Claude Lopez
Claude Lopez passed away unexpectedly on September 9, 2023. Claude was born on October 29, 1966, in Santa Barbara, California. He lived with his parents Rudy and Merideth Romero in Goleta. Claude graduated from Dos Pueblo High School and went on to study archeology at UCSB.
Claude loved sports and played football in High School and College. After Claude graduated UCSB, he met the love of his life, Danielle. Claude and Danielle were married for 35 years and during that time had two children, Claudia and Joseph. He raised his family on the Chumash Reservation.
Claude worked for Broken Drum Insulation, Kitchen Tune-Up, and the Chumash Casino in his younger years. His career began when he started working for the Chumash as the Lead cultural Archeological monitor for over twenty years. That was his passion. Claude was extremely knowledgeable of the Chumash culture, and always shared his wisdom with his friends and family.
Claude was a proud enrolled member of the Squamish Nation in Canada and also a descendant of the Chumash Tribe. Claude’s love for his family knew no bounds and he embraced every moment with them whether it was talking sports with his son or teaching his daughter how to rotate tires. He never stopped teaching everyone how to be productive members of society. He also loved traveling, and during his life traveled to different parts of the world. He had many hobbies like playing the drums, guitar, and boxing. He loved being outside and enjoyed gardening.
Claude cherished his role as a husband and loved spending time with his wife Danielle. Together, they shared a journey of adventure, growth and unconditional love. Claude was also a very proud grandpa to his grandchildren, instilling in them the values of perseverance, kindness and a thirst for knowledge. Saying that Claude was a good friend is an understatement; he was a memorable friend and he uplifted those around him and brought out the best in people. Claude’s impact on the world was profound, and his influence reached far and wide. He truly exemplified what it meant to be a pillar of strength and inspiration.
He is survived by his wife Danielle, his two children Claudia and Joseph Lopez, and three grandchildren Delilah, Halo and AJ. He is preceded in death by his parents Rudolph and Merideth Romero and many other family members and friends. In the words of Claude “Big Love…inaminute”
A Celebration of Life/Grave side service will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery 2560 Baseline Avenue in Ballard at 11 am following a reception at the Tribal Hall 100 Via Juana Lane in Santa Ynez.