David Leo Christensen, 63, passed away after a long battle with life. He was a fierce warrior and fought hard. David was a husband, son, brother, uncle, friend and a fierce quilter. This man was truly loved by so many and all he touched. David was born in Olympia, Wash., to Donald and Jean Christensen, who precedes him in death.
He is survived by his husband, William (Bill) Sexsmith; sisters, Carol Jennum, Karen Birch and Donna Edwards; brother, Mark Christensen and their spouses; lots of nieces and nephews; and 10 great-nieces and great-nephews.
David went to elementary school in a four room schoolhouse in Bucoda, Wash., until it was torn down, forcing him to finish school years in Centralia, Wash., where he graduated in 1974. He then went on to work for PayLess for several years, which moved him to Oregon and California for most of his life. David returned to his home town in the early 1990s, where he dedicated 10 years volunteering for the United Community AIDS Network for the Speakers’ Bureau on AIDS awareness. He told his story to gymnasiums full of high school teens and colleges across the state. David completed a quilt that was added to the Names Project. The quilt is still traveling the world today.
In the late 1990s, he met the one he had been looking for his whole life. Bill and Dave spent the last 20 years together, almost to the day. Both of them were familiar with the sewing machine and competed quilting with each other. David eventually won. He became a well known quilter, teacher and judge. David was active with quilters of all levels and left everyone inspired to be the best.
A celebration of life will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., May 18, 2019, at the Tenino Quarry House, 149 Hodgden St. S, Tenino, Wash 98589. Please bring your favorite dessert to share. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Pierce County AIDS Foundation, PCAF, 2101 4th Ave E, #103, Olympia, WA 98506.
"Safe journey, our sweet man."
