Dr. Denny E. Christman, beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, veterinarian, adventurer, and lifelong seeker of joy, died on September 20, 2026, surrounded by the love of the family he treasured. He was 74.

Denny lived his life with an extraordinary sense of curiosity and possibility. His eyes sparkled, his smile lit up a room, and he had a way of making the people around him believe that life was meant to be fully lived. He was the ultimate joy seeker. He had no ego. He always saw the best in others.

Denny grew up in Seattle’s Laurelhurst neighborhood with his brother, Gary Christman, and sister, Beverly Riedinger, and their parents, Marvin and Betty Christman. He attended Roosevelt High School, where he met the love of his life, Andrea Bean. He then attended the University of Washington, where he became involved with Young Life and served as a leader and mentor to local high school students, before earning his veterinary degree from Washington State University. Denny and Andrea raised their two children, Julia and Andrew, in Port Orchard, Washington.

Denny built a thriving veterinary practice in partnership with Dr. Pete Holt at Kitsap Veterinary Hospital, dedicating his professional life to caring for animals and the people who loved them. In 1984, Dr. Holt and Dr. Christman broke ground on a new modern hospital in the community, which continues to provide comprehensive medical and surgical care today. Over the course of his career, he touched countless lives. For Denny, being a veterinarian was more than a profession; it reflected who he was—intelligent, compassionate, generous, endlessly curious, and deeply caring.

That generosity extended far beyond his veterinary work. Denny believed in showing up for his community and gave his time freely throughout his life. He served as President and was a member of the Port Orchard Rotary Club for more than 30 years, volunteered with the South Kitsap School District on school curriculum, and supported numerous community and nonprofit organizations that supported youth sports, animal welfare and education. These were just some of the many ways Denny quietly gave his time, energy, and encouragement to others. Service was never something he sought recognition for; it was simply part of who he was.

At the center of Denny’s life was his great love, Andrea. Their story began when they were just 16 and 17 years old. High school sweethearts, they went on to build a beautiful life and family together. Their enduring love showed their children what it meant to truly choose and love another person through a lifetime. Theirs was the kind of love story that inspired those around them to believe that great love was possible.

As a father, Denny made his children believe they were capable of anything. He taught them to be strong, kind, humble, honest, generous, curious, adventurous, caring, and accepting of all people.

Denny brought that same sense of possibility to his adventures. He climbed mountains, skied the tallest peaks, water-skied, and biked across state and country lines—always eager to experience what might be around the next corner.

Denny is survived by his wife, Andrea Christman; his children, Julia Christman and Andrew Christman; and his grandchildren, Tyler Christman, Isaac Diamond, and Stella Diamond. He will especially be missed by his beloved labrador Jon Boy.

Alzheimer’s disease eventually took away many of the things that had once come so easily to Denny, but it could never erase the life he had already built or the imprint he left on the people who loved him.

His family and friends will remember the sparkle in his eyes. His enormous smile. His curiosity. His encouragement. His adventures. His kindness. His love.

And perhaps most of all, they will remember the way he taught them to meet life: notice the beautiful day, believe you can do hard things, take the chance even if you might fail, and never stop seeking joy.

A private celebration of Denny’s life will be held in the spring or summer of 2027, honoring his wishes.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to an organization supporting Alzheimer’s research and families affected by the disease.