David Christison of Charlotte, N.C., a former Westport resident, died at home on Feb. 15. He was 95.
David Christison: former Westporter. Contributed photo
Born in Methuen, Mass., on July 29, 1920, he was the son of Hugh and Grace. He grew up in Methuen, attended Methuen High School and went to Hebron Academy, graduating in 1937 and MIT graduating with a BS (1942) and MS (1943).
Before graduating from MIT, he was offered a couple of positions which he turned down to continue research in the chemical warfare department at MIT. After graduating he was employed with and retired from Socony (Mobil Oil) in the International Division and lived a short time in Woodbury, N.J.
He was a graduate of MIT’s Sloan program (1958). In 1960 he and his young family were relocated to England for two years. Upon their return, they settled in Westport for 23 years before retiring to Skidaway Island in Savannah, Ga., where he pursued his avid love of golf.
He took his family skiing all over New England and Colorado before building a vacation home in Quechee, Vt. David and Mardie moved to The Cypress in Charlotte, N.C. in 1998 and enjoyed trips to the mountains, theater and concerts.
In 2008, he married Margaret (Pat) Dick whom he had known at Methuen High School 80 years earlier. They enjoyed trips to Maine to visit her children and grandchildren. They celebrated their seventh anniversary last August.
He was predeceased by his first wife of 64 years, Margaret (Mardie) Zabriskie, a baby son Gary, son Glenn, sister Louise Kelsey, and brothers Hugh and John. He is survived by daughter Sally Quinn and fiance Kevin Graveline of Nashua, N.H.; daughter-in-law Julie (Wryk), three granddaughters Alison, Katherine and Emily of Virginia Beach, Va.; wife Pat (Dick) and her children Anne (Gordon) Grimes of Maine, Jeffrey of Maine, Terry (Jane) of Texas; nieces Jennifer Kelsey of Connecticut, Joan Christison (Frank) Lagay, Martha of Georgia and nephews Michael of Georgia and Steve (Jane) of Tennessee. He also leaves many nieces and nephews in New York and California. Burial will be in Methuen at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice in Charlotte.
