This world lost a benevolent soul when Kemp Christian passed peacefully, yet unexpectedly, on January 15, 2017 at his home in Ruidoso, New Mexico.
Kemp George was born to Laura Teresa and Kemp C. Christian, Jr. on March 26, 1943 in Phoenix, AZ. He was raised in Coronado, CA, attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and Coronado High School, graduated from Point Loma High School, and obtained his AA degree from San Diego City College. His passion for literature and learning developed in these early years as he enjoyed carefree days on Center Beach and many vacations at the family’s compound in the Catskill Mountains of New York.
Although both of his grandfathers were Naval admirals, and his father a Lt. Commander, Kemp chose to serve in the Marines after high school. After his honorable discharge in 1964, he entered the world of sales, married, and had two daughters.
In the 1970s he obtained his General Contractor license and established Kemp Christian Construction as a design/build contractor. His honesty and integrity gained him numerous loyal customers. There are many streets in Coronado that bear testament to his craftsmanship. He continued his education and became a Real Estate Broker and Certified General Appraiser. Ever the warrior, he actively engaged in the political process as a champion for property rights.
Kemp and Terry met in 1981 and were married on June 26, 1982 as he warmly welcomed her four children into his life. Family vacations were often spent at their campo near San Felipe, Baja California. In 1991, Kemp and Terry moved to the Rising Sun Ranch in Alpine, CA. As the ranch hosted weddings, reunions and holiday celebrations for family and friends, Kemp honed his culinary skills and still found time to serve in the Alpine Optimist Club receiving the Distinguished President award. He also worked on behalf of children, spearheading the creation of the Alpine School Foundation.
A stroke of luck brought the couple to Ruidoso, New Mexico and they purchased the iconic Dan Dee Cabins in 2003. Kemp’s friendly persona and financial acumen contributed to the successful continuation of the business first established in 1938. As part of a close lodging community, Kemp applied his passion, intellect, and mediation skills to community affairs.
Throughout his time on earth, Kemp showed those around him how a positive attitude, an appetite for learning, and a kind heart could lead to a life full of opportunities and loving relationships. Kemp is survived by his soulmate and wife of 35 years, Terry; his beautiful daughters, Donna and Heather (Tim); his devoted stepchildren Bradshaw, Bridget (Paul), Bryan (Erin), and Brandon; 10 grandchildren; his beloved sister Valerie (Jim), nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of dedicated friends.
For more information, to sign the Guestbook and/or share memories, please visit www.lagroneruidoso.com and http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/KempChristian/Homepage.aspx
There will be a Memorial Luncheon in Kemp’s honor on Saturday, April 1, 2017, from 12:30PM to 2:30PM at the Coronado Bayside Grill, 2000 Visalia Row.
RSVP: [email protected] or 619.647.6479.
“If in the twilight of memory we should meet once more, we shall speak again together. And if our hands should meet in another dream we shall build another tower in the sky.” The Prophet, Kahlil Gibran
