Obituaries

CHRISTIANSEN, Neal C

Neal Christiansen passed away on November 22, 2022. He was predeceased by an infant son, Dean Michael, and a younger brother, Terry. Neal is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Avona; daughters Kim of Saskatoon, SK and Theresa (Wilf) of Kelowna, BC; grandson Jordan of Vancouver, BC; and brother Dale (Sharon) in Edmonton, AB; along with many nephews and nieces.

Neal was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. His career was spent in the Public Service with the Governments of Saskatchewan, the Yukon Territorial Government in Whitehorse, and the Federal Department of Employment and Immigration. From 1976 until his retirement in 1990, Neal was the Federal Government Representative Counsellor to Okanagan College - KLO Campus.

Athletics were a passion of Neal's, and lastly, he was involved with Robertson slow-pitch until he was 85. Neal was a founding member of the Kelowna Senior Men's Competitive slow pitch league. He played with many medal winning teams throughout Western Canada and the United States. Additionally, Neal never fell off the Canucks bandwagon.

Throughout Neal's career, he was sensitive to those in need. He displayed a subtle graciousness which was combined with a unique blend of wit and charm.

In memory of Neal, should you wish to make a donation, please consider the BC Cancer Agency - Sindi Ahluwalia Hawkins Centre for the Southern Interior, www.bccancer.bc.ca, or the Kelowna SPCA, spca.bc.ca/locations/kelowna, where Neal was a volunteer dog walker for many years.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be sent to the family by visiting Neal's obituary page at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com (or click the direct link with his name in it, just below).

Link: www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/christiansen-neal-c

Condolence Messages

Dec 11, 2022
Avona and family,

Our thoughts are with you during this time of sorrow. Condolences to all. Neal was a great ball player, sincere friend, will miss our coffee chats.

John and Marvin Ewashko

- John Ewashko
Dec 03, 2022
Avona, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you. - Marie West
Nov 30, 2022
Dear Avona, Kim and Kelly

Pat and I met the Christiansen family in Yukon in 1968. We have kept in touch and several years ago met up for coffee in Kelowna with Neal and Avona. It was as if we had seen each other just the other week. Neal continued his gentle, steadfast, supportive ways, and always with a twinkle in his eye. His way of being in the world spoke for him. For he was one of a kind. Rest gently in the knowledge of his love, Avona. Susan and Pat Burns - Susan and Pat Burns
Nov 28, 2022
Avona and family

I am so sorry to hear of Neal's passing. I enjoyed working with Neal, he was always ready to offer a helping hand and was a very gracious man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. - Stacie Osborne
Nov 27, 2022
Such a great guy! Those of us fortunate enough to have worked with Neal years ago knew him as a hardworking, caring man of character and integrity with a quick and lighthearted wit. I'm so glad we were able to reconnect in recent years. I'll miss our conversations ... and laughs. Linda and I are thinking of you Avona and offer our condolences to you and your family.

Bob and Linda - Bob McFarland
Nov 27, 2022
So sorry for your loss. My husband Mel(deceased) and myself played softball with Neil. for many years. He was not only a great ballplayer but a awesome guy. with a heart of gold. Remember all the good memories. - Bev Robertson
Nov 26, 2022
Avona and Family, please accept my condolences on the passing of your beloved father and husband. Neal was a friend, mentor, and supporter of many, both at work and in the community. I will remember him as a kind thoughtful man with a infectious smile.

Linda Cline.
Nov 26, 2022
Dear Avona

Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of your husband, Neal.

Sincerely Rick and Janet Senft
Nov 26, 2022
Dear Avona and Family: My sincere condolences on the passing of Neal. I first met Neal on the Softball Field (of course) And I learned very quickly what a fine gentleman and athlete he was. More importantly he was a class act in so many ways and a fine example to many friends and family . He is Deeply Missed. My Prayers and Thoughts are with you. Brian Tapp - Brian Tapp
Nov 26, 2022
Hi Avona , I’m sorry for your loss. Brad Novikoff
Nov 26, 2022
Dear Avona and family

We are so sorry to hear that you have lost Neal. He was such a wonderful, kind man and a great neighbour. His compassion, wisdom and humour and gentle mannerisms will be remembered and missed very much by all our family. He assisted Gord to enter into the trades many years ago. Our grandchildren were always treated with kindness and welcomed into the yard to play with Jake the dog and Gord and I always enjoyed our interesting conversations when outside in our yards or chatting across the creek..we were blessed as neighbours and friends. Deena and Gord Omeis
Nov 25, 2022
We would like to extend our sincere condolences. As a neighbour for 27 years we remember so many acts of kindness. Thank you Neal.

Nels, Karen and Susan - Susan Larsen
Nov 25, 2022
I’m so sorry for your loss Avona & family. Neil and I worked together for many years and I have many fond memories of working as well as playing baseball with him. He was a kind and gentle soul with a big heart. I’m sure he will be missed. - Ruth Abercrombie
Nov 25, 2022
Dear Avona and family,

So sad to hear of Neal's passing and I am sorry for your loss. I fondly remember Neal as a gentleman and a great ball player. He was the backbone of the U.I C. ball team back in the late 70's. It was a pleasure to know him.

Fred Cave - Fred Cave
Nov 25, 2022
My deepest sympathy Avona. Sending hugs. Liz Finch
Nov 25, 2022
We first met Neal in 1976 at Okangan college. He was a great help to myself and my husband, stuggling to go to college with a young family.

I continued to vist with Neal at his dental visits. He always took such an interest in how we were doing. Neal was truly one of the good guys. - Warren and Barbara Mandau
Nov 25, 2022
Neal was one of those fantastic people , respectful of young and old and always seemed to have such great a outlook on life . He truly made Kelowna a better place to live with the manner he always listened to people and helped them.

I am so glad i had the pleasure to work and play with him. He guided me during my days playing with him on the Federal Beavers .

our thoughts and prayers are with you

Domenic and Lina Rampone - Domenic
Nov 24, 2022
Dear Avon’s and family,

It was such a shock to hear of Neals passing. I worked with him in the U. I. C. and Manpower office. He was kind and thoughtful and always fun to work with. A very nice man. Anne Gilbert
Nov 24, 2022
Dear Avona and family,

I am so sorry to read Neal’s obituary today. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

You were both great friends to my family since we moved to Kelowna in 1970.

Find comfort in knowing he is at peace and watching over you, laughing along with my mom and dad.

Love Donna Noble - Donna Noble
Nov 24, 2022
So sorry for your loss, Avona. It sounds like you had many adventures together in your 66 years of marriage. My thoughts are with you and your family as you grieve and share memories of your special times with Neal. - Donna Rubadeau