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Juan Tomas Christian ’73, MAT ’76

A picture of Juan Christian

Juan Tomas Christian ’73, MAT ’76, October 26, 2009, at home in Battle Ground, Washington, from cancer. Juan was born in Cintalapa, Mexico, and lived his adult life in Battle Ground. He received both a BA and an MAT from Reed in general literature and taught in the Battle Ground School District for 30 years. Juan started the advanced placement program in literature at Prairie High School, and was recognized posthumously as one of the school district's 100 heroes for his commitment to his students. “To those fortunate enough to find 50 minutes of daily solace in his Advanced Placement, Creative Writing or Introductory English classes, Juan Christian imparted knowledge, challenged, encouraged (subtly and sometimes not-so-subtly), insulted, questioned and, above all else, taught,” wrote one former student. He excelled in woodworking-receiving prizes for his furniture-and enjoyed fly-fishing and golf. Survivors include his wife, Marcia Gipson Christian, a son, two daughters, six grandchildren, and three brothers.

Appeared in Reed magazine: September 2010

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