Benny Ben Roy Christie

Benny “Ben” Roy Christie, 65 was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on July 4, 2013 in Yakima, WA after a courageous 2 year battle with brain cancer. He was born August 7, 1947 to William and Sarah Ruth Christie, the second of 4 children.

He graduated from Davis High in 1966 and married his high school sweetheart, Diana, 4 weeks later. He entered the Army in 1967 and spent all of 1968 serving in Viet Nam. After completion of his service, he worked for his dad at Christie's garage until moving to Puyallup, WA. When Dad's health failed, he and Diana moved back to Yakima to purchase the business that he ran for the next 30 yrs.

In 1982 they excitedly welcomed their 1st son Adam into the family. Micah joined his big brother in 1985. The following years were busy and full with fun times of snowmobiling, fishing, camping and some great family trips. One of Ben's dreams had always been to teach. About 15 Years ago God opened the doors for him to reopen the automotive program at the Flying H Youth Ranch, and he fell in love with his new part-time vocation. A few years later he was asked to teach at Perry Technical and the following year he was hired at Yakima Valley Community College. A couple of years later he sold the business and became head of the Automotive Department at YVCC. He retired in December, 2012.

Ben is survived by his wife of 47 years, Diana; his son, Adam Christie of Yakima; son, Micah Christie, temporarily doing volunteer work in Mongolia; his sister, Willa (Salvador) Godinez of Techaluta, Jalisco Mexico; brother, Ron (Elise) Christie of Kuna, ID; brother, Roger (Sandra) Christie of Federal Way, WA; his mother-in-law, Opal Rose; brother-in-law, Lonnie (Amy) Berkheimer and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Graveside inurnment service will be conducted with full military honors in the West Hills Memorial Park Saturday July 13, 2012 at 9:30 AM.

A Celebration of Ben's life will be held Saturday July 13, 2013 at 11:00 AM in the West Valley Church of the Nazarene located at 72nd and Nob Hill.

Well done, good and faithful servant.