My Friend (Our Friend) Jeff Christie Passes
 

I just learned that fellow PGCA member and good friend to many of us here, Jeff Christie, passed on June 2, 2025.

I first met Jeff, as many of our PGCA friendships begin, through the Forum, he sending me PMs about posts Elaine and I made from our trips to Northern Minnesota. A few phone calls more and we arranged to meet in those hallowed haunts of the Northwoods. We shared some coverts with Jeff, and there began a friendship that lasted for years.

From Jeff I learned about his family Parker and his connections to Southern Iowa where we hunt quail and his family had connections. He and his wonderful wife, Bernadette, had us come to their home on the lake to visit when we were doing research on Fred Gilbert's L. C. Smith in Dickinson County, where he lived. I came home from that trip with a couple of extraordinary books about Southern Iowa that I still treasure today.

When Jeff found out that I had cancer, he made it a habit to check on me and my welfare. His own experience, and his encouragement, helped me through some tough times. Just before he died, in a phone conversation with Elaine, we vowed to have a good "sit down" breakfast call to catch up on life. Sadly, that never happened.

I'm certainly richer for my friendship with Jeff. My condolences to his wife and family...and to those members here that knew Jeff as a friend.

I'm attaching his obituary, and a photo of Jeff (he's on the left) from our rendezvous October lunch in Squaw Lake, MN (2018).

I will miss him.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries...ry?id=58551049

Here's the photo:

Sorry to hear of this Garry. My condolences to the family.

Sorry to hear this news. Jeff and I corresponded some years ago, as he was stationed in Savannah back in the day.

I’m in shock.
I spoke with Jeff about 2 months ago and we compared our situations.
He wanted me to call him so he could keep track of how my treatment was going.
I’m at a loss - hollow inside - I wish I could have met him.

I think I know something of what you feel, Clark. I’m sorry you did not get to speak with Jeff again. What great support and encouragement he provided us.

What a resume he has. I'm sorry I didn't meet him.

Garry as usual you provided all of us with not only an obituary but also a tribute and a great one
Glad you had a relationship with him and Squaw Lake is where we also met
As Bill Murphy said what A resume'Thanks for sharing this

Garry, Wonderful to see great men share a friendship and be part of a brotherhood. My heart hurts for you. Be well.

Garry, I so feel your pain! I lost my lifetime friend, mentor and hunting partner earlier this year.
I won't live long enough to develop another friendship on that level.

Matt Buckley and I had the opportunity to visit with Jeff at his Classic lake home a couple of times. We told hunting stories, talked Parker talk and generally had a good time. We always looked forward to our next visit. I was pleased to have known him. i will miss those visits.

RIP Jeff - sincere condolences to his damklg.






.

Thanks, Joe. I hope Elaine and I get to see you -- and your pups -- this Fall in the Northwoods.

Todd, I'm so sorry for your loss, and I understand what a friendship like that which you describe can mean.

I realize lots of good comes with the perspective of age, but losing friends is not one of the benefits.

My best to you.

Jim, I'm wondering if Jeff told you about the Parker that a fell into the harbor during his stay in Japan? I'm not sure I remember all of the details, but it was quite the tale.

I don"t recall the Parker in the harbor story. It sounds like one that needs to be told.

I am without words, Jeff and I traveled the same road with Prostate Cancer, we would notify each other about our checkups, and always had each other in prayers. I never met the man, but he was a good friend and he will be missed, What was the cause of his death? Gary