Obituary of Donald B. Christopherson

Donald B. Christopherson, 78, of Jamestown, passed away early Sunday morning, October 27, 2019 in his home, following a battle with non-hodgkin's lymphoma. He was the husband of Arlene (Marsh) Christopherson, whom he married July 1, 1967. Don was born November 11, 1940 in Waynesboro, VA, the son of the late Bror F. A. and H. Janette Haynes Christopherson. He was a 1958 graduate of Jamestown High School, received his Associate's degree from Broome Community College and Bachelor's Degree from Empire State College. He also served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1963 to 1965 with time stationed in Germany. A quality control specialist, Don was employed by Marlin Rockwell's Nuclear Division for 15 years, Falconer Metal Specialties for 10 years and then Producto Ring Division until his retirement in 2008. Don was a longtime member of Lakewood United Methodist Church, having joined the church in 1966. He had been a Sunday school teacher for more than 50 years, was a church trustee, sang in the choir, and enjoyed active participation in many church remodeling and building projects, including the church chapel. He was instrumental in the purchase and installation of the church's organ and also belonged to the United Methodist Men. He and his wife helped establish the 'Image Group', one of several groups begun following a marriage encounter weekend and in which they met for over 30 years. A man of many and varied interests, Don helped to begin the Lakewood Odds 'n Ends 4-H Club, during which time he became interested in glass etching, a skill he learned about, taught and eventually judged with 4-H. He was very involved in the JCC Alumni Mystery events that benefitted JCC scholarships and also active in the Ashville Food Pantry. He enjoyed the Hot Air Balloon events in Jamestown from its inception and became a much sought after 'chaser' for participants. Don also enjoyed reading his extensive collection of murder mysteries. An avid golfer, he belonged to many leagues during the years, played probably every course in Chautauqua county, and enjoyed building golf clubs for friends and himself. He was a true nature lover who enjoyed being outside and has been making his own maple syrup for many years. Don liked to be busy and was always working on a project of some kind, at home, for his family and for friends. Additionally, Don and Arlene loved travel and were proud of having visited all 50 United States, as well as having been on numerous cruises and several European trips. Don always brought home a rock from every destination. Along with his wife, Arlene, surviving is a son, Roger Christopherson and two daughters, Ann (James) Cappalino and Karen Christopherson, all of Jamestown; five grandchildren, Brittany (Joseph Bowman), Dakota and Zachary Christopherson, and Colton and Addison Cappalino, all of Jamestown; two great-granddaughters, Leigha and Savannah Bowman, as well as a great-grandson expected this coming May; a sister, A. Diane (Richard) Smith of Stuarts Draft, VA; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Lakewood United Methodist Church. The Rev. Mike Childs will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in the Lind Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Lakewood United Methodist Church, 164 Shadyside Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750.