Douglas Christensen

Douglas Keith Christensen was called home to his Heavenly Father on August 20, 2016.  Doug was born on September 23, 1947, to Keith W. and Vera C. Christensen.  He attended Orem High School where he met his sweetheart and eternal companion, Linda Swan.  They were married on June 19, 1969, in the Salt Lake City Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  They were blessed with four children and fourteen grandchildren.

Doug earned his degree in Accounting and Organizational Behavior from Brigham Young University.  Following his graduation in 1972, he started as the Business Manager for Auxiliary Services.  In 1984, Doug was awarded a Master’s degree in Information and Administrative Management with an emphasis in Organizational Behavior.  Over his thirty-eight year career, he served BYU as Director of Physical Plant, Director of the Capital Needs Analysis Center, and as Administrative Solutions Advocate in the Physical Facilities Division. He retired from BYU in 2011.  In 2012, he was recognized with the establishment of the Doug Christensen Faculty Fellowship in the College of Humanities for those “whose sacrifice and efforts to ‘do more with less’ provided for the transfer of a position and budget for teaching and learning.”

He was actively involved in professional associations and recognized world-wide as an industry innovator and leader in the total analysis and management of physical facilities.  He served as President of APPA: The Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers, served as a member of the APPA Board of Directors, Dean of the APPA Leadership Academy, and received nearly every award available through the association.  He was the first to receive the Rex Dillow Award for outstanding published article, the first Effective and Innovative Practices award recipient for BYU’s CNA Center, the first Award for Excellence awarded to BYU while he was director, the first APPA Fellow, and the first and only recipient of the Distinguished Leadership and Ethics award.  By many, he was referred to as “Mr. APPA.”

Doug’s tireless efforts and successes in his professional career were centered on and motivated by his dedication to the mission of BYU and the LDS Church to perpetuate the fusion of gospel learning and applications in a secular environment.   He was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in numerous leadership callings including the Boy Scouts of America, stake presidencies, bishoprics, high councils, and in each calling he served with the same energy and enthusiasm for which he was known.  While serving as Vice President of Assets for the Utah National Parks Council, he was awarded the Silver Beaver.  He also served as the president of the Provo Kiwanis Club.  His faith was deep and meaningful and he shared his testimony through his humble example and years of selfless service.  He had a strong relationship with the Savior that carried him through his many challenges and continually gave him hope.

He had a gravitational personality; people instantly loved him and counted him as a dear friend.  With a focus always on others, he believed in and valued each and every relationship that he fostered.  He is survived by his wife and eternal companion, Linda, his beloved children, Caryn (Jon) Ashton, Coray (Mindy) Christensen, Camille (Brian) Wengreen, and Cameron (Lori) Christensen, as well as his fourteen grandchildren.  He is also survived by his parents, Keith and Vera Christensen, and siblings Ann (Larry) Goodwin, Catherine (Rod) Cloward, Lynda (Greg) Baldwin, and Steven (Michelle) Christensen.  His memory will live long and his impact will be felt for generations.

There will be a viewing on Friday, August 26, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary, 495 South State Street in Orem, UT, and on Saturday, August 27, from 8:30 AM – 9:45 AM at the LDS Church at 50 East 950 South in Orem, UT.  Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 27, at 10:00 AM at the LDS Church at 50 East 950 South in Orem, UT. Interment will be in the Orem City Cemetery.

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