Richard James Christie was born on July 19, 1926 in Shenandoah, Iowa, the son of Clarence Elmer and Bertha Thelma (Clayton) Christie. Dick entered into eternal rest on October 20, 2011 in Omaha, Nebraska.
Dick was raised in the community of Shenandoah. He graduated from Shenandoah High School with the Class of 1944. Following high school he enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country with pride. He was honorably discharge in 1946. He attended college at Omaha University and graduated in 1951 with a bachelors degree. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1951. He later went on to complete his Masters Degree.
On December 27, 1968 he was united in marriage to Deloris Laschansky in St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Millard, Nebraska. The couple made their home in Omaha and Council Bluffs before returning to Shenandoah. The couple was blessed with 42 years of marriage.
During his working years Dick worked for Bellevue High School where he coached football and basketball. Dick was best known for his career at Omaha Technical High School. He served as the head football coach from 1958-1970, with an impressive record of 79-39-3. He also served as the head track coach from 1955-1958. He was responsible for implementing the "Dutch White Relays", which through the 1960's were one of the top track meets in Nebraska. He was also Tech High's first golf coach and also coached swimming. Dick was made Athletic Director in 1971. During his tenure he was responsible for developing the girls athletic program. The number of young men and women who developed from his leadership can't be measured. He was inducted to the Tech High Hall of Fame in 2001. He also served Tech High as an Assistant Principal.
Dick was a member of the American Legion and the Elks Club in Shenandoah. He enjoyed golfing, woodworking, oil painting, and tending to his flowers. He was a loving husband and a dear friend to many people.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Ardythe Boehner and husband Bill, son Richard and daughter Markalynn. Those left to honor his memory include his wife Deloris, brother Keith Christie and wife Eloise, nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.