CALIFORNIA TREASURE

Father Christian Mondor—Forever Young Performer Passes
(1925-2018)

By Craig MacDonald

Father Christian Mondor, the oldest Franciscan Friar on the West Coast, recently passed away just before his 93rd Birthday. The immensely-popular Vicar Emeritus at Sts. Simon & Jude Catholic Church in Huntington Beach also was a founding member of America's Oldest Act of Professional Entertainers, FOREVER YOUNG.

MGM Tap Dancer Sid Hallburn, 94, my son, Chris, and I had the concept for the group three years ago. Our longtime friend, Father Christian, was the first one we all thought of since he was 90 and had played banjo with America's Banjo King, Eddie Peabody. He also starred in the Troubadours of St. Francis, a well-known folk group that cut records. We all worked to locate other old pros from 85-105, which make up the headliners in the volunteer band today.

The humble Father often stole the show because of his huge popularity and his banjo and singing prowess in songs like "Wonderful World" and "Old Bones."

The always smiling and friendly friar, an active member of the Huntington Beach Interfaith Council, almost didn't join Forever Young because of advanced arthritis in his hands. But his old pal and band leader, Sid Hallburn, told him, "Nonsense. Strumming the banjo will help your fingers, keep you spry and create joy for you and everyone who hears you." Indeed it did. Father never missed a show unless he was at a Franciscan meeting at Mission Santa Barbara or at an international banjo convention, where he served as chaplain.

The man, who earned a Ph.D., graciously provided wisdom and comfort for thousands of people who sought his advice. He deeply cared for everyone from all cultures and walks of life. Father even performed Mass with the Pope and had a relentless zest for life. He deeply cared for everyone lucky enough to cross his path.

My son was on the Board of Directors of the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum when he first met the "Surfing Padre," who took up the sport—temporarily leaving his brown robe for a black wetsuit (and a longboard)—at the age of 70. (He also won several Gold Medals in international masters swimming events all over the world.) He helped the Catholic Diocese found the internationally-famous "Blessing of the Waves."

"Surfers, patiently sitting on their board out in the ocean, waiting for a wave, really feel the grace of God and marvel at what He has created," Father once told me. "They appreciate the incredible beauty and awesome sights around them. They feel His presence."

With always twinkling eyes and a gracious smile, the former college president had a terrific sense of humor. "Just like Willie Nelson, we're on the road again," he told a large group of spectators, before boarding a luxury bus sent by the California Retired Teachers Association to pick up the band performing at a statewide convention in Los Angeles.

Father was in contact with us to the end, calling from his hospital bed, assisting with a fundraising concert at St. Wilfrid's Episcopal Church (to help Beach Cities Interfaith Council) and at a show at Merrill Gardens, where he performed Mass monthly.

His church family and friends loved him. So did his own family. We knew Father's sister, Carol (a professional ice skater), and nieces, Andi and Teri. He grew up in Hollywood. His parents decided to sell their home to a vaudeville couple, who wanted their daughter to get into the movies. She ended up starring in "The Wizard of Oz" (Judy Garland).

The Friar's love of life can still be heard in the final lines of his favorite song for Forever Young—"Old Bones:"

"Though I might not be much more than I've ever been, Just to have the chance to turn back the hands and let my life begin, Oh yeah, I'd like to do it again!"

Father, who will be interred at Mission Santa Barbara, will never really leave us. He's a Guardian Angel, always with us, always positive, always encouraging. We can still See his Smile, Feel his Love and Inspiration to help others. Here were his last words to us: "You're doing terrific. Keep inspiring. The best is yet to come!"