Evan Dykes Christensen Jr.

Evan Dykes Christensen, Jr. - known to everyone as Dykes - passed away on July 11, 2025 at the age of 87. He was born on April 11, 1938 in Ephraim, Utah to Evan Dykes Christensen, Sr. and Virginia Crawford Christensen, the oldest of six children. 

Growing up near Layton, Utah, Dykes spent his youth working on his family’s orchard and raising rabbits. He played trombone in the high school band and was a member of the rifle club. Throughout his life, he pursued a wide variety of hobbies, including scuba diving, spear fishing, motorcycle riding, hunting, skiing, welding, repairing cars, and building model airplanes. An early technology enthusiast, Dykes taught himself how to build and program computers in the 1970’s, and he built the family TV from Heathkit. 

From childhood, Dykes dreamed of becoming a pilot. After graduating from high school in 1956, he took flying lessons and served with the Civil Air Patrol before earning his pilot's license. His passion for aviation, coupled with his aptitude for math and science, led him to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Utah. He worked in the aerospace industry for much of his career, eventually retiring from the Boeing Company.

Ever the engineer, he was never without his trusty pocket protector, always tinkering, experimenting, fixing, and creating. Following retirement, Dykes surprised everyone with his newfound affinity for loom knitting, quickly becoming proficient at fashioning blankets, hats, bags, socks, and shoe cozies. 

Dykes was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He spent two years as a missionary in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and found great satisfaction in serving others. Friends and neighbors knew they could always count on Dykes to show up and lend a hand when needed. He was very active with the Boy Scouts of America and was an avid hiker well into his seventies. 

Dykes is survived by his wife of 54 years, Nancy; his five children, Nate (Elizabeth) Christensen, Emily (Ean) Paget, Tom (Alise) Christensen, Liz Turner, and Ken Christensen (Stephanie Ingersoll); and ten grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Ray, Chris (Pam), and Jan (Lynda) Christensen. Dykes was preceded in death by his parents, his brother David, and his beloved little sister Ann. 

A memorial service for Dykes will be held on Friday, August 15 at 11am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1820 F Street, Auburn, Washington, 98002. All are welcome.