began to emerge.
His life was marked by his love for music. His special gifts were a beautiful voice and a memory bank full of songs. A random word could trigger association with lyrics and he would burst out in song. He found much joy in Barbershop singing. He was a longtime member of S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A., director of the Beehive Statesmen Chorus for many years, and later directed a Sweet Adeline chorus in Hawaii. He was also the lead singer in 2 quartets that won international gold medal championships: "The Golden Staters" winning in 1972, and "One More Time" international senior champions in 1992. He traveled with a USO Tour in 1966, where his quartet "The Salt Flats" entertained American troops in hospitals in Tokyo, Okinawa, and the Philippines. Milt also served in musical positions in the LDS Church, of which he was a member, and sang at countless funerals, benefits, and other occasions. He also sang in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and served in the Bountiful temple.
Milt married Betty Jane Borgquist, (3 children: Curtis, Laurie, and David), then Joan Carter (2 children: Troy and Cory). Milt worked mostly in sales positions, he enjoyed fishing and hunting.
Milt is survived by his sweetheart, Rosa Mae Evans Christensen, whom he married in 2011, and who tirelessly and lovingly cared for him through his last 7 years; also by brothers Stephen Christensen, Richard Christensen, and a sister Genevieve Tarr; by children Curtis Christensen, Laurie Nisson, Troy Christensen, and Cory Christensen; and by 17 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his son David Christensen, his granddaughter Whitni Reese, and his sister Shirley Rae Schaar.
The family would like to express heartfelt appreciation to caretakers from Inspiration Home Health and to neighbors for their kindness and help during the many months of Milt's physical incapacitation.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Farm Hill Ward, 1250 East Murray-Holladay Road (4800 So.) Salt Lake City. Friends may call on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South, or one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Interment will be at the Lakeview Cemetery in Bountiful.
