Obituary of Hans P. B. Christensen

Hans Peder Bank Christensen, age 88, of Lakewood, passed away July 4th, 2020, at Heritage Green Rehabilitation Center. Hans was born and raised in Copenhagen, Denmark. He was a member of the Danish Royal Guard of King Frederick IX of Denmark. After graduating from the University of Copenhagen, he emigrated to the U.S. in 1954. He served as an interpreter in the U.S. Army from 1955-1957. Hans graduated with a master's degree from Rutgers University's Stonier Graduate School of Banking. In 1958, he began a 27-year banking career at First National Bank of Jamestown where he rose to vice president, and later to senior vice president at Key Bank, and Norstar Bank. Hans was actively and enthusiastically involved in many community and civic organizations. He served as past president of the Kiwanis Club of Lakewood; and was a member of the American Institute of Banking; Lakewood Chamber of Commerce; Village of Lakewood Trustee; American Heart Association of Southwestern New York; CASAC; Jamestown Automobile Club; and served on the board of the Lucile M. Wright Air Museum. Other memberships include: the Fenton Historical Society, Lakewood Memorial VFW Post, YMCA, Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History, Audubon Community Nature Center, Sportsmen's Club, Moon Brook Country Club, Town Club of Jamestown, Lakewood Rod & Gun Club, and the Ellicottville Ski Club. Hans was proud of his Danish heritage and fluent in several languages. His love of travel took him to many destinations throughout the U.S. and Europe. He was a ski enthusiast, bridge player, and avid tennis player and could spend hours endlessly watching tennis matches. He enjoyed nature, birdwatching, hiking, history, classical music, ballet, and opera. Hans will be remembered by his family and friends for his great kindness and fun- loving nature. He is survived by his wife Gerda Christensen of Lakewood; two sons Peter Christensen of New York City; Chris Christensen of Saint Petersburg, Russia; and two granddaughters Clara-Petra and Rose-Fabian Christensen of Brussels, Belgium. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Heritage Green for their loving care. A private family service will be held. Visitations will not be observed. Donations in Hans' memory may be made to the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. Condolences may be sent to the family at lindfuneralhome.com.