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 years.
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 restart 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 Tech and the following year he was hired at Yakima Valley Community College. After selling his business, he became head of the Automotive Department at YVCC, retiring in Dec. 2012. He was a hard working man of God, respected by all who knew him.