Gayle Robbins Christensen

It is hard to dance without a partner. After five long years of being apart, on March 19, 2026, Gayle Robbins Christensen swept his sweetheart, Huck, into his arms for a long-awaited reunion dance.

Gayle was born October 21, 1933, to Merwin (M.P.) and Prescilla (Robbins) Christensen in Tremonton, Utah. From the beginning, Gayle’s life was filled with music. His mother played the piano by ear and many family gatherings ended with sing alongs. Gayle sang in church choirs, the high school choir, a chorus at USU, a barbershop quartet, and anywhere the music called to him. After he retired, he taught himself to play the guitar, and played and sang in a local country/western band. He loved to dance and was still dancing at 92.

Always a hard worker, Gayle hoed beets, hauled hay and worked at American Foods while attending Bear River High School. After graduation, he briefly attended Utah State University and became a lifelong Aggie fan before he was called to the Army in 1953. Returning from the Army in 1955, he worked at Thiokol (and all subsequent name changes) until he retired.

While attending BRHS, he met his lifelong sweetheart and dance partner, Marlene (Huck) Forsberg. They married in the Logan Temple, June 25, 1954. Just a few days later they left for Fort Hood, Texas with high hopes, lots of love and $7 in their pocket. Despite this challenging start, their marriage lasted for over 67 years until Huck passed way in September of 2021. From just two, their family grew quickly: four children, 12 grandchildren and hordes of great-children. Gayle and Huck enjoyed dancing, camping, fishing, posse rides, family gatherings and time on the porch overlooking the pond. In their later years, the highlight of the week was the “Family Home Evening” trip for lottery tickets and lunch at the Dude Ranch in Malad. They were partners in every sense of the word and Gayle was lost without his Huckleberry.

Part of Gayle’s job at Thiokol was shipping shuttle segments to Florida. He became friends with the owner of the railroad car used to accompany the segments and, after retirement, he and Huck started a new adventure. They rode the rails with the shuttle motors as the handyman and cook for the passenger car. They loved these trips and brought back numerous tales to regale family and friends.

Gayle and Huck’s lives were focused on family, friends, and community. For many decades their calendar was filled with the various activities, games and performances for their kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. When possible, they were there for dance competitions, speeches, recitals, sporting events, musicals, pageants and plays. They enjoyed/endured it all. They were dedicated to traveling, camping, spending time with friends and giving service to their lifelong Bear River Valley community.

Gayle loved his family, his country, music, Pepsi, the outdoors and two special horses, Lady and Dude. He was a member of the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Posse and, following in his father’s hoof prints, served as the drill master for over thirty years. He was patriotic and always sang the national anthem with gusto. It is fitting he passed away at the George C. Wahlen Ogden Veteran’s Home and left the building draped in the flag of the country he loved and served with the haunting notes of “Taps” in the night air.

Gayle was preceded in death by nearly all of his generation, including: his wife, Huck; his parents, M.P. and Prescilla; his in-laws, Joe and Cleo Forsberg; siblings and their spouses, Bert (Pam), Launa (Holden) Brink and Deo (Keith) Johnsen; and siblings-in-law/dear friends Erlyn and Darrell Pitkin and Connie and Dean Andersen.

Gayle is survived by his children (and spouses): Kimilee & Peter (Deceased) Campbell, Corey & Lori (Harris), Ryan & Leanne (Alvey), and Mistee & Michael Udy; as well as dozens of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by numerous extended loved ones; including in-laws, Jack and Melinda Forsberg; devoted nieces, nephews. cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 27, 2026, at 11 A.M. at the Fielding Stake Center (4375 W 15600 N- Garland). Viewings will be held Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 6-8 P.M. at Rudd Funeral Home- Tremonton (111 N 100 E- Tremonton) and prior to the service at the church from 9:30-10:30 A.M. Interment will follow the service in the Riverside Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed and can be accessed below.

Many thanks to friends and family for your love and support and to Bristol Hospice for guiding us through the last days. And, finally, a very special thank you to everyone at the George C. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home. You are forever in our hearts. It is truly a special place filled with special people.

DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT PAN THE CROWD AND THE CAMERA IS FIXED UPON THE PULPIT. WE WILL TRY AND LIVESTREAM THE FUNERAL SERVICE. IF WE ARE UNABLE TO DO SO, DUE TO THE INTERNET SERVICE AT THE CHURCH, A RECORDING WILL BE UPLOADED WITHIN 24-48 HOURS AFTER THE SERVICE.