Joel Christie, a beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, was surrounded by family during his final days and when he passed peacefully on March 8. A celebration of Joel’s life is tentatively scheduled for June 18 in Pagosa Springs (check hoodmortuary.com for service details).
Joel was born in Indianapolis, Ind., on Aug. 8, 1939, to Joe and Maxine (Flanagan) Christie. Joel grew up in southern California, where he graduated from Burroughs High School. After high school, he joined the United States Air Force, where he worked in intelligence on breaking codes. After leaving the Air Force, Joel pursued a career as a singer, musician and songwriter. Unbeknownst to him, while performing one night, he would meet his future wife, Wanda; in his own words, “that is the woman I am going to marry;” it was love at first sight.
Joel moved to Pagosa Springs in the late 1970s and truly that is where his heart resided.
Through his professional music career, Joel had a record contract with Imperial Records, a writing contract with Motown Records, was a cast member of the musical play “Hair,” traveled the country performing with his band the Cosmic Travelers, was a member of Lee Michael’s band, performed with his band Zoomin Noomin in Pagosa Springs and in many surrounding towns. Joel’s music was his passion and he loved performing.
Most of all, he loved his family and held them dear to his heart. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports, watching football with his son and his grandchildren, and spending time with his family. Joel was an incredible man who was very loving, kind and had a beautiful soul.
Joel is survived by his son, Shawn (Sue) Christie; grandchildren Erica (Mitchell Ortiz), Damon (Audrey Casarez), Carah, Braden and Louden; a great-granddaughter soon to arrive from Erica and Mo; his former spouse, Wanda Christie; and sister Francine Hubbard. Joel was also a loving father to two stepdaughters: Lyla (Peter) Madrid; Susie (Gerard) Gallegos; and six grandchildren: Angela (Rico) Montoya, Peter Jr. (Jamie Currie), Michael, and Marisa Madrid, Derek and Micaela Bell, and Brandon Charles; great-grandchildren: Averie Lynch, Devan, Keenan and Mason Montoya, Zachary Olson, Trinity Short, Kruz Madrid; niece and nephews Rob, Donna and Dean; and many other extended family and close friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Charles Erdman; grandson Adam Christie; and great-granddaughter, Sophie.
