Quechee, VT- Jon died July 30, 2025, after a brief illness due to an infection called anaplasmosis, brought on by a deer tick bite. Before this, Jon was a fit, lean, and fully engaged man.

He was born in Queens, NY on April 24, 1937. He was the only child of Harry and Rose (Weiser) Christensen, second generation Norwegian and German. New York public education carried him through to a degree in business from Adelphi University. There was a three-year break when his father was transferred to Los Angeles to start up a Benjamin Moore factory. Jon then attended in the California school system and onto University of California for two years prior to his move back to NY and Adelphi.

A real strong work ethic was developed through jobs in high school and college. Jon's professional career started in Maine as an oil distributor representative. His time in Maine was a happy and successful time. He joined the local Masons and went onto become a Shriner. A change in career to medical sales brought Jon and his family to Massachusetts. His entrepreneurial spirit soon kicked in prompting him and a friend to launch Active Medical Devices, Inc. which he owned and operated into his late 70s. During this time, his interests grew greatly to buying and managing rental properties in Boston. He loved the art of the deal and engaged his sons and friends teaching them property ownership.

Jon was community-minded and believed in giving back, using his talents where they mattered.  The recipients of this nature were The Shriner's Burn Center in Boston where he volunteered every week for 21 years including holidays, also as a Cub Scout leader for many years in Brookline, MA. When he and Lynda moved to Quechee, VT, his need to volunteer brought him to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, The Hartford Garden Friends where he did the bookkeeping and worked in gardens around town. He belonged to The Quechee Club where he met some close friends, Meccawe Fishing Club in Bridgewater where he spent many beautiful hours fishing, and in Naples, Florida where he was President of the Homeowner's Association for twelve years.

The highlight of his life in Vermont has to be the President of the Woodstock Rifle and Pistol Club. He led most of the events and fund raising efforts for 15 years. The sport and club also provided him with many close friends whom he enjoyed seeing all the time. A quote from a good friend and board member: "Jon was more than a leader – he was a steady hand, a loyal friend, and a passionate advocate for our club and its mission. His commitment to our club, his kindness, and his quiet strength made a lasting mark on all who knew him." Jon was "all-in" when his curiosity was piqued. He shared many hours and years collecting coins and discussing them with his good friend, Lee Rosenbaum. What a collection they both have and enjoyed for such a long time.

Jon's marriages produced five beautiful children, twelve grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. He has always been proud each of them. They are: daughter, Laurie Beck (Bob) of Georgia, and sons, Jon (Jane) of NY, Erik (Dawn) of MA, Matthew (Jessica) of MA, and Joshua of MA. His family was his highest pleasure along with the marriage to Lynda of 34 years.

Later in life, Jon met Lynda O'Connor, a secretary at Fidelity, with whom he would spend 35 very happy years. Upon moving to Quechee, Vermont, they found many wonderful friends who helped to complete their lives. The gun club and shooting were two sports they shared with many wonderful hours with these special friends. As President of the gun club, Jon would tell Lynda what he needed to communicate to the members and Lynda would edit it to concise prose.

In an attempt to paraphrase a quote from Warren Buffet:

One should evaluate people based on enthusiasm, intelligence, and integrity. The latter being paramount. Jon was integrity personified, and he encouraged others' improvements through his actions more often than his words. Despite the world changing around him, Jon's principles remained unwavering. He supported the ones he loved regardless of the price or judgement.

HE IS SO TRULY MISSED.

Burial took place on August 21, 2025, at Greenlawn Cemetery in Nahant, MA.