Memorial Celebration For Steve Schafer

[ricki]

A memorial was held for Steve Schafer at Stuart Beach Saturday morning. It was estimated about 100 surfers paddled offshore and organized into a circle. There may have been several hundred people standing onshore watching.



CLICK ON PHOTO for full sized image







Entering the surf to paddle out. From Steve's Facebook memorial page, link provided below.


Friends are trying to raise funds to place a memorial sculpture at Stuart Beach in honor of Steve through this Facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?....2310252179..1



PHOTO BY ERIC HASERT, http://www.tcpalm.com/




PHOTO BY SAM WOLFE, http://www.tcpalm.com/




PHOTO BY ERIC HASERT, http://www.tcpalm.com/


Still more photos can be found at:
http://www.tcpalm.com/photos/galleri...schafer/38466/


TV coverage of the memorial:
http://www.tcpalm.com/videos/detail/...ephen-schafer/


Reflections about Steve from his friends:
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2010/feb/...ack-victim-st/



Friends were encouraged to record their thoughts about Steve here.



A photo of Steve (on the right), likely taken with his own camera just a week before the Memorial at the Jupiter Kiteboarding Invasion.


Everyone I spoke to had fond memories of Steve as a mellow, steady friend. He never had a harsh word for anyone but still was a realist. Many commented on his outstanding surfing skills and strength at kiteboarding. The mood was somber but with some joy too over Steve's life and their shared love of the ocean. Steve like many in his family had a profound passion for the sea. His father, Howard Schafer, was a brilliant artist focusing on captivating nautical scenes and in particular Bahamian sailing craft in island settings. There was a large turnout of friends providing some insight into Steve's impact on the community. Surfers, kiteboarders and family friends showed up in force. He will be missed. Rest in peace Steve.



Nice sets of swells were rolling in throughout the Memorial and beyond.