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BORN
1941
DIED
2020
Russell Cravens Memoriam
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Memories and Condolences
for Russell Cravens
Cynthia (Feild) Hamberg
July 15, 2025
Mr. Cravens was my very first teacher at CHS. I took his history class in the summer of 1972 before matriculating in the Fall as a Sophomore. His class was amazing! I can still remember some of the projects that we worked on (e.g., filming "non-involvement" by spectators.) I was excited about entering CHS as a 10th grader after Mr. Cravens' class.
RIP Mr. Cravens-I wish I had been blessed with teachers like you all throughout my educational career. Thank you for sharing your gift!
Dick Madsen
March 19, 2025
i played basketball with russ 1961 thru 1963 at USD my name is Dick Madsen I now live in washington mo with my wife Oma.
Karol
December 17, 2024
Another year has passed since my sister Karen lost her soul mate and our family lost our dear friend, brother, uncle and grandfather, Russell. We miss your smiles, poems, songs and most of all your kind heart. Thank you for being such a great role model for my sons.
Bridget McDowell Beneventi
August 27, 2023
Mr Cravens was one of my very favorite teachers. He was such a kind and caring person. He truly cared about his students. What an impact he made on so many.
Anthony
December 17, 2021
It's been now over a year since we lost Russ. I don't know where the time has gone. Christmas doesn't seem like a holiday you could have without him. So many good memories of the holidays with my uncle.
George Goss
July 15, 2021
What I wrote on our Clairmont High School alumni page. . .
Wow. I'm so late to catch up on this sad news. Mr. Cravens was universally loved in both his academic and athletic classes. 10th grade world history is where Brian Yockey (and many others) and I had a great year, and also where Jerry R. Hobbs and I tried out for track and cross country (Jerry being FAR superior to me) under the guidance of Mr. Cravens. Sadly, the sands of time will eventually catch up with us all. But I'm happy we were touched by Mr. Cravens justifiably being one of the finest teachers / mentors ever. Rest in peace. Gone, but not forgotten. ❤ From 1980. . .
Maurice
February 21, 2021
Mr. Cravens would always see the best in his students. He was my mom’s teacher class of 75, my brothers teacher class of 00 and my teacher class of 02. Even though I had not seen Mr. Cravens since I graduated I never forgot him and his belief in me. I struggled with a learning disability but Mr. Cravens always worked with me and was always positive. He was truly the best teacher I ever had RIP Mr. Cravens!!
Morgan Furlong
January 21, 2021
Great coach, teacher and mentor. Always enjoyed my time with him and use him as an example of how to be. May God bless y’all and help you celebrate the wonderful human being this great man was. CHS Class of 75
Ruth Reed
January 17, 2021
Russ , my twin, was a great person who left a special mark ln time. We carry his love and legacy in our hearts. He helped others and reached out to so many people.
We honor his life and miss him. May God bless him, his family and friends . Bless KAREN FOR HER EXCELLENT CARE Of HIM DUrING HIS ILLNESS.
We thank you ✝ for your blessings.
Twins are forever. Love is forever !♥
Karol Klein
January 5, 2021
I met Russ in 1982. He was like a brother to me all of these years. He was not only kind to me, but was especially kind to my two sons, Anthony and Michael. Russ was known for his endearing nicknames, and his original rhymes and songs. He was a wonderful friend. He showed everyone kindness and grace and was a great role model to my son's. We love and miss you Russell James. I know that you are in heaven with the Lord.
Julie (Johnson) Labbe
December 28, 2020
Repeating many memories already stated: Mr. Cravens was my favorite teacher at Clairemont High School (graduated 1975.) I was happy to meet Ruth more recently and discovered her twin brother was Mr. Cravens, that made her extra-special. So very sad for all of the family who will certainly miss him terribly. Thank you for sharing him for so many years!
Jayne E (Balsiger) Romyn
December 28, 2020
So sad to hear this news! Coach Russ was such an important Inspiration to me growing up and running cross country and track with him in High School. He was an important figure helping me to learn what I was capable of. Thanks Coach! Rest In Peace.
Mike and Monica Wilga
December 28, 2020
So sorry to hear about Russ passing away. He will always be in our memory of his incredible smile and kindness he shared with us. He is in a much better place now.
Carl Villarreal
December 27, 2020
Coach Russ Cravens was always a friendly, approachable and inspirational mentor, role model and asset to his students and his colleagues at Clairemont High School. Condolences to his family and friends. (Alum '68 to '71)
Alma Alcaraz
December 27, 2020
My favorite teacher at CHS!! He was my psychology teacher and from then on, I fell in love with the science, going on to get a BA and an M.S in Psychology. He was always super kind and caring. Rest in Peace Mr. Cravens! You are with our Maker now and probably playing ball with J.C himself.
Karen Van Rickley
December 26, 2020
Out of all my teachers throughout my years at CHS, Mr C. stands out as one of the best. He was so chill, kind, great teacher and he truly cared about his students. You will be missed by many. R.I.P Mr. C
Karen (Chariker) Van Rickley
Class of 85
Qiana Williamson
December 25, 2020
Mr. Cravens was an amazing, kind, gentle speaker, and excellent teacher. He also had a sense of humor. He's unforgettable and will forever be knows as THE best teacher from Clairemont High. C/O 1999.
Chuck Leger
December 24, 2020
I learned a great deal from Mr. C. He was a fantastic teacher and coach and one heck of man. RIP Mr C, you did an awesome job. RCL Class of '76.
Anna Arroyo
December 24, 2020
Mr. Cravens one of my favorite teachers and a very very nice man. His voice I will always renember. I had the pleasure to be his student in his World History class. Mr. Cravens : " Ms. Anna where is your current events lol" & come on up is your turn to read your article up front" I was always shy. Awwww im sadned to hear of your passing. You are in a better place teaching the angels with your deep voice. RIP Mr. Cravens Respectfully Anna Arroyo (Clairemont Student C/O 1993)
Thom Morris
December 24, 2020
Had the privilege to run Cross Country for Coach Cravens from Fall 1974 to 76. He always knew how to get us to do the best we could do. That's all he ever asked of us. He always looked after us on the road though we tried to get in trouble, he had the guardrails in place, thank God. I'm forever grateful for the lessons I learned from him.
Karen Swank-Fitch
December 24, 2020
Having an older brother, I was told that I'd love Cravens' classes. My brother was right. I was lucky to take his classes a year younger than most students and he made me feel welcomed. He asked me to stay after the first day to check in, to see how I felt about being with older students. Small kindnesses such as that made him such a fantastic teacher. I remember running into him at a Costco a few years after I graduated. He was jovial and warm, as always. Thanks for all the years of service you gave to your students.
Judy and Mike McLellan
December 24, 2020
He was a great influence on his students. My husband and I (both CHS graduates) remember him fondly. We were sorry to hear of his passing.
M. A. Tenney
December 24, 2020
Sunshine Johnson
December 24, 2020
Mr. Cravens was one of the teachers that I went back to see after graduating CHS in 1994. He was always calm and easy to talk too. I am so glad that I got to be his student.
Sean Baldwin
December 24, 2020
Mr. Cravens was a caring and focused teacher. He always had a cheerful composure and a genuine smile. He is a part of what made high-school a memorable experience. Heaven has received an angel.
Paul Conley
December 24, 2020
Russ and I played basketball at the University of San Diego. He was a senior and I was a freshmen. He immediately befriended me and made my first year of adjusting to college life easier than it would have been.
Russ was smart and talented, both as an athlete and student. He worked hard both on and off the court. As a teacher, coach, and colleague, he touched many lives and made the world a better place.
John Jenkins
December 24, 2020
I played basketball at Claremont High 1966/69. Coach C was my coach for JV as well as varsity BB when he got the job following Coach Eiler. I spent one season as Coach C’s assistant after graduating when I considered going into coaching. I admired the man and coach a great deal. I remember watching a couple of Super Bowls at his home and playing BB in the driveway at halftime. I have thought of him many times in my adulthood and the influence he had on my maturation. Thank you for sharing him with all of us. God bless.
Kelly McDonald
December 24, 2020
Mr. C was one of the good ones! Not only was he one of my favorite teachers but he inspired me to go into education. I worked along side him for several years at Clmt High and continued on in the field for 16 years never forgetting lessons he taught me. He was kind, patient, generous with his time, a great listener and loving. What an honor to have known him! He will never be forgotten
Marizol Vazquez
December 24, 2020
My deepest condolences to every member of Mr. C’s family, friends & students... He was an amazing man filled with loads of love and patience for everyone, he will be dearly missed and never forgotten
Amber Mitchell
December 24, 2020
Mr.C was and will always be my favorite teacher. He was an amazing teacher and person. I will always remember going to prom and is lovely daughter was with him! We danced all night with her and got to talk to him all night. He will be fondly remembered and missed.
Deborah Landstedt
December 23, 2020
He was my favorite teacher too. He had a way of making each one of his students feel special. Years later I would run in to him running in the mornings at Mission Bay. What a wonderful man, thank you for posting this. I look forward to seeing him again someday in heaven.
Denee’ and Bryan
December 23, 2020
Beautiful tribute to a gentle giant.!Russ will be missed greatly by us.
Dana Klein
December 23, 2020
Oh my goodness...Russ Cravens, a kind, compassionate, empathetic man, who truly cared as a teacher and a coach.
He was such an inspiration to many, and truly led by example.
I had the privilege of teaching at CHS in 2000, my first year there, and Mr. Cravens was still here teaching, in room 101.
May he rest in peace and may his soul find freedom. I also had the privilege of teaching his niece Heather. My sincerest condolences to the entire Cravens Family.
Angela
December 23, 2020
Mr. Cravens you will always be one of my favorite teachers. You always had the best advice and took the time to really listen. I will always remember you fondly.
Ryan Lima
December 23, 2020
MR. C,
Is a teacher that you were grateful you had as a student. Very knowledgable and taught life lessons. He will be missed by all, I know many in class of 1995 loved him. I had the opportunity to come back coach football at Clairemont and pass along life lessons to students, just like MR C. Sad for the loss of great person that impacted so many!
Chris Yusunas
December 23, 2020
Coach Cravens was one of my favorite teachers. He always encouraged me to stay out of trouble. I had him for summer school one year. He was a great teacher. He made summer school bare able. I met his sons Mike & Mark. I always enjoyed talking to him. Everyone in my family liked him. RIP Coach Cravens
Susan ( Thorpe ) Guidi
December 23, 2020
He made school interesting! God bless him
Krysten
December 23, 2020
I’ll never forget the night I called Uncle Russ and he FaceTimed me for hours- in the middle of the night - helping me write a history paper in high school.
Or the little things he was so particular about. He liked his Colombian roast coffee - 3/4 of a cup - hot. “Cashews and Dr.Pepper.” The list goes on.
Thank you for giving me so many fond memories, laughs, and support through the years. ❤
Krysten
December 23, 2020
I’ll never forget the night I called Uncle Russ and he FaceTimed me for hours- in the middle of the night - helping me write a history paper in high school.
Or the little things he was so particular about. He liked his Colombian roast coffee - 3/4 of a cup - hot. “Cashews and Dr.Pepper.” The list goes on.
Thank you for giving me so many fond memories, laughs, and support through the years. ❤
Steven Atkinson
December 23, 2020
I have not seen coach since I graduated from Clairemont High School in 1978. 42 years is so long ago, but it seems like yesterday. I remember coach's deep, resonant voice. He aways called me "At-Kin-Son" - stressing each syllable clearly. I'm not sure if he did that to correct my rushed version (which sounded like "akinson"), or just as a friendly greeting with no meaning behind it. To this day, though, I pronounce my name clearly, "At-kin-son", and remember coach.
Greg Anderson
December 23, 2020
Al D
December 23, 2020
Great memories of Mr.Cravens, what a great asset he was to Clairemont High.
Tony
December 23, 2020
My uncle, my friend.. I was honored and blessed that I had you in my life as long as I did. You will be missed
“For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.”
1 Thessalonians 4:14 ESV
Debbie McKesson
December 23, 2020
Mr. or Coach Cravens truly left his mark at Clairemont High School. He was a great teacher and friend to all the students he taught and/or coached. On behalf of the Class of '72, we offer our condolences to his family and friends.
Debbie McKesson
December 23, 2020
He truly left his mark as a great teacher, coach and friend to so many students through the years at Clairemont High School. The Class of '72 sends their condolences to his family and friends.
Debbie McKesson
Class of '72 Reunion Contact
Lisa Class of 75
December 23, 2020
Mr. Cravens was one of a kind. His caring and world class smile will never be forgotten!
Jim Klein
December 23, 2020
Russell-James was a remarkable man who always called me Jimmy-James. He provided such a calm to our family. He was a blessing to my Sister Karen in every way and as a couple was the rock of our family. I spent hours and hours at their kitchen table in all types of discussion with of course strong coffee! He was a brother that I've always looked up to and loved. My heart goes out to Karen-Joni, Tiff and our whole family. God Bless him.
Julio C Fregoso
December 23, 2020
A great teacher, always have fond memories of him. Rest In Peace Mr. Cravens.
Rosa Baiz
December 23, 2020
Mr. CRAVENS was an awesome teacher. Loved going to his class. Always smiling thats how I remember him and always will. My deepest condolences to his family.
George Ehlers
December 23, 2020
Russ, you were truly a treasure to all who were lucky enough to meet you. You left a great legacy and Heaven has gained a true loving solid person to help him in guiding this world. We love you and will miss you.
George Ehlers
Chuck Klein
December 23, 2020
I love Russell James as a brother and friend!
Robin
December 23, 2020
Russ was a dear friend. He always had a smile on his face when I saw him. He loved to joke. I have many memories with Russ. One of my favorites is when we were camping with the volleyball team in the mountains playing frisbee golf and throwing the football around. He was a very supportive person. He is loved and will be missed.
My heart goes out to my dear friend Karen, Tiffany, Krysten, and the kids.
Love you all
Robin Croughwell
Carol S.
December 23, 2020
One of my FAVORITE teachers of all time! A four-hour class of World History in summer 1969 I think it was. He engaged us while teaching us WHY things happened in history, and invited our comments. Seems that coaches can make some of he most memorable teachers all around!
Maui Garcia
December 23, 2020
Coach Cravens was the man! One of the few teachers, who would let you eat in class, if you had him after lunch, as long as I brought him and extra fish taco from Rubio’s!. He always made time to speak one on one, whenever anyone needed some advice. He was caring and a father figure, aside from being a great teacher. He will be missed and I regretfully wish, I could’ve reached out, because there were times, I could’ve used his advice. Rest In Peace Coach! ✝☮
Kathleen
December 23, 2020
What an awesome teacher he was! CHS class of 81
Cheri (Franklin) Beauvais, class 71
December 23, 2020
Mr. Cravens was one of my favorite teachers and the first that made me want to learn history. God bless his family and friends.
Gerry Jacques
December 23, 2020
One of my all time favorite teachers. I loved going to his class
Jasmine Norvell
December 23, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow
I will never forget Mr Cravens my History Teacher
I had him back in 1996 for History and again in 1999 for Government & Economics
He was also my Dads teacher back in 1971
When I first went to Clairemont I was excited to have my Dads teacher
He was a great guy and teacher
I will never forget him
Hal Hartman
December 23, 2020
“Coach Cravens” you were one of the very best at Clairemont High. As the leader of a rag tag group of young men running cross-country in the mid to late 70s, you provided a foundation of guidance without eliminating our freedom to learn from our mistakes and eventually figure out what it took to meet your expectations. Allowing everyone to be themselves and share their individual personalities within a team setting made the hard work of training fun. The discipline and sense of accomplishment I took away from participating has served me well many times over. As a teacher myself, I find myself borrowing lessons learned from you many years ago. Trust, integrity, dependability, accountability, love. What young people look for in their role models. RIP “Uncle Russ.”
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