News
Llama Community Loses an Original Leader
Virginia Christensen, one of ALSA's founding members, died November 5,
at the age of 80. She was at home in Gardnerville, Nevada with her
husband, Dick, visiting with neighbors over coffee and cookies, when she
was struck by a heart attack and died instantly.
After purchasing, with Dick, her first llamas in 1982, Virginia trained
and became one of the original ALSA judges in 1987, was appointed to the
fledgling ALSA board of directors as its secretary, and in turn became
one of the original ALSA clinic instructors. She remained on the ALSA
books as Member #1 for the rest of her life.
For over 20 subsequent years, Virginia judged llamas and alpacas,
trained new judges, presided over the ALSA judges' committee, served as
a tireless volunteer for numerous lama enthusiast groups, wrote
educational articles for a variety of publications, and tended
meticulously to her own llama companions, many of whom still grace the
field behind her home.
This list of accomplishments does little to illustrate the true power of
Virginia's influence in the llama community. Her dedication to strong
ethics and a moral commitment to her unending sense of responsibility
toward the animals who brought her great joy over the years, made her an
inspirational leader to countless people. In addition to ALSA, she
provided expert support and formal work efforts to every major camelid
organization in the country, including ILR, LANA, ILA and RMLA.
In 2006, Virginia was honored by a three-day event in her name, The
Virginia Christensen Classic. At that time, The Virginia Christensen
National Llama Welfare Award was launched, a cash award given to
individuals who work for the welfare of llamas. There have been four
recipients since the award's inception, which will continue in memory of
all Virginia stood for.
Virginia Christensen is survived by her husband Dick, her daughter
Claudia, son Richard, her grandchildren, her cat Toonie, a small herd of
llamas, and an enormous network of close friends.
For more information, contact Gayle Woodsum at CoralDawnNews@aol.com, 307.399.3815.
CAL-ILA and the Board of Directors extends our sympathies to the Christensen family. Virginia will be missed by all.
editor note: No further information as to a memorial or services were available when this was posted.