Bruce Haylor Christiansen, age 59, died accidentally at his residence, 13100 Hill Road, Waterford, PA, on Monday, February 2, 2015. Born May 4, 1955 in Hancock, Massachusetts, he was the son of Charles Christiansen and Geraldine Conklin Christiansen Jassak.

Christiansen, Bruce HaylorBruce moved to Erie after graduating from Paul Smiths College with a degree in forestry in 1975. He was eventually hired as a lineman by Penelec and worked his way through numerous positions, retiring in 2010 as supervisor for the Meadville district after 27 years of service.

He enjoyed watching his girls grow up, spending every weekend in the summer camping at the KOA in Meadville. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and farming. A born farmer growing up, he was known in the neighborhood for finding every wet hole in the field to get a tractor stuck. The neighbors made a habit of looking to see if, and where, Bruce had the equipment stuck now.

Bruce enjoyed farming so much that after retiring from Penelec he decided to work for Troyer Land Resources driving trucks, loading potatoes, corn and soybean. He was also known to give his wife Linda a hand at the Riverside Golf Course when she had big tournaments and needed help parking golf carts.

By far his best times over the last few years were spent watching the grandbabies grow up, and showing them the kitties, baby chicks and calves in the barn. Pappa needed help with chores and they were always up to the task.

Bruce was a dedicated pheresis donor at the Community Blood Bank, faithfully donating every two weeks for the last 35 years. He was their highest donor with 128 gallons to his credit. Because of his passion for this adopted family and their mission at the Blood Bank, the family requests memorials be made to the Community Blood Bank, whether in the form of monetary donations or a pint of blood in his name.

Family members include his wife, Linda Albrecht Christiansen, whom he married on May 24, 1980; his daughters- Chelsea Christiansen of Cambridge Springs and Kendra Christiansen, at home; grand-daughters- Ava and Haylee Allen; his mother Geraldine Christiansen Jassak and his step-father – Edwin Jassak of McKean; his brothers- Charles Christiansen (Joanne), Pittsfield Massachusetts and Joe Jassak (Lisa), Winnette, Montana; his sister– Karen Cooper (Dick), Waterford; step-brother– Dave Jassak (Patty), McKean; and step-sisters– Debbie Croff New York, Jean Giese (Bill), Erie, and Judy Burks, New York. Bruce’s father, Charles Christiansen preceded him in death.

Memorials may be made to the Erie Community Blood Bank, 2646 Peach Street, Erie, 16508. The family is not planning any services.