Christopher Eric Haugen

Dear Christie, Adam and Joey-
My most wonderful memories of your extraordinary dad are when we were out in nature, either on a camping trip or diving. I was so glad he got just as excited as me by watching things like a bobact stalk mice.

We were at Steep Ravine cabins for his birthday. He'd never seen a bobcat, and I had there before. I saw one again, called him (Chris) quietly, and together we stalked the bobcat as s/he stalked mice. We spent about an hour doing that, and it was great.

He got psyched by finding a bunch of black and yellow rockfish in a crevice while diving.

And he was SO sweet to my little tabby Penny!

xoxo Dida

from Zeke Bean
Although I just began to know Chris, his friendhsip was as if I had known him for years. I immediately felt welcomed into his life and will always remember his openness and kindness and sincere smile. It is wonderful to know that souls like his exist, and I am sure I will always remember him.

with love from Bruce Delgado
I remember Chris, he was that guy who was super strong and could fix anything.

He threw a bunch of big snowballs at my van on purpose when we went to the Pinnacles National Monument. When we there he was very excited and took a million photos just like a little kid. My photos were better but Chris said his were.

I really loved Chris's smile. It was huge! And it reminded me of his uncle Chuck. I think his grin was a direct shot to his michevious, wild, warm, and wonderful soul.

I bet he's still sailing. Different world, different boat, but always sailing!

from Craig Shuman, Dir. Reefcheck CA
Chris met me at 2 am as I got on the "Conception" for the abalone survey trip the night before we left. He was soooo HAPPY. He had his signature fantastic smile on as he helped me aboard with my gear. We chatted for a bit and I left him on the deck looking so happy and peaceful, taking in every bit of the night.

I will never forget all the dives I did with Chris. I feel fortunate to have been able to spend time with him in his element, the ocean. I will miss him immensely.

from Jan Shriner
When Dida, Kyra, myself, and a few others needed a shade shelter that functioned, Chris fixed one we had that was so broken it looked like an octopus. It was amazing! He was amazing. I'm glad to have had a little time with a very special Chris.

from (uncle) Jeff Campbell
Kids, the stories and times your father and I had are countless. He was a kind loving man that missed you so much. I believe he was really happy when he finally moved to Monterey. He was doing what he loved.

Your father was a free spirit and a true adventurer. He will always be loved and we will hold him close to our Hearts forever.

from Michael Addison
Sometimes you meet someone you want to know better. Chris was one of those people. Lori and I will miss him.

Love, Mary (Paul)
I remember Chris at the first CHCF picnic I went to. I thought he was soo helpful. And then Dida thought he was sooo cute. I'll always remember being in the way of their wonderful electricity.

With Love from Aunt Heidi 11/25/06
Adam and Joey and Christie-

This is Aunt Heidi writing to you at your dad's "Remembranace Ceremony" in Monterey, California.

You guys would be very proud of your dad and all the people who really loved him. We have shared many wonderful stories that I will share with you. You should all know how much your dad was loved up here. Grammy Barb and I have felt very loved with all your dad's friends.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.