Lawrence "Dude" Burningham Christensen

Lawrence “Dude” Burningham Christensen was born March 11, 1930, as the only child of Laurence E. “Pop” & Vera “Mom” Elizabeth Burningham Christensen. He passed away on March 19, 2026, a short time after his 96th birthday. He spent the evening surrounded by loved ones, sharing in happy moments and memories, and not missing the chance to crack a few jokes before peacefully passing away.

As an infant he didn’t crawl on his hands and knees, rather on his hands and feet, his aunt exclaimed he looked like a doodlebug as he tried to crawl, and that nickname stuck and eventually became the name we all knew him by . . Dude. Much of his childhood was spent enjoying and learning about the natural world around him, he had a profound love of the outdoors that began in childhood on the hills hunting, foraging, observing, imagining and simply being a part of this wild world. The mountains above Bountiful were a part of his soul, and as someone once said he was like a ‘mountain goat’ traversing those hills.

He married Betty June Sessions on August 4, 1950, and together they raised their 5 children in Bountiful. He remained close to all his children throughout their lives, still having weekly breakfast dates with them as long as they were able. So cherished are the memories of him taking them camping and fishing and enjoying the outdoors.

He owned and operated a family asphalt paving business and as such he has left a bit of his legacy in many of the driveways and parking lots that are in Davis County.

To describe him as a man of many talents is not enough. He was an avid fly fisherman who tied his own intricate flies, an accomplished archer who designed and created his own bows and held patents on designs for arrowheads, a picture of health and fitness throughout his life as a body builder, he played the guitar and studied a variety of subjects simply out of curiosity and a joy for learning. He went through the world in such a way that he was a creator, not simply an observer, he often engineered tools for specific jobs and was always finding new and inventive ways to reimagine things around him.

He likewise had a mind of an artist and saw the world through eyes of wonder and beauty and had the amazing ability to turn that wonder in to the most beautiful oil paintings that grace the walls of many homes of loved ones.

He has too many lifelong friends to name, but they know who they are, and they know how much they meant to him, many of them could be found at local cafes sipping coffee alongside him over the years. His quick wit and clever jokes will not be forgotten by any of those sitting across the table from him nor the waitresses serving him. He is truly a legend in these parts.

His love of the outdoors was fondly shared with and passed on to generations of his family. Many of the most cherished memories of loved ones are with him while camping, hunting, hiking, slowing down to take in the scenery and simply picking up beautiful rocks and pieces of wood for grandma along the way.

His legacy will live on through many of his accomplishments and hobbies that have left an indelible mark on those they touched, but his true legacy is his family. More than just his children feel a bond with him as a father, and his greatest joy in life were those relationships he had with each and every one of his loved ones. He was grandfather to 21 grandchildren who will miss him terribly as he was a magical kind of grandpa, he lit up with delight at the sight of each one every time he got to see them, and the memories that he created will live on with each of them. He was always ready to brighten a mood, to lift a spirit, offer a pun, to crack a clever joke and to laugh at his own. His joy and laughter, quick wit and love will be missed by all who had the privilege of enjoying him.

He is preceded in death by his wife Betty, Son Harvey Ray “Skip” Larsen, Son Larry (Bobbi) Christensen, Son Roger (Karen) Christensen, and his sweetheart Velma Hallman.

He is survived by his children Robert Dennis “Denny” (Vicki) Larsen, Jill (Chuck) Sperry, 21 Grandchildren, 44 Great Grandchildren, 18 Great Great Grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Bountiful City Cemetery, 2224 South 200 West, Bountiful, Utah. Viewings will be held at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main Street, Bountiful, Utah, on Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m., and Saturday morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to services.