Russell James Christensen's Obituary
Russell James Christensen
05/08/1957 - 12/07/2025
Russell James Christensen was born 8 May 1957 in Muenchweiler, West Germany, to Hubert and Marilyn Christensen while Hugh was in the US Army. The family returned to Chula Vista when Russ was about 2 months old, where he lived until he moved into the dormitory at San Diego State University. Russ earned his Eagle Scout in Chula Vista in 1971. Russ earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1980, and his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1983, both from SDSU. His master’s degree projects were Digital Design and Computer Systems Design, which became his life’s work.
Russ was a devoted husband to his wife of 47 years. He and Nancy Roush were married on 14 of July 1979 in Chula Vista. The family moved to Ramona in 1992. Russ and Nancy are the parents of two children, Brandon, aged 42, and Heather, aged 38. Russ volunteered with each of the activities his family became involved with: Scouting, 4H, Ramona High Show Choir, Ramona Santana Riders, San Diego Field Ornithologists and the Ramona Junior Fair. Even after the children were grown and independent, Russ continued to volunteer with the Junior Fair where he provided computer support, and with Scouting, where he was active with an Aviation Explorer Post in Ramona, and with the Eagle Scout Alumni Association. Russ also supported the interests of his wife, especially birding. He became a very experienced SOB (Spouse of Birder) and traveled with Nancy on many bird-watching adventures.
Professionally, Russ was part of the digital world. Throughout his career he was involved with leading-edge technology, helping to design and produce many new products. He was a very early MacIntosh programmer, before that product was announced publicly. He helped a company with very early electric car development, digital video devices, digital high-speed cameras, and later, navigation systems in cars. Russ always took joy in the challenge of bringing a new idea to life.
Russ passed away in the hospital on 7 Dec 2025. He had battled stage 4 lung cancer for almost 2 years, though he had never smoked a single day in his life. Russ was a cancer survivor for 47 years. He had been diagnosed with a rare cancer in August of 1979 and was given only 3 months to live. He was treated with experimental drugs, which thankfully were successful. That cancer affected his life in several ways, the most important of which was his attitude: every day was a blessing, and finding happiness was the order of the day. Russ touched the lives of hundreds of people and was a living example of all that is good in this world. He will be deeply missed.
Russ is survived by his mother, Mariyln; his wife, Nancy; his son Brandon and his wife Elli; his daughter, Heather and her husband Jess; and two precious grandsons, Archer and Jack. He is also survived by his two younger brothers, Raymond and Richard.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Support Cancer Care at Scripp’s https://donate.scripps.org/giving/cancer-care . Please check with your employer for a possible matching
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