Those who were well-acquainted with N. LaVerl Christensen remember him as a man who had a quiet, yet powerful influence over others. That was true in every facet of his life e from his job to his church activities to his civic associations. Active ‘ln may different organizations, Christensen had the ability to give his best efforts to them all. And he had the ability to make every person with whom he came in Contact feel important. “He saw his beloved family through the eyes of a devoted husband and father, for that is what he was,” said longtime friend Clyde Sandgren. “He saw his church through die eyes of a loving bishop, for that is what he was. He saw his country through tl1e eyes of a true patriot, for that is what he was. He saw his friends through the eyes of a true friend for that is what he was. He was all of those things and more. “I-Ie’s one of the great men of our time. I’ve known him for all the years he’s been in Provo, and he’s been a neighbor and a close friend.” Although he was never one to seek it, Christensen gained much recognition because of his love for America and his ability to put words together to generate patriotism. “He was a great American who honored his country, its flag, its Constitution and its beritage,” Sandgren said. Paul Richards, Brigham Young University’s public communications director, said many nights when he would deliver materials to The Daily Herald, Christensen would he in the office alone, busily at work. “Chris was a sensitive, highly commimity-oriented person. I-le was always concemed for others. Even though you could tell be was very busy, he would always stop what he was doing and talk about the events of the day.'” Christensen’s love for his country was evident in all the things he did. He wu an active member of Provo’si American Legion post for many years. “I think his greatest contribution has been his effort in making people aware of the importance of our country and the freedoms that we enjoy,” said former Provo Mayor Verl Dixon, who served in the American Legion with Christensen. “He was a great citizen. He was always helpful in assisting and helping members of the Legion. “He was always there when needed to give support to those who were in need and to strengthen them. He will be greatly missed.” Another Legion acquaintance, Gerald Stoddart, said Christensen had the ability to leave a lasting impression on everyone with whom he came in contact. “I never met anotl1er legionnaire who was so patriotic and so had the deep feeling of the brotherhood of veterans instilled in him. That was an inspiration to every one of us who knew him.” Christensen was always willing to volunteer to help with any task he could, Stoddart said. “Whenever 1aVerl felt there was a need, he immediately busied himself with the accomplishment of fulfilling that particular need.” Robert McDougall, former managing editor of The Daily Herald, remembers Christensen as ”a newsman’s news”When I think of Chris, I think of a gentle, but persistent teacher, and I think of a man who always put other people before himself. He was gentle, but firm and far too patient with those of us who had lesser talent.” Education was always important to Christensen, as was evidenced by many of the columns he wrote. Speaking Monday at the dedication of; the new Provo City Library, fimdraising chairman Max Elliott said, “I would like to recognize N. LaVerl Christensen for his editorials encouraging the people of Provo to get behind the library project and support it.” In his work in the LDS Church, Christensen set an example all could benefit from following. “It was my very real pleasure to work directly under him in the particular part of the work that I had,” said Howard L. Jenson. “I leamed to not only respect the man, but l had a deep I feeling of brotherhood and appreciation for him. “You can get on a fast horse and ride all day and have trouble finding a better man than l.aVerl Christensen? His impact on so many different aspects of the community will be felt for years to come.