From time to time, everyone is touched by the fragility of life, that is, the sudden death of someone who was supposed to live a long and happy life. Just a couple of days ago, the tech world was stunned by the death of SurveyMonkey CEO, David Goldberg, age 47, who died while on a family vacation. In the news today, the autopsy is showing that he apparently had a heart arrhythmia, and his death may not have wholly been the result of head trauma after his fall from a treadmill. Still, his family and colleagues are shocked at his sudden demise. The unexpected death leaves survivors with a tremendous sense of loss, and especially, the missed opportunity to say ‘goodbye.’
A Celebration of Life for Clayton Crossen will be held on Saturday, May 9th at Mount Shasta City Park.
Our Burbank High ’68 classmate, Roger Guggenheimer, is grieving, following the sudden loss of his son, Clayton. In a Facebook post he wrote:
“For those who have not heard or may not know, we lost our 20 year old Clayton yesterday. He was in a terrible car crash, which took him from us way before his time. He was a beautiful, gentle, and kind soul. May he rest in peace.”
The loss of a child, no matter what age, is absolutely devastating. I know firsthand — my first child died two hours after birth — our grief was unimaginable and we were inconsolable. There is a website called GriefHaven, which is a support group for parents whose children have died. The author writes: We are parents who are traveling this unwanted path of grieving the loss of our children. None of us want to be here. Whether your child was with you for fifteen minutes or 50 years, the end result is the same. Your beloved child is gone, and now you are left to pick up the pieces and go on.
You are invited to write messages of condolence and comfort to Roger in the Comments section below.
Yesterday classmate Steve Raine wrote to me, “As we experience more and more the passing of our classmates, I want to suggest that we invite people to share their own ‘Obits’ now, while they/we are still here. No one can share our lives, our lives’ preciousness, and our deepest values, joys and loves better than we, ourselves, can. Plus, it might help us to more intently realize the reality of our mortality, and maybe strive to give a few more hugs, and smell the roses a bit more.”
When I was asked to write this blog by the BHS’68 Reunion Committee three years ago, it was my hope that I would reach out to every single classmate, and “tell your story.” Especially as we all pass or are about to pass that magic age of 65 this year, our own immortality is staring us in the face. How would you like to be remembered? What do you want on your epitaph? You can use the Contact Us form above, or simply write to me here. I especially would appreciate hearing from you if you have also lost a child. Our hearts are with you, and with Roger.
Burbank High Class of 1968 
Oh Roger, I am so sorry for the loss of your son! I will say a prayer for you and the family.
God Bless,
Nancy Spaulding Mara
Roger, so saddened to learn of the sudden loss of your son Clayton. Just wanting you to know that my deepest sympathy is with you and your family, and my prayers too. Eternal rest grant unto him Oh Lord, and may he rest in peace. Peace and comfort be with you.
Roger, words can’t express how sorry I am for your loss. May the love and support of your friends and family be your guiding light during your darkest hours.
Bill Reimers says:
May 6, 2015 at 8:51 pm
am terribly sorry for Roger’s loss. Nothing more devastating than losing a child, no matter what their age. I know when my step brother was killed in Vietnam my parents were never the same. Being in the medical field as long as I have I have seen so much loss and death to individuals of all ages. When I was director of Pediatrics at UCLA I saw much that saddened me almost everyday, but then again I also had the opportunity save many lives. After my time there I made the decision to never walk into my house from work with anything in my arms so I could hug my kids as they ran up to me. I have kept that habit throughout their lives and now that they are all grown and carrying on with their own lives I still have my arms empty when I first see them.
I hope you are doing well Kathy and I have included you and I will include Roger in my prayers. My best to you all.
Reply
Oh, Roger. SO sorry to hear of the loss of Clayton. My heart is with you, and your family during this terrible, gut-wrenching time. Lifting you and your family in white light and energy as well as prayer. I know firsthand about chest-crushing grief. Please note that many of your old friends from Burbank and beyond are thinking of you. Jan DeJaegher
So sorry to hear of your loss. My heart is breaking for you and your family. We almost lost our middle daughter 21/2 years ago…It was by far the scariest time in my life. I pray for the presence of the Lord to comfort and sustain you as you navigate this difficult passage. My prayers will be with you. Karen Parrish Rapport
Oh Roger, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. I know there are no words of comfort or explanations to ease your sorrow only that God must have needed another Angel in Heaven. I send you love, comfort and healing and will keep you tucked in my thoughts and prayers.
love Cheryl McNulty Hall