A place for friends and family to share a memory of Hal.
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In Loving Memory of Hal Krupens 
Hal was always very friendly and gracious to me whenever I saw him. I remember him as being a very happy man who loved his family and his life to the fullest.
I’m Hal’s Daughter in law, but before that… even before I met Joe… I was Hal’s Teacher’s Assistant at Clairemont High. Actually he was one of 4 teachers that I supported. While I was very busy making copies or grading papers for the other 3 teachers, Hal never had anything for me to do. So one day, I was out of stuff to do so I had to go into Hal’s room and see if he had any work for me. I walk into his room, it’s during his prep and he chilling at his desk, feet up, reading the paper. “Hey Mr. Krupens,” I said, “Do you have any work for me?” Hal looked up and said, “No, but do you follow the stock market?” Well of course I didn’t, I was 20 years old for crying out loud, so he called me over and taught me about stocks for the rest of the period. I remember nothing about what he taught me, but I remember thinking he was the coolest guy to work for. 🙂 Miss you Hal/Dad/PopPop, I hope you are killing it in the stock market up there!
I am a very close and dear friend of Hal and Rose Marie Krupens. I met Hal and Rose Marie in 1958 on my first date with Mike Considine. I have since then been very close to their family. My Husband, Mike, knew Harold during High School at Point Loma. When I met Mike, my first date with him was at Rose Marie and Hal’s home. We have since many shared many memories. Now Harold is with my “Mikie” at the “No Tears and Beers” Bar in Heaven, having a cold one on a warm and sandy beach such as the one in front of Hal’s home in Ocean Beach. I miss Mike and Hal dearly, but Heaven won’t be the same with both of them up there together. Miss you both very much. Stay out of too much trouble you two! And Hal and Mikie, Rose Marie and I will just have to do some shopping in the meantime. We’ll meet once again, that’s a given! We’ll meet at the Pearly Gates, and I know Mikie will have his new motorhome filled to the max and off we’ll go in the “golden glow” together once again. All my forever love. Sharon
Hal was ever the “acquired big-brother” in my life, when his sister-in-law Vera Jo became my best friend. We shared stories of travels, thoughts about books we both read, he offered guidance on guys I dated, and always made me feel safe and loved.
Hal handled end of life with the same dignity and graciousness that he lived his life.
His love of Rose Marie was beautiful, filled with love, trust and respect. Hal’s eyes lit up whenever she walked into the room, and his words were always loving.
Hal’s love for his children, Joe (Angela) and Liz (John), and his grandchildren Josie, Jesse, Michael and Sammie is a gift that will live on and carry them through the years ahead .
Love you all!!!!
I am a former student of Coach Krupens. I came to know him through my brother whom Hal had coached in water polo the year before I came to CHS in 1974. I had coach Krupens for drivers ed. Many of the lessons he drove into us (pun intended), are with me still today. I am a good defensive driver because of Hal. I also had the pleasure of going to school with Joe when he came to Clairemont High in 1975-76; we were in graphic arts together.
Coach Krupens was one of the “cool” teachers at CHS. I recall that he surfed, was easy to talk to and knew what “coaching” actually meant. He helped his students learn what they needed to know. I am proud to have been one of his students. Farewell coach, you are fondly remembered by the many student lives you touched. The profession of teacher has lost a valuable asset.
I will miss Hal. I am sorry I will be out of town for his memorial service. God Speed Hal. Like Dan, I went to CHS in the 70’s and Coach Krupens guided a no-skills kid through JV football. I was a solid second string, but Coach Krupens made it fun. You worked hard and learned, but it was fun. He taught my drivers ed class, and I must admit did a fantastic job…I’m still on the road with a good record. Coach Krupens was always ‘up’ — I don’t think I ever saw Coach Krupens in a bad mood. Those were some great times. Despite the 70’s being a crazy time to grow up, the kids Coach Krupens touched all did pretty well. His demeanor, influence and encouragement kept a lot of kids between the lines in life, who otherwise may have drifted off. Thanks Coach. CS, CHS Class of ’76
Dear Rose Marie, Joe and Liz,
I am so sorry to hear of Hal’s/ Dad’s passing. As others have stated he was a wonderful teacher, mentor and friend. I came to know Coach as did others at CHS during football practice. He always knew how to motivate me and get the most from all of his players. Joe and I became good friends when he transferred to CHS and it was then I came to know how good of a man Hal really was. He was full of life and always had a smile on his face. He will not be forgotten hear on earth and will always live on in Heaven.
Thank you for all that you have done for me. You had a big part in molding me into a successful adult RIP Coach Krupens
Mike M CHS 76
Dear Krupens Family,
I had the pleasure of working with Hal at Clairemont HS. When I was a school counselor, he was the AD and a resource teacher. I remember him with such fondness. We had many conversations about our families and his stories of you all showed to me the great love he had for you. He took great care with the students and staff and always had a positive attitude and sense of humor. I also appreciated the many recipes he shared with me and when I open up my recipe book, there is Hal’s recipe for shrimp, chicken, etc. He lives on in our hearts and memories and I send you my deepest sympathies for your loss. Keeping you in you in my thoughts and prayers.
M. Janak
How we mer Hal…The year was 1976. 5 custom homes had been built on a 3.5 acre parcel of land in Mission Hills. My husband, Al and I were among the 5 home buyers. Our lives were never to be the same-just across the meadow in one of the houses lived Vera Jo and Steve. Vera Jo, of course, is Rose Marie’s sister, Hal. Over the next 38 years Hal was forever smiling and ready to lend a hand. Hel was gregarious, yet warm and genuinely interested in the answer to his question “What have you been up to?” Hal will be missed so much by his loving family and by so many! He was a true treasure…
Mary Davis Avakian
Dear Rose Marie and family,
We were so saddened to see of Hal’s passing. Hal was such a great friend to Mike’s dad, Bill, and we have so many fond memories of the “old guard”. They just don’t make them like they used to! Sending you comfort at this time.
Hugs, Mike & Lori Martin
Sorry to hear of Hal’s passing and my thoughts go to his family. Hal and I worked at UPS together and then I went in to Police work and Hal to teaching. When I worked for City Schools Police, Hal and I would meet up and share our thoughts on bettering the students for the “new world”. A great person and friend and he will be missed.
Jim Pilling Eugene, Oregon
It was so sad to read of Hal’s death. I have so many fond memories of working with him at Clairemont High School in the l970’s and l980’s. He was always so kind, thoughtful, and fun. All the students and staff loved him. He was very popular. Hal will always be missed and will always be remembered.
Dear Krupen’s Family:
I so enjoyed the beautiful Memorial Mass and Celebration of Hal’s life today. I was really taken back when I saw that Hal had passed away. You know some people that you met are larger than life, and that was Hal to me. I was wide eyed and scared when I arrived at CHS in 1983 and there was Uncle Hal to take me under his wing. He walked me through starting the Girl’s Soccer Team when it became a CIF sport! I know that I could have never made it without his help. He was quiet, unassuming and patient as the day is long, thank GOD! It was a real treat to see all of you and to see and hear the legacy he has left in the way his grandchildren spoke of him. My heartfelt condolences to all of you. I love this blog that you have started and the pictues today were awesome!
XOXO Chris Waters
Dear Rose Marie, Liz and Joe,
I am so sorry to read of Hal’s passing. As I worked on those several transactions with him and Rose Marie, I always found him to be in good cheer and an amiable person. It seemed that he could always “go with the flow” and seemed confident that things would work out well. It was clear to me that he had an easy-going manner and seemed very comfortable at that stage of life. He was always pleasant to speak with. Wishing you only the best as you deal with your loss, and hoping that everything goes well for you in the future.
Dear Krupen’s Family,
I had the pleasure of playing football and later coaching with Hal at Clairemont High School. I graduated in 1981 and then later coached with Hal while I went to SDSU. We continued to see Hal and Rose Marie once or twice a year as a group of us from work would take a Friday afternoon off once a quarter and head to Cass Street Bar and Grill. I would always interrupt the lively discussion that usually included Hal and Rose Marie along with 2 other couples just enjoying life. I also found out yesterday that Joe’s wife Angela and I work together, what a small world! That was how I learned of the sad news. Hal taught many of us at Clairemont High and the fond memories are too many to list. It even turned out that my Dad had gone to La Jolla High and knew Hal from the good old days of Point Loma High vs. La Jolla High football for “The Shoe”. I was honored while looking at the photo gallery that one of the pictures of the CHS Football coaches includes me as a young assistant coach trying to teach others the life long lessons I learned from Coach Krupens. Will sure miss running into Coach Krupens at Cass Street, but I know he is continuing to coach other’s as he looks down upon us.
Greg Wofford
CHS Class of 1981
I just found out, through, Clairemont High Memorials on Facebook, about the passing of Coach Krupens. My life would not be the same without his kindness and patience. He took the time to teach me how to high jump, he would stay late after boys practice ended to work with me. Learning that skill changed my life for the better, I am sure I never would have gone to college without it. I will forever be grateful.
I want his family to know his legacy lives on. I have been a high jump coach myself for over 30 years now and used the knowledge I learned from Coach to teach hundreds of athletes how to high jump. I wish I had been able to tell him how much I appreciate all he did for me. He will always be my role model and he is proof that a few hours coaching in the afternoons can make a difference in a kids life.
Much love to his family
Sincerely,
Patti Stafford- Coulter
(Class of 1977)