Lifetime Leaders of Rodeo & Ranching Rodeo Ranching Great Westerner Western Entertaiment & Arts Rodeo Producers & Livestock Special Achievement Cowboy Long Rider Legacy Award

Lifetime Leaders of Rodeo & Ranching

George M. Christensen, DVM
2001 Leader of Ranching/Rodeo Inductee

 George M. Christensen was born March 18, 1920, to Lars and Sina (Dybevik) Christensen. George grew up learning cowboy techniques that later served him well. He graduated from Williston High School in 1937 and joined the National Guard, eventually receiving the Silver Star, Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. George attended the North Dakota Agricultural College in Fargo, was accepted to Cornell University’s Veterinary College in Ithaca, N.Y., in 1947 and graduated in 1951.

 Following graduation, George and his wife, Bette (Clausen), whom he had married in 1945, moved to Minot, where he became a partner in the Minot Veterinary Clinic. They had two children.

 George served northwestern North Dakota ranchers and farmers for 34 years and for more than 30 years as North Dakota State Fair veterinarian. He was recognized as North Dakota Veterinarian of the Year in 1981 and retired in 1985.

 “Doc” George helped establish the first indoor rodeo in North Dakota, the Minot Y’s Men’s Indoor Rodeo in 1955. He served on the rodeo committee for 43 years, twice as chairman. He was a charter member of the North Dakota Rodeo Association and the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, serving as a NDCHF founding board member. George became a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Gold Card member in 1986 and was honored as a John Justin Spirit of the West Award winner.

 He served as mayor of Minot from 1986-94. He always sported a cowboy hat and often appeared on horseback in parades. He was a cattle breeder, brand inspector and member of the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association, 50 Years in the Saddle and Minot Trail Riders.

 Though many issues and functions he worked on were urban in nature, he always remembered his western roots and constantly promoted western heritage and culture. He was noted for his clever mind and droll sense of humor. “Doc” George died Sept. 9, 2000.