Tuesday, March 27, 2001

By Mark Oliva, Okinawa bureau

CAMP FOSTER — A prominent member of the retired military community on Okinawa has diedlast week.

Cal Klunder, an Air Force veteran who retired in 1974, died in his sleep Thursday at his home in Gushikawa. He was 76.

Memorial services were held Sunday at the Camp Courtney Chapel.

Klunder was an active member of the American Legion and known for promoting memorial services across Okinawa including annual trips to Ie Shima to honor World War II correspondent Ernie Pyle. Klunder worked for Stars and Stripes for six years until 1998.

Klunder was known for portraying Santa Claus to Okinawan children every year, a tradition he began in 1958 in Morrocco.

"My father loved people," Ken Klunder said. "Had it not been for the warm relationships and support of his friends, both American and Okinawan, he would have died a long time ago. I’m sure my father would want to say ‘thank you’ to all his friends."

Besides his son, Klunder is survived by his wife, two daughters, one son,seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Chiyomi Sumida contributed to this report.

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