Obituary of Andy Christensen

Lake George: Andy Christensen, 86, a longtime resident of Lake George and former owner of Cresthaven Motel, passed away Saturday, February 1, 2014 at his daughter’s home in Warrensburg, surrounded by loved ones. Born February 21, 1927 in Hoosick Falls, he was the son of the late Andrew and Edna (Eagle) Christensen. Andy enlisted in the Unites States Navy in January 1945, serving his country aboard the USS Portsmouth and the USS Tangier during WWII in the North Atlantic, before his honorable discharge in July 1946. On June 30, 1950, he married Joyce Riley of Bennington, VT, this was the start to a loving union, lasting more than 63 years. The couple owned and operated a service station in Pittstown for several years and was the former owner of the Cresthaven Motel in Lake George, which they owned and operated for over 20 years. Andy was always a hard worker, driving a school bus for both, Brittonkill and Lake George Central Schools, as well as a fuel truck for Sinclair Oil and the fire trucks for the Pittstown Fire Company. He was a member of the Lake George Chamber of Commerce and the Lake George Motor Court Association, and an active and valued member, past commander, and house manager of the Lake George American Legion Post 374. Andy loved the outdoors, fishing and hunting at his favorite place, the family camp in Speculator. He had many talents, such as carpentry, which he used to expand the property at Cresthaven, as well as other local motels and businesses. He enjoyed being a troop leader for Boy Scout/Explorer Troop 82 while living in Pittstown, and upon his retirement, spending winters in Florida with his beloved wife. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Christensen; his daughter, Sandra Pennock and her husband, Edward, all of Warrensburg; his sons, Andrew Christensen and his wife, Maureen of West Winfield, and Mark Christensen of Gowanda; five grandchildren, Philip and Emily Christensen, Ashleigh and Camille Taylor, and Brittany Pennock. Friends may call on Andy’s family from 5 to 8 pm, Thursday, February 6, 2014 at Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main Street, Warrensburg. A funeral service will be celebrated at 10 am, Friday, at the funeral home, with Sister Linda Hogan, Parish Life Director of St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church, officiating. Burial will full military honors will take place at noon, Friday, at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, in Schuylerville. Andy’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Kelly, Bonnie and Lori and also the nurses with High Peaks Hospice for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations in Andy’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or donate online at www.woundedwarriorproject.com/donate. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guest book, condolences, and directions.