Jon Cardwell Christiansen

Jon Cardwell Christiansen, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on April 13, 2026. Born April 8, 1953, in Salt Lake City, Jon lived a life marked by faith, intellectual rigor, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to family.

Jon spent his early summers in the Trial Lake region of the Uinta Mountains, where he developed a lasting love for fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. At the age of eight, his family relocated to Los Angeles, where he later graduated from University High School.

At nineteen, Jon served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Germany North Mission, laboring faithfully in Berlin and Hamburg. His devotion to his faith remained central throughout his life.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, graduating magna cum laude from the University of California, Los Angeles. During his time at UCLA, Jon worked as a security guard at the Los Angeles Temple and served as president of the Institute program. He married Cristy Ann Christiansen on August 4, 1978, in the Los Angeles Temple. Following their marriage, they traveled across the country as Jon pursued his legal education.

Jon received his Juris Doctor from George Washington University and went on to build a distinguished career in intellectual property law, specializing in computer law. He practiced with several respected law firms before founding his own firm, Tech Law Ventures. He further contributed to his community by teaching at both Brigham Young University Law School and the University of Utah Law School, where he influenced many students with his knowledge and example.

A visionary entrepreneur, Jon possessed a rare ability to see opportunity where others saw uncertainty. He founded, advised, and invested in numerous ventures across a wide range of industries, including software, technology, and service-based businesses. He was not only a builder of companies but a mentor to founders, guiding them with wisdom, discipline, and strategic insight. His entrepreneurial spirit was marked by both courage and conviction, and he approached each endeavor with determined execution.

Jon believed deeply in the principles of hard work, ownership, and innovation. He instilled these values in his children, encouraging them to think independently, take initiative, and pursue meaningful creation in their own lives. For Jon, entrepreneurship was not merely a profession, but a way of thinking; one rooted in problem-solving, resilience, and long-term vision. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jon possessed a deeply charitable heart. He was generous to a fault, quietly giving of his time, resources, and counsel to help those in need.

Jon and Cristy made their home in Sandy, where they raised their five children. His family was his greatest focus and joy. He dedicated countless hours to coaching, teaching, and mentoring his children in sports, including basketball, pickle, baseball, football, and soccer. His home was a place of lively discussion, where topics of politics, finance, and principle were explored, particularly during cherished Sunday dinners. His legacy lives on in their pursuits and values.

Jon is survived by his beloved wife, Cristy Ann Christiansen; his children: Jon Tucker Christiansen (Katie), Patricia Dawn Sagastume (Jorge), Bryan Jens Christiansen, Christopher Scott Christiansen (Amanda), and Jessica Renae Willey; and his fifteen grandchildren: Victoira, Jonathan, Eli, Isabella, Gabriel, Jon, Lilly, Hunter, Ivy, Jayce, Jaxyn, Jaymes, Sara, William, and CJ.

Jon’s life was defined by faith, family, and an enduring commitment to building, leading, and serving. His legacy is one of strength, generosity, vision, and love.

A viewing for Jon will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens from 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm, and funeral services will begin at 2:00 pm. Interment will follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery.

“And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail. But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.” — Moroni 7:45–47