BULGER, Claude Edward

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Published on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 - Claude Edward Bulger, retired former pastor of Havasu Christian Church, died May 19, 2013 in Libby, Mont., with his beloved wife Melynda at his side. The Lake Havasu City resident was out of town visiting family when he succumbed to a long time heart condition. Born July 23, 1936, he was the last of Richard and Olive Bulger's six children and spent most of his early life in Compton, Calif., after the family moved there in 1941. Young Claude was greatly impacted by the Second World War, seeing his brothers go into military service and enduring the loss of his oldest brother, PFC Richard Ronald Bulger, USMC, at Iwo Jima. At the age of 17, Claude joined the U.S. Air Force and served four years working during peacetime as a radio operator stationed in Japan. Reflecting on this time in later years, Claude admitted that he went in harboring resentment toward the former WWII enemy, but his experience living, working and meeting people there was beneficial and instructive, reminding him of shared humanity despite geo-political and cultural differences. Receiving his honorable discharge in 1957, Claude did not immediately settle on pursuing the ministry, at first finding clerical work for various companies. The memory of his late brother's desire to be a minister is what finally inspired him to follow through on his own dream of preaching the Gospel. Still working full-time, he enrolled part-time at Pacific Christian College, which is now Hope International University (HIU). By the time he received his Bachelor's degree in 1972, he had met and married Melynda Woodson, had two children and served his first full-time ministry as interim pastor of Rosewood Christian Church in his hometown of Compton. His career included ministries at First Christian Church of Banning, North Towne Church of Christ in Pomona, Bell Gardens Christian Church and First Christian Church in Simi Valley, where his third and youngest child was born. In 1980, he became senior pastor at South Gate Church of Christ, where he served for 12 years. During this time, he earned a Master's degree from HIU, became active in the local Kiwanis club and volunteered service as a chaplin with the South Gate Police Department. In 1992, Claude accepted the senior pastor minister position at Havasu Christian Church, where he worked until retiring in 2002. Reflecting upon his years in ministry, he said, "The most satisfying part is seeing people come to Christ." He remained active in his church and community after his retirement, continuing to serve as a police chaplin and guest preaching for vacationing colleagues at various churches. He maintained a presence in many a hospital room as a hospital chaplin, providing siritual comfort and guidance to patients and families. He also enjoyed cheering on his son Jon at Special Olympic events throughout Arizona. Claude is survived by Melynda Bulger, his wife of 48 years and their three children Jonathan Bulger of Lake Havasu; Melissa Bulger Hendrickson of Los Angeles, Calif., and Joy Bulger Beck of Santa Clarita, Calif. He was fond of his sons-in-law, James Hendrickson and Roan Beck and the proud grandfather of Valerie, Keith, Asher and Lotus. He holds a special place in the hearts of his sister, Tinker Reese of Hayden Lake, Idaho; his brother, David Bulger of Moreno Valley, Calif. and dozens of nieces and nephews. Many others will remember him as a pastor and friend. All are welcome to join the celebration of his life June 15, 10 a.m. at Havasu Christian Church.