Michael Christian died on Jan. 25, caused by cancer at the age of 71. He was born March 14, 1941, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, of Cecil and Willie Christian. In 1962 he joined the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam as a green beret. Following his discharge with honors he joined the U.S. Department of Commerce—National Oceanic Atmosphere Administration, appointed as a special agent for the National Fisheries Service. He served for a total of 31 years in Seattle, Washington, and in the District of Columbia area prior to accepting an assignment in 1978 to the U.S. Virgin Islands, where he served for 19 years.
Michael met his wife while serving in the Philippines, and he brought her and her two daughters to the United States in 1963. Michael loved to share his love of scuba diving with friends and family cruising through the Caribbean on his sail boat and motor cruiser. He retired in 1999. He was a member of the Navy League and the V.I. Fish and Game Club.
His Memorial Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 10, at Nazareth By the Sea, which is located at Inspiration Hall at Paradise Cove on Ridge Road. (Paradise Cove is on the site of the previous Sea Horse Cottages.)
He is survived by his wife, Rolinda Foster Christian; daughters: Veronica Hunt of Louisiana and Teresita Foley of N.Y.; son-in laws: Howard Hunt and Keenan Foley; grandchildren: Crystal Hunt, Nathan and Christian Foley; and brother, Kim Christian of Arizona.
In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution the V.I. American Cancer Society in Michael’s name.
