To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Greg Munday
January 25, 2024
I will never forget Claudine,when she moved down here on Balboa peninsula we became pretty good friends,she was a beautiful person,RIP lil one...
Laura Martin
November 13, 2020
I lost my father this week and this morning I remembered Claudene whom I met while working at Hollywood Park Race Track. She had an indescribable spirit and while I only knew her for a couple years, her passing still affects me. Like many other artists and passionate people, she did could not be held down to lead an ordinary life. Her open heart and boundless energy is what attracted people to her... it was not just her beauty. I will never forget her and my heart goes out to her family and loved ones.
Dick Hurlburt
July 26, 2020
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Yvette Jacquez
July 17, 2015
I had the pleasure of becoming friends with Claudene for a short time in California. Her wonderful energy radiated and inspired me. She was smart, creative, and loved to sing her heart out. She was always so much fun. Yesterday I learned of the tragedy that cut her life short. She is in my prayers.
Sharon Teal
April 10, 2015
The Bounty was in Lunenburg, NS in August 2012, and I had to board that ship and tour around it. I only wish I had met you that day. RIP Claudene
an old photo of me.
Robert E. Smith
June 11, 2014
Claudene, sorry for your loss of life, we both lost my 4th (Midshipman George Stewart) great grandfather off the Bounty, but on the Pandora, and your 5th great grandfather as related to the HMS Bounty. I only met you once, and Rest In Peace cousin. Bob Smith of San Pedro, California. I had thought that she the Bounty would have been better at sea. I was wrong.
Linda Doss
April 11, 2014
Today on FB I found Dina, your mother. We were friends during Jr. High and High School.....It broke my heart when I found she had lost you....I too lost my only child in 2006 Kimberly. I know you and my Kimmi are watching, and have helped put us back in each others lives. My prayers for your family, Linda, Doris, your mom and I'm sure you have lots of cousins....
You left us doing what you loved, that is what passion is all about.....You are with Kimmi and doing God's work...that is why I am back in your moms life. Be at piece knowing that I will do my best to help her heal, smile and laugh agian, I know that is what Kimmi wanted for me, and I know that is what you want for your mom. Keep watching over her you are going to be amazed.... God Bless...RIP
Rochelle Smith
April 6, 2014
I had a chance to sail HMS bounty with claudene in 2012 for two weeks. What a loving caring ship mate. So personable. Well spoken. She had an amazing voice listening to her sing at night on the ship. I miss her and loved her. We were both in our 40s and had so much in common. I miss you dear ship mate. So tragic how your life ended. My heart is still heavy with saddness
December 28, 2013
…because time and unexpected events overtake them all. For man does not know his time. Just as fish are caught in an evil net and birds are caught in a trap, so the sons of men are ensnared in a time of disaster, when it suddenly overtakes them (Eccl. 9:11,12). The hope is your families and friends trust the God of comfort in these tragic times. We continue to pray for the lost of you and yours.
J Johnson
June 2, 2013
Just saw Claudene's story on Biography channel's I Survived.
Daniel Dobbs
March 27, 2013
I am sorry for your loss. I worked with Claudene at Hollywood Park in 2001 and enjoyed her being so full of life. I saw her sing one time in Manhattan Beach and she brought down the house. What I remember most from her is how she spoke of her father, being a fireman. She said she was the envy of all the other girls growing up because he was able to adjust his schedule to see her in all of her school activities. I was an aspiring fireman at that time and have become full-time now. I have always carried her joy as a fireman's daughter with me, so that one day when I become a father, I can give it to my daughter. Thank you. :)
2001 Hollywood Park
Daniel Dobbs
March 27, 2013
bettina Ledesma
March 1, 2013
We could see in her pictures as the cheering girl for USC, the letters that were her essence: "UNIQUE, SOULFUL, CHARISMATIC"...A gift from the Lord, she's cheering angels now. Bettina
Barb Johnstone
December 14, 2012
I never got to know you personally, Claudene; more's the pity. From everything I have heard, and read, from those that did have the pleasure of your friendship, I know you would have been a terrific and fun shipmate! It's a shame that we never had a chance to sail together. As you sail up in the skies, I have no doubt that you will have a song on your lips and a dancing, spiraling light in your soul. RIP. To Claudene's family, my deepest sympathies. The outpouring of love and affection from those who also knew your daughter only goes to prove what you, yourselves, already knew; that she was a lively, friendly and warm young lady who will be greatly and sadly missed. May you take some small comfort in those thoughts.
Jeff Gillette
December 6, 2012
I'm so sorry for your loss,what a full life she lived, cut short. you must be so proud of her. As a sailor myself, I know that she would have had few regrets. Please take solace in knowing she touched so many people, I wish I could have met her.
Domenic
December 3, 2012
Re; 20-13
The sea shall give up the dead in it. It is promised by our God.
Those of us who go down to the sea in ships fear the seas, our turst is in Gods promise of the resurrection.
November 29, 2012
I wrote this Letter to the Editor that was published in the Annapolis Capital (MD) newspaper on November 10:
I wanted to share a sad anecdote about Hurricane Sandy and Annapolis.
With all the news about the death and destruction from Sandy I didn't give a lot of thought to the sinking of the movie ship the HMS Bounty. Until I read an article about the two deaths. When I saw the name “Claudene Christian” I felt a slap across the face.
When the Bounty was in Annapolis this summer, my girlfriend and I had strolled down to check it out. We didn't go on the ship, just took a look and started to walk back toward Main Street. Then a young woman came by and asked if we had any questions about the Bounty and enthusiastically shared her experiences of being on the crew.
She was excited to be on the ship and was thrilled to be in Annapolis. She was heading out on the town to get some dinner and we were suggesting places for her to go. She didn't have a car, but was so excited to see our town she was willing to walk wherever she could.
The three of our lives coalesced for all of 10 or 15 minutes. But this friendly, optimistic, free-spirit made an impression on us.
I'm sure I would never have seen nor heard of Claudene again, but nonetheless, I can't help think that those who knew her well will be sad for a very long time.
PETER J. MARX
Annapolis
hyde
November 23, 2012
May the God who gives comfort to all comfort the family in their time of great sorrow. We cannot understand fully why God allows things to happen to certain people but we can trust hat He will give the comfort to the living that is necessary for them to go on. Trust in that and within time the family and friends will eventually be ok still missing their love one but ok. May the God who gives comfort, comfort all of you.
Lorn Christopher Connolly
November 20, 2012
I KNOW that God needed her for a special purpose. It must be believed. I have to believe because HE took mine. She's with loved one's and doing things we couldn't imagine. They always come back if we call them.
November 19, 2012
Such a tragedy. God's promise of comfort at Psalm 34:17 is something the Christian family can rely on during this sad time.
bless you.
tonie spence
November 14, 2012
may god be with you. your an angel now.
Jen Bersch
November 14, 2012
My heart will never forget you dear Claude. The times we shared were always filled with fun and laughs. You lived her life a star until the end, I would expect nothing less! I will take your lust for life and keep that as my fuel, to make sure each day is lived well, with no regrets. My heart is with you as the goodness of your soul is now limitless. You will never be forgotten. Spirit buddies forever!!
Janet Carr-Campbell
November 12, 2012
I was saddened to read the news of Claudene's passing, immediately recognizing her as one of my first Music Machine students 32 years ago. What a bright shining star she was. I was touched at the remembrance (in her obituary) of our performances together and will always remember her smile and enthusiasm for life. The Music Machine is still going strong, which I'm sure would make Claudene happy. May God give you peace and strength during this difficult time. Love from Janet Carr-Campbell
Rest in Peace.
November 12, 2012
So sorry for your loss!!!
November 10, 2012
I also never met Claudene but I read her story and then found out she was a "friend of a friend" from Alaska. Somebody already posted that even a stranger can have compassion for the story. My prayers go out to Claudene's family and all off those who knew her.
taken too youngm but her spirit will guide many~
Nanci Sauder Ruest Upland Ca
November 9, 2012
Many years ago, my mother and I toured the Bounty replica tall ship. I watched the television coverage late into the night never realizing that Claudene was the rescued one who was unable to survive. The last time that I saw Claudene was at The Petroleum Club of Anchorage when we renewed our friendship on one of her visits. In my West High classroom before I retired, I had a poster of the USC Song Girls that she had autographed and sent to me, which I believe may now be in my collection at UAA Archives. I was the West High cheerleader sponsor in her junior year of high school and the mass media communications teacher. I was impressed with her last message which I read on national television while I am in Florida with my 80 year old husband who is in an assisted living faciity. In shock, I thought that she passed away as she had lived with a great zest for life without having to endure the difficulties of old age. She is someone that I will never forget. I think of her entering my classroom full of enthusiasm every day that I knew her no matter what the circumstances. Peace be with all of you who mourn her loss, Millie Wedel Cowgill,Naples, Florida
Jennifer Wood
November 9, 2012
In my/our hearts forever. You will be missed dearly Claudene!!! This world was a brighter place because of you.
Scott Chamberland
November 9, 2012
Please accept my Deepest Sympathies
Laurel Elderkin Graham
November 9, 2012
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Christian,
From the moment I heard that the HMS Bounty was in trouble during hurricane Sandy, I followed the story closely, being from Boothbay Harbor, Maine with fishermen in my own family, I couldn't help but feel a connection and horror as I learned of the tragic events that were unfolding, especially upon discovering that Captain Robin was missing and a young female crewmate had lost her life...your beloved daughter Claudene.
But then the most incredible thing began to happen...as I began to learn about her very remarkable story, and also found out we shared the same birthday, I just felt drawn to know more about her (which was a huge blessing) and fairly easy as she has left such an incredibly large legacy behind her mere 42 years...multitudes of dear friends near and far (old and new) a lifetime of creativity, a mind for business, gifted with talent and music, her unbridled enthusiasm and spirit of adventure, not to mention that brilliant smile...
I am so deeply sorry for your painful and heartbreaking loss...but I just want you to know that I will be thinking of you and lifting my glass to her this evening along with all of those from Alaska to Hermosa (and everywhere else) that will be celebrating her incredible life...and others, just like myself, while not having had the privilege to know her personally, will have the honor to celebrate the amazing gift of inspiration she has left to us, and those that her life will continue to touch. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
"Many waters cannot quench love,
neither can the floods drown it"
Song of Solomon 8:7
Gena Clubine-Powers
November 8, 2012
Claudene and I weren't best friends in high-school, that's for sure. She had an amazing voice and so many talents. I would say to her, I really wasn't the one who T P'd your truck at that hockey game. She always thought I did...I don't know why? I was looking for her at our 20 yr reunion but she wasn't there. I wish we could have cleared that up. TO HER FAMILY: I'm sorry for your loss, she really was such a bright spirit. West high class 1988
Shasie Machado
November 8, 2012
Claudene was truly a joyful person. She was so fun to be with, so sweet to everyone and I believe she lived life to the fullest. She was a good friend to me at USC. We were song girls together our sophomore year. She will be missed dearly. I hope to see her again one day in heaven.
November 8, 2012
I had the pleasure of meeting Claudene one day when I was working security for the ship Mayflower II what a wonderful person and full of life and she loved her job on the Bounty
God Bless
Evans
November 8, 2012
May God give comfort and peace during this difficult time. (Psalm 147:3)
Jeannette Romer-Bardi
November 8, 2012
I'm saddened to hear of your loss. Jeannette (Romer) Bardi
Charlie Robertson
November 8, 2012
I remember her as a friend to both my children in Anchorage during her years at West High. Always bubbly and so pretty. So sorry.
Jon W. Romer
November 8, 2012
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Dharma
November 8, 2012
You were an amazing woman to follow your dreams and be apart of them in all ways. RIP
November 8, 2012
Claudene will be missed. We spent some great times together cheering in high school. She was full of enthusisam and a bright light. My prayers go out to her loved ones. Shiloe Downs
Nessa Davis-Henry
November 7, 2012
As a woman who sailed the same type of ships and is your age, I can totally understand your passion! I never met you but your death was still a blow, there isn't many like you. I guess the Gods needed another sailor! Peace Dear Lady!
Ardy Fung Robertson
November 7, 2012
Claudene will always be one of the brightest lights in my heart. I am so thankful to God for blessing me with such a loving friend. Only wonderful memories exist when I think of Claud. She truly brought so much joy to my world. And my heart smiles when I think of our Teeny Weeny Claudeney!
Bob Von Der Ahe
November 7, 2012
We are all pained for the loss of Claud.. Claudene was one my wife's true friends, that I also came to know and love. She was the Maid of Honor at our wedding. Our prayers and thoughts are with you now, as we know Claudene is truly in a better place.
Bob and Christina Von Der Ahe
Jay Boland
November 7, 2012
I got to know Claudene just this summer while sharing time aboard Bounty. Never seen so one smiling so while tarring the rigging for hours at a time. She was beautiful in so very many ways. I will always remember and miss her
Bob & Judy Fedeli
November 7, 2012
Ms. Christian, you have so much enjoyed working on the Bounty ,And now you are on your adventure to all ports of call ... The sails are set and the seas calm ,Enjoy your reunion of those who have passed... godspeed
RIP Sweet Angel ,
Gidget Trainor
November 7, 2012
Aunt Dener and Uncle Rex, I want you to know how very much I love you both and will always be there for you when ever you need me. You know how much Chops meant to me and how I loved her so much. I always looked up to her in all she did in her amazing life because she was always so happy in all she ever did. She had the most amazing voice ever and I will never forget the time she sang the song Bobbie Mcgee, I loved that one. I will never forget all the wonderful memories I have of my cousin ever and I will always hold her memory close to my heart. I love you guys so much. I am so sorry for your loss. xoxo
Janai Meyer (Knecht)
November 7, 2012
Love & Light.
I'm so sorry for your pain and loss. She was a great friend to me in HS always making me smile and dragging me into something new and fun and she will remain forever in my heart.
Richard Benavides
November 7, 2012
Rex,
I was so sorry to hear of Claudene's passing, I still remember her coming by station 5 and how talented she was growing up. I lost a daughter two years ago so believe me when I say I understand your grief. My prayers go to you and your family.
November 7, 2012
Please accept our sincere condolences on your loss. My daughter was in some of the same pagents as Claudene and she was a sweet heart to those younger girls. We have not been in touch since then but wanted to know we will keep you all in our prayers. God Bless you at this time, she is in his hands now.
The Applehans' from Wasilla
david sugrue
November 7, 2012
Our condolences and prayers go out to Claudenes family. My 10 year old son and i had the good fortune of sailing with her and tbe rest of tbe wonderful crew the day they left new london. Claudene told my boy she would be his sailing buddy for the day spending time with him teaching him the magic of the ship. I came home that day to tell my wife of this remarkable person who touched us that day and even gave my son a small gift from this experience. We are sadened by her loss and consider ourselves fortunate to have met her and shared briefly with her passion of sailing on the Bounty. God Blest )
Elizabeth Sparrow
November 7, 2012
Our sincerest sympathies to the family and friends. She touched the lives of many she never met. May she be in peace on the seas of eternity...she will be greatly missed.
November 7, 2012
Dear Rex and Dena, My heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this terrible crisis.
Will always have fond memories when Dena would bring "Chops" into the station. May God bless you all.
Freddie, Wilmington,N.C.
Camille
November 7, 2012
Grief is so very very difficult. May you draw comfort from the following: At Psalm 56:8 David pleaded to God: "Do put my tears in your skin bottle. Are they not in your book? Like David I know that God is aware of your pain and what you are going through emotionally. He will continue to give you what you need to live each day without Claudene.
November 7, 2012
I did not have the pleasure of meeting Claudene. However, I want to express my sincere sympathies to her family, for their horrific loss. Even a stranger cannot read the story of her life and death, without sheding tears. May God bless you and bring you peace.
Victor R
November 7, 2012
Condolences to Claudene's family as you cope with her untimely loss. "Soon here on earth, as God has purposed, His Son will cause the dead to rise. Thus it will be as Jesus promised: You'll be with me in Paradise."
Sarah Mounsey
November 7, 2012
Although we only met briefly, Claudene will be remembered fondly... our thoughts are with you and we are sorry for your loss. Sarah and Robert Sams, New Brunswick, Canada
Reading girl
Werner Lyssens
November 7, 2012
Dear Claudene, You are our singing angel in heaven.
Sandra Rozar
November 7, 2012
So sorry fer yar lost maties. Me condolence ta the family. Claudine was such an inspiratation, always smillin'...I will never forget her.
Caribbean Pearl
November 6, 2012
To all Claudene's family and friends, I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know Claudene, but my daughter sailed on the Bounty for an extensive time a few years ago. Please know that I was devastated at the news of Bounty's sinking on that Monday morning and anguished of news that your Claudene was reported to be missing, and I hope it comforts you that I prayed all day that she would be found and rescued. I asked my friends to pray, too. My heart breaks for you, because I know how it feels to have a daughter at sea, the anxieties and fears you might have felt even before this tragedy. I mourn Claudene's loss, and I continue to pray for you. Please know that many people cared and continue to care. May you have an abundance of God's peace and His loving comfort, and joy and hope in remembrances of the one you loved.
Maria Karra Columbano
November 6, 2012
Forever young,rest in peace Claudene !
H.M.S. Bounty (L) and the Mayflower Plymouth Ma. 2012
Frank Olson
November 6, 2012
God Bless Claudene and her family even though she a passed hr memories should bring a warm comfort knowing that she was doing something that she loved.
Paulette Vidos
November 6, 2012
Courageous Young Lady......My thoughts to everyone for their lost......Claudene will be forever missed.....She will always be in our hearts.....Lighting a candle in rememberance of this wonderful lady
Off Nova Scotia, July 2012
Arlene Benham
November 6, 2012
"Claudene made everyone she befriended feel like they were her best friend." I will remember her laugh, and the secrets shared. To the Christian family, my deepest sympathy. May you find peace and comfort.
Glenn Heisler
November 6, 2012
So sorry for this great loss ......
Roland Proulx
November 6, 2012
God bless Claudene for doing something she loved. Praying for her family for their loss
Mike Finnegan
November 6, 2012
Sail on, and Rest In Peace, Christine.
-Mike Finnegan (Sandy, Utah)
You are not gone, only transformed.
Noni Boalt
November 6, 2012
I send blessings of peace to your family and friends.
Wendy Rohrs
November 6, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss of this beautiful young woman. By Claudene's messages to her parents it's like her soul knew it was the end of her time here on earth. May you find peace in knowing she loved what she was doing. My deepest condolences for the loss of this amazing young lady.
Capt Marsha
November 6, 2012
Claudene should always be admired for acheiving her dreams... I am sure she knew the risks... but forged ahead.
Janet Lowry
November 6, 2012
God rest your soul...
Philip Murphy
November 6, 2012
I was that which others did not want to be
I went where others feared to go, and did what others failed to do.
I have seen the face of terror, felt the stinging cold of fear.
I have cried, pained, and hoped - but most of all
I have lived times others would say, were best forgotten.
At least someday I will be able to say, that I was
proud of what I was, A Seaman.
Teresa Brazier
November 6, 2012
Beautiful woman doing what she loved. So sorry for your loss.
Pam Serafim
November 6, 2012
My sincere condolences to Claudene's family and shipmates. There are not words to adequately express our family's sorrow. May Claudine rest in peace forever, in God's Eternal Port.
Duclos Randy
November 6, 2012
My heart is of this wonderful young adventurer who succumbed to the ravages of the ocean,,,prayers to the family and dear friends,,,heartfelt Blessings and Amen!
November 6, 2012
May you rest in peace. God Bless, and our prayers are with your family and loved ones.
Steven Miskovich
November 6, 2012
We thought of this very nice woman when heard of the sinking of the Bounty. We talked to her for a long time while touring during the Bounty in Maine. She was so thrilled to be a part of the crew.She loved the ship and working aboard it. Such a wonderful young woman so upbeat and full of joy.She was highlight of our visit.It is so sad to know she died.
November 6, 2012
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Praying that God will give you peace, strength and comfort.
S. of Alabama
cari (carina) Lammie (Keen)
November 5, 2012
Sweet Claudene...you will be missed by so many. Your spirit touched countless hearts and lives, you inspired all of us in your own way, and who could forget your beautiful smile and sparkly eyes. May all who knew you find peace knowing you are in a better place and now you can sing (and pole-vault) forevermore...Lovies,Cari (class 89,west anch hs,pole-vaulter and gymnast)
Tami B
November 5, 2012
You can just tell by the smile in her picture she was "electric" in personality. My deepest condolences to her family and wide network of friends. It is so sad but what a we3ll-lived life.
November 5, 2012
Dear Family,
I am sorry for your loss. May God give you the power to continue on during the dark days ahead. Philippians 4:13
cybertekkno
November 4, 2012
My sincere condolences for your loss. From the news story, it it quite clear that Ms. Claudene died doing what the loved most. May your family find comfort in this difficult time.
sckerra j
November 4, 2012
My sincere regrets to your loss of such a wonderful person. There are really no words to convey the deep seated loss but only to hope for the future that is yet ahead. God has promised to swallow up death and not only that but to remove the hurt and memories of the bad things from our hearts-Isaiah 65:17. Meanwhile we wait, keep this promise and more before you. We are ever eager to see what awaits us ahead, only better things to come. My thoughts are with your family during this difficult time of grief.
Lee & Kathe Ware
November 3, 2012
"I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky. And all I ask is a tall ship, and a star to steer her by." John Masefield, 'Sea Fever'
Ms. Christian...May you have fair winds and following seas as you rest in the arms of angels.
November 3, 2012
With deepest sympathy to the family during your time grief. Psalms 46:1 says " God is for us a refuge and strength and a help readily to be found during difficult times ". May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.
November 3, 2012
My sincere condolences to the family for your sad, sad loss. May God lift you up as you draw close to him in prayer.
Jeremiah 29:12,13
November 3, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of this bright, vivacious woman, Claudene.
Pamela Johnson
November 2, 2012
I was so saddened by this loss and wish to express my condolences. I did not know
Claudene personally but I have been on the tall ships and can understand why she would choose to take on that experience. She seems like she was a beautiful and vibrant full of life person both inwardly and outwardly from
what I have learned about her. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family and friends.
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