It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Wiktor Henry Christiansen of Lake Cowichan BC, on August 28, 2018 at the age of 86.
Wiktor was born in Norway on April 16, 1932 , and was the eldest of six children, four sisters and a brother. He came by boat to Canada in 1953 with $20 in his pocket and zero English or contacts. He married Annie Clausen, a fellow Norwegian, in New Westminister BC on April 14, 1961. He became loving stepfather to her 5 children. Wiktor became a serious student of the Bible and was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses Oct., 1975. Because of his love of sharing Bible truths with others he became a full-time minister in the Pemberton, BC area. Wiktor served together with his wife in that capacity for 24 years. During that time, he and his wife created and managed a much-loved ski resort, 'Ski Rainbow', just west of Whistler BC. They relocated to Vancouver Island in the early 80's. They also moved back to Norway for a few years to be closer to their friends and family. Wiktor cared warmly for his wife Annie through her many health challenges until she passed away in 2000.
Wiktor married Gail Dougherty (nee West), on Oct. 26, 2002. They resided in Lake Cowichan, BC, enjoying gardening at their lakeside home for 15 years. Wiktor enjoyed the art of boat building and sailing and was able to continue those hobbies with Gail. Wiktor was lovingly cared for by Gail through the advanced stages of Parkinson's Disease. Though his health declined he never stopped sharing with his neighbours what the Bible really teaches. We remember one of his favourite scriptures, which is a promise held out to all of us by Jehovah God....Revelation 21:4 says, "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will morning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."
Wiktor is survived by his wife Gail and by 1 brother and 4 sisters. Also survived by 9 stepchildren along with their spouses and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his stepson Andor Clausen in July 2018 and step- grandson Darren Wood.
Special thanks to the caring staff at Cowichan District Hospital who helped Wiktor through his final days. A memorial and tea for Wiktor will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses at 1071 Canada Avenue, Duncan BC, on September 22nd at 1:30 pm.