Rocky, 59, died suddenly and unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 27. He was a fisherman, merchant marine, & captain of the F/Vs Kiska and Candida Dawn C.

Rocky was a bear hunter and subsistence provider.

He was born to Ralph and Florence Christiansen of Old Harbor on November 21, 1954. He was raised by his grandparents Larry and Martha Matfay.

Rocky was a kind and generous man; a one-of-a-kind and a special man. He loved the outdoors, the ocean, the island, and his home in Old Harbor. He met and befriended many people in his life.

Rocky met his wife, Tilly at the Kodiak High School. They were married May 17, 1976. His wife, Tilly, said that he was a “number one husband, father, and grandfather.”

“We love you always and forever.” — Tilly

Rocky and Tilly had three children; Candida Estrada, Phoebe Oleksa, and Rocky Christiansen Jr. (“Rocky 2”).

“My father taught about the subsistence way of living. His teachings and passing of knowledge on to me was not finished. I will miss him and never forget him.” — Rocky 2

My Dad, My Guiding Light

Dad, you’re like the sun to me, always there, always, shining, a beaming light and warmth on my life.

All that is good in me today

I owe to you, your wisdom, your knowledge, your guidance.

You’ve taught me as a role model.

How to be my own person,

How to believe in myself,

How to be a strong person,

How to not give up when things are hard.

You have to work for what you want in life.

Even when we disagreed, our bond was never broken.

I understand what you did for me.

I am so grateful for all you’ve done for me.

I have you as my solid foundation.

I respect and look up to you and love you lots.

For you are my dad, my guiding light.

— Phoebe Oleksa

“My father had a heart of gold and he will be dearly missed. Until we meet again.”

— Candy Estrada

Rocky was the #1 son.

Rocky was preceded in death by his dad, Ralph Christiansen and grandparents Larry and Martha Matfay; brothers, Jerry, Tim, and Wesley Christiansen; sister, Doreen Heine. He is survived by his wife, Tilly Christiansen; daughter and son in-law, Candida and Rey Estrada; Son in-law, Edward Reft; daughter and son in-law, Phoebe and John Oleksa; Son, David (“Rocky 2”) Christiansen Jr.; grandchildren, Connor, Kane, and Cairone Reft; Joshua and Anthony Oleksa; mother, Florence Pestrikoff; sister, Lydia Rozelle; sister, Donna Nakasone; sister, Rhoda Johnson; sister Tanya Storms; sister, Lori Harford.

John 14:1