Christopher Eric Haugen

Carmelite Mission Madonna

2009-01-03T04:55:27Z

Carmelite Mission Madonna
Originally uploaded by DidaK

Chris Nov. 2006

2008-09-02T05:20:42Z

Chris Nov. 2006
Originally uploaded by DidaK

taken the week he died

Dida & Chris at Molly's 2006

2007-12-21T17:31:55Z

Dida & Chris at Molly's 2006
Originally uploaded by DidaK

I recently visited my good friend Molly while attending a conference in Santa Barbara. She showed me this photo from a time when we had both met her (Aug. 2006). I love this photo!

Chris' Kids

2007-08-14T01:34:31Z

I met them. His kids by ex-wife Kathleen. They're awesome, and I really don't use that word lightly. Highly intelligent, thoughtful, polite, good-humored. How'd these kids get to be SO GOOD? Mom, genes (genies?), being away from home all summer? No doubt a combination, and Chris would have been plenty proud. I was only able to spend 3 days with them (Aug. 7-10; length of their stay here), and had to work much of that time (imagine!). And I was sick with gastritis. Nonetheless their presence gave me joy. They plan to come back next summer. Adam and Chirstie both want me to teach them to dive. Hope Joey joins in. from left to rt. above: Adam, the eldest; Christie; me; Joey (wearing Chris' favorite leather jacket)

Missing Chris: The Gift of Love

2007-04-10T02:42:54Z

Chris has been gone just 5 months now, and I still cry every day for him. The smallest things will set me off. Today it was the fact that I couldn't find my glasses. I have really awful eyesight, and the apartment we shared is full of clutter ("tidy is tedious," as one friend tried to assure me). So I'm at a distinct disadvantage, and I almost cried remembering that was another thing Chris did for me: find my glasses when I misplaced them! After a 4.5 month hiatus, I have finally started diving again. The Reef Check field season has begun, and I have yet another reason to miss my favorite dive buddy. Chris loved Reef Check (and they him). We often took our regulators out of our mouths to kiss underwater. Or hug in the peaceful weightlessness. Having met him was a dream come true. And apparently he felt the same. In fact, I have never felt so assuredly loved. What a wonderful gift.

Chris Haugen early 2006

2006-12-07T17:00:44Z

Sept. 26, 1959-Nov.11, 2006 They that love beyond the world, cannot be separated by it. Death cannot kill, what never dies. Nor can spirits ever be divided that love and live in the same Divine Principle: the Root and Record of their Friendship If Absence be not death, neither is theirs. Death is but Crossing the World, as Friends do the Seas; They live in one another still. This is the Comfort of Friends, that though they may be said to Die, yet their Friendship and Society are, in the best Sense, ever present, because Immortal. --William Penn

The Dolphins

2006-12-04T22:11:44Z

I sent the following email to many friends that first week after Chris left: Dearest friends-Thank you for your calls and invites. I am being almost smothered in love and attention, and I turned my phone off yesterday (Tues Nov. 14). Was at Monastery Beach yesterday with a best girl friend from SF (this is where Chris bravely saved my life in Aug of 05, and almost died himself at that time) , and there were about half a dozen dolphins there who swam in closer to a look at us, and then 2 leapt high out of the water! I of course burst into tears. They continued to swim in closer, horizontal to shore, closer than I've ever seen them in. And Bandit (Loris' dog), with whom Chris had a great love affair, sat by me the whole time, never running around like he usually would at the beach. It was a lovely day to remember Chris. And it always will be.

"Many People Were Blessed to Have Him Part of Their Lives"

2006-12-04T04:06:29Z

Adam, Joey, and Christie, Your dad was one of the most positive persons I know. I have many wonderful memories of him. Jeff and the kids and I always enjoyed his company. He loved to barbecue and hang out. I enjoyed cooking when he was there because he always had a healthy appetite. Your dad was great with our children but always spoke of how much he missed the three of you. he wanted to share so much with you. he loved you very, very much! I know he was very happy with his life herein Monterey. He was doing what he loved to do. Know that he was always thinking of the three of you. You had a father who loved life, experienced life, took risks, made the best of every moment, valued everything and every relationship he made, and I'm sure he would want you to have the same love of life and make the best of every day. your father will be dearly missed by many people who were blessed to have him as part of their lives. Sharon

"Always An Exciting Time"

2006-12-04T03:48:24Z

Adam, Joey, Christie- Your father was such a wonderful person. I met him when he started dating Dida. We would go sailing, hiking, camping, and would always have an excitiing time. Your father loved nature and everyone he touched. We will miss him very much. With All Our Love, Kyra and Russ Shugars

His Favorite Band was Sublime

2006-12-03T16:37:18Z

"Your Dad was Someone You Were Always Glad to See"

2006-12-03T07:52:24Z

Love, Lori Addison Dear Adam, Christy, and Joey, I met your dad through Dida. Your dad was a wonderful man who brought joy into a room just by walking in. My family left this summer for three weeks. Dida and your dad housesat and watched our dog Bandit. Bandit fell in love; he went to the dock with your dad and quickly became one of the boys. When we returned home, Bandit watched for him for weeks. Poor Bandit was in despair for weeks. Your dad was someone you were always glad to see.

"Very Charming"

2006-12-03T07:45:27Z

from Rosa Kutz with Love When my daughter Dida introduced me to Chris I found him very charming and a funny man. I love him and miss him very much.

"Chris Will Be Missed"

2006-12-03T07:41:29Z

from Trevor, Aquarius Dive Shop, Breakwater What a loss to the diving community. Chris will be missed by all of us who loved the water as he did.

"Chris Loved This World"

2006-12-03T07:24:00Z

from Robin * Slomkowski Dear Adam, Christie, Joey, I only met your father in 2006. He was an adventrure in the classic sense. He looked to explore our world in every way he could. He loved the ocean and the creatures of this earth. One night we took a boat out into Monterey Bay with my little Schipperke dog named Duco. Chris had made friends with Duco almost instantly. Chris wanted the trip to be fun for Duco as well. He realized that Duco was excited by the sea lions, so he would search the bay in the dark to find sea lions so he could share the excitement with the little dog. They succeeded in finding them. Another time we were staying in a cabin by the sea. There was a sign warning us of newt crossings on the road. Chris and I laughed that we would not be able to see them at night. He tried anyway, sticking his head out the [car] window. Then he did see one. He stopped the car and let the newt cross unharmed. Chris loved the world and all the creatures in it.

"We All Loved Him"

2006-12-03T07:08:58Z

from Aunt Jan Dear Christie, Joey, and Adam- Your dad was an adventurer. He found adventure in everything. He was looking forward to sharing the beautiful places where he worked, played, and enjoyed. He loves you so much and we all loved him. I love you and I'll see you soon.