CHRISTENSEN, MURRAY RODERICK - Murray Roderick “Chris” Christensen, 88, of Terraces on Cliffe, Fredericton, N.B., passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 13, 2014 with family by his side. Born in Halifax, N.S., he was a son of the late Neil and Florence (Hazell) Christensen. Murray's youth was spent living in Halifax and Oxford, N.S. He was a retired member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, having joined in January, 1948. During his career in the RCMP, Murray worked in numerous locations in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, Alberta, the Northwest Territories, Marine Division and National Headquarters (Ottawa). His career included duties as a uniformed constable conducting criminal investigations to being a Commissioned Officer, reaching the rank of Superintendent and responsible for large jurisdictions and territories. During one of his first postings (Shediac, N.B.) as a young Constable he met his future bride, Barbara Anne Stewart. His longest posting was Fredericton from 1970 -78 where he served as the “J “Division Administrative and Personnel Officer and later, Officer Commanding, Fredericton Subdivision. He also served as Aide-de-camp to Lieutenant Governor Wallace Bird.
Murray’s final posting was as the Officer Commanding, Corner Brook Subdivision, Newfoundland. He retired from the RCMP in June, 1982 after more than 34 years of service. Murray and Barbara retired to Oxford, N.S and then later Shediac, N.B., while spending the majority of the winters in Zephyrhills, Florida. Wherever he lived, he was an active member of the United Church of Canada, most recently Trinity United in Shediac. His leisure time was almost always spent with family, whether it was camping, travelling, playing Cribbage, Bridge, watching old westerns, or reading his beloved Louis L’Amour books, family always came first. To those that knew him he was the epitome of integrity, honesty, patience, hard work and humour. He had the rare gift of being able to talk to anyone about anything, regardless of who they were or where they came from, or as Rudyard Kipling described, he could "walk with kings - nor lose the common touch." He is survived by three sons, William (Carolyn) of Fredericton, N.B.; James (Janie) of Fredericton, N.B.; John (Luisa) of London, ON and his brother, Ivan. He was the proud grandfather of five grandchildren, Victoria, Allison, Robert, Nella and Barbara Anne. He was predeceased by his wife, Barbara, and brother, Neil Christensen, Jr.
In keeping with Murray’s wishes, cremation will take place with a private ceremony to be planned at a later date for immediate family. If desired, memorial donations to the Greenwood Cemetery Fund (Shediac, N.B.), the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Personal condolences can be left at www.mcadamsfh.com.