Claude’s infectious attraction was his peaceful energy. It was pure charisma. His laugh drew us in, but his spirit kept us wanting more. More of what he had. That peace, that joy, that connection with life. We may have physically lost our dear friend, colleague, mentor, teacher, but all he shared with us during our time together made an imprint we will carry forever and will share with all those we meet as well.  

After his stroke on Labor Day, Claude’s greatest concern during his four-month hospital stay was taking care of his wife, Alicia, after he could not. He knew the hospital bills and other financial needs would impact her deeply. Not only does she lose her husband and best friend, but now she no longer has his financial contributions to her life and well-being.

We are asking all their friends – and anyone touched by his story -- to help fulfill Claude’s wishes to “look after Alicia” by contributing to this GoFundMe in his honor. Hospital bills, funeral arrangements, end-of-life matters including lawyers, and moving to a smaller place since their apartment is too large and expensive to maintain -- all these add up. We greatly appreciate any donation made, regardless of size, and all will solely benefit Alicia.

Claude was an amazing person.

A car-bus crash years ago (he was in the car and “lost”) placed him in a bed from which the doctors felt he would never leave. Undeterred by their lack of faith, he not only left the confinements of the bed, but he flourished. He joined a swim team. He took up yoga to rebuild his physical health. He loved it so much he became a yoga instructor and encouraged many of his students to become instructors also.  A barber by trade, he later went to massage school and then became a teacher of massage, inspiring many as well as helping his clients. He loved body movement. He learned and taught Tai Chi and qigong. Meditation was a source of strength as was the Twelve Step Program.

Ever the learner, this remarkable, spiritual man studied different modalities of healing: acupressure/acupuncture, Eastern methods of healing, the anatomy train, tuning forks, Tibetan singing/healing bowls, vibrational/sound healing all with the goal of helping others.

Inspired by the freedom of the road, he loved motorcycles and often took trips with his motorcycle friends. Well-past retirement age, he bought an electric blue, three-wheel motorcycle and enjoyed riding until a week before his stroke. He enjoyed watching the Mavericks and Cowboys.

This amazing 81-year-old person worked Mondays and Wednesdays as a massage therapist, had a barber practice on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, taught yoga and qigong on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and taught Tai Chi on Sunday afternoons. He loved life and shared his joy with all who knew him. Slowing down did not occur to him; sharing with and inspiring others was his great delight. A life well lived indeed.

Thank you for helping us help Alicia during this time.