(Photo of Jeep on his 65th birthday in 2005, courtesy of the Schaeffer family and our Lifeguard Alumni.)
"County Recurrent" extends its condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Ronald "Jeep" Schaeffer, one of LACo's Finest Recurrent Beach Lifeguards, who recently passed away. With the consent of Jeep's family and our Lifeguard Alumni, we are herein republishing the beautiful eulogy celebrating Jeep's life.
"Ronald “Jeep” Shaeffer passed away on Saturday August 14, 2010 at 12:07pm at his home. With one hand held by family and friends and the other on his ukulele he passed away peacefully overlooking the sea he lovingly called “his cathedral”.
Jeep lived a life of adventure, joy, laughter, music and unyielding will. He knew with all his heart that there was nothing he couldn’t accomplish. Jeep was a big wave surfer before most people even knew what a surfboard was. He dreamt of becoming an LA County Lifeguard, and after two years of attempts Jeep’s determination prevailed and he passed the test. As a lifeguard he became a legend of skill, talent and trouble making.
He spent many sun-drenched days sailing upon his "cathedral" and many days snorkeling the shores of Catalina and diving treasured and secret lobster stashes. Jeep’s other passion was the wind, and despite his fear of heights, flying. After working the beaches he would ride his bike to Torrance Airport where he learned to fly. He soloed after only 8 hours and eventually became a pilot for TWA. He often said “some pilots love the mechanics of flying, how planes work, the science behind flight and how they lift and soar and then there are pilots who just love to fly. I just love to fly.” He retired as a TWA Captain after 33 years. He loved every day he had in the sky.
Jeep’s love for the sea and the sky was only surpassed by his love for family and friends. Laughter and music with those he loved are the core of his soul.
Ronald “Jeep” Shaeffer lived a life of richness and adventure that is impossible to convey in a paragraph or a novel. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him and the endless stories of him they cherish. He will be dearly missed. He is survived by his loving children Laura Lynch and Jason Shaeffer and his fiancée Joyce Jerome.
On September 18th at 10:00am we will meet on 22nd street in Hermosa Beach for a paddle out, to be followed by food, drink, stories and music at Sangria on Pier avenue in Hermosa Beach at 2:00 pm. Please join us for this memorial and be prepared to talk story, laugh and sing.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the LA County Lifeguard Association Trust Fund: 524 Garnet Street, #B, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
A Hui Ho"
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Respectfully submitted,
"County Recurrent" News
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2 comments:
Just in from Bron Taylor via Mark Spyder Thompson:
Received yesterday from Bron Taylor:
RIP Ron Shaeffer: State Park Lifeguard/Peace Officer, dad, funhog, world record holding masters swimmer, triathlete, friend. Went through state park training and worked as rookies together at Huntington Beach. Wild guy for wild times. He was planning to retire in Florida, soon, and travel the world. A stroke took him out at only 53. Sad day. Today's surf in Igor's energies is for you buddy.
http://www.ioe.ucla.edu/news/article.asp?parentid=8554
When i went to work for the state, Ron was one of the first guys i met. Actually i had met him at a triathlon a year earlier, but didn't realize he was a State Park Lifeguard at the time. As Bron pointed out, he was my kind of guy: wild, free, fun loving, .... he was one of the original California Challenge racers..
Dateline: Sept. 17, 2010
From: Lifeguard Alumni
Re: Reminder - Jeep Shaeffer Paddle Out - Sat. Sept. 18, 2010
Ronald “Jeep” Shaeffer passed on August 14, he lived a life of richness and adventure that is impossible to convey in a paragraph or a novel. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him and the endless stories of him they cherish. He will be dearly missed.
On September 18th at 10:00 am we will meet on 22nd street in Hermosa Beach for a paddle out, to be followed by food, drink, stories and music at Sangria on Pier avenue in Hermosa Beach at 2:00 pm. Please join us for this memorial and be prepared to talk story, laugh and sing.
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