In loving memory of Stephen Claussen, 1966 - 2008
Stories VI
Home
Slideshow
Stories I
Stories II
Stories III
Stories IV
Stories V
Stories VI
Stories VII
Stories VIII
Stories IX
Stories X
Family photos
Times with Keiko
Photo Links
Photos II
Photos: The younger Years
The much younger years!
Contact Me
Recipe Collection Page
Stephen's Song

Stephen captains the research boat
slideshow048.jpg

Stephen collects measurements from A73
a73_smc_03.jpg

I have known the Claussen family since 1965.  Stephen was just a little guy.  His mother, Karen, was a very dear friend.  I cannot express how deeply I feel for her and the family at this time...  I wish I were near her to give her a big hug....  I hadn't been around Steve too many times, but when I was  he was a great kid and wonderful man...  I know he will be missed greatly by his mother and siblings.  My sympathies are with all of you at this time.

 

A long time friend

 - Arleen Rountree

 

 

I am so thankful to share in all the happy, funny stories, memories, and photos of Stephen. I always looked forward to seeing him and hearing of his new adventures. I was so happy that he decided not to defect to Canada when GW was reelected, but I still didn't get to see him often enough. I honestly don't know what I will do now that I can't live vicariously through him. For a little boy that wanted to be Snoopy or a fire truck when he grew up he lived quite a life. Thank you Stephen for being a funny, cynical, caring and genuine person. You always made me proud that you were my baby brother.

 

- Dana Gagner

 

There are not words to describe how much I loved Stephen. Even when he annoyed me I loved him, and he did the same when I annoyed him. We were brothers, we didn’t have to be little kids to annoy each other…that never really stops.

My mom and I just got back from Atlantic City. We brought his ashes home and got to meet the truly wonderful and remarkable people he worked with.

I bought and Xbox 360 about six months ago. Steve and I played Tiger Woods golf whenever he was home. We were both getting very good at it. When one of us would make a shot that was superior to the other guy’s shot our new tagline was “Live long and prosper, bitch.” If you’d like to know where that came from go to Youtube and search for “Jedi Breakfast”. It is a video that he and I loved so much that we borrowed the line and way overused it.

I was always so proud of my brother. He found his true calling. Most people will go through life without ever doing that. The fact that his journey got cut so short will always be a source of pain, anger and frustration for me. I did not know how much I needed my brother in my life until he was gone.

I love you, little brother. I always did and I always will. I don’t know how we will all get along without you, but we will have to find a way.

 - Jim Claussen

A letter to the Claussen Family
 


I'm writing to you at what I know is a most difficult time, to express my sympathy for the loss of Stephen your son, (and brother).

I got to know Stephen only too briefly through Susan at the Bemis building.  He was a fine young man at the peak of life and had an appreciation for his place and experiences.  He expressed through his words and actions how much he loved life, nature and especially marine wild life. The opportunities he had had to experience those close moments in the marine world and around the world were paramount in his conversation. He possessed a real "joie de vie".

The day he was here to visit there was an instant understanding of how much we had each appreciated the opportunities we had been blessed with in our lives.  His work required much travel and many experiences and he loved every day and every new challenge.  When he left I thought "That is someone I want to know better!"

I was shocked and angry to learn of his passing.  There is not much one can say or do at a time like this, when we are cheated by some one's passing at such a young age.  However, we must understand that Stephen was living life to the fullest and doing the things he loved the most. He certainly has made this a better world for his research and efforts to protect the marine environment.

My heartfelt thoughts are with you and your family.

Sincerely,

David Sekstrom
A Vagabond

Fair winds, calm seas and safe travels friend - We'll miss you!