Obituary of Arthur Eric Christensen

Arthur Eric Christensen, Sr., 66 of Guilford passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at Wilson Hospital in Johnson City. He is survived by his wife Linda and his five children and their spouses: Arthur Eric, Jr. and Cari-Ann Christensen of Binghamton, Kimberly Christensen-Lakin and Martin Lakin of South New Berlin, Scott and Tammy Seward of Guilford, Melissa and William Strong of Guilford, and Leif Christensen and Annie Finch of Guilford. He is survived as well by twelve grandchildren: Anika and Tait Christensen, Hunter, Sydney, and Morgan Lakin, Mariah, Chelsea, and Brandon Seward, Shelbi Stewart, Kacey and Taylor Strong, and Landyn Christensen. In addition he is survived by his three siblings and their spouses: Ty and Jean Christensen of North Carolina, Alice (Christensen) and Jim Haskins of Washington, and Katherine (Christensen) and Francis Wildenstein of Guilford. Art was born in East Northport to Arnold and Astrid Christensen of Stokke, Norway and raised on the family farm in Guilford where he happily lived for most of his life. He was a graduate of Mt. Upton Central School and Cornell University. He was a dairy farmer for many years before going into insurance. Art was an avid athlete, enjoying football, softball, and basketball, canoeing, four wheeling, swimming and skating on the family pond. He loved walking the hills on the farm, giving hayrides, and tending his beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. Art was very active in the community as a member and past president of the Mt.Upton Lions Club organizing fundraisers, chicken barbecues, and food drives among other things. He was also a Mt. Upton Central School board member for many years. Art loved his family and friends, loved his farm, loved the Giants, and loved his life. The family would like to thank the staff at Wilson Hospital. The family will receive friends on Sunday afternoon, January 29 from 2 to 4 p.m.at C. H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main Street, Sidney. The funeral will be held Monday, January 30 at 11:00 in the funeral chapel.