Philip D. Schaefer

Have fond memories of Judge Schaefer. I told someone a funny story about him the other day. So you are not really gone as long as there is someone left to remember you..

Phil Schaefer was among other things a Baseball and Boxing Fan! The Judge always had high praise of myself during my Boxing Career. He remembered when I fought at various places in Kalamazoo such as Hackett High School Gymnasium's Harve Freeman Gymnasium and Wings Stadium. Judge Schaefer also saw me when I won the Toughman Heavyweight Boxing Championship in 1981. You were nice to tell me you wanted me to become Sheriff of Kalamazoo County which I ran for in 1988 and 1992. Thank You! - Arnold...

Early in my career, I had the privilege of practicing before Judge Schaefer many, many times. He was an excellent judge, and more importantly, a very good man. I'm sorry he's gone so young! My sincere condolences to his family.

Phil and I went to judges school together many years ago. He was a delightful person and he and I remained friends through the years. I had lost touch the last few years and I am shocked by his death. Such a gentle soul! My deepest sympathy to his family. His death is a great loss.

As a contemporary of Phil, we grew up together as lawyers during a wonderful time of civility in the legal profession. While our legal paths did not cross often in our early years, we did get to know each socially. He was a very easy person to like.

After his election to the bench, he was extremely helpful working with me as Chief Assistant Prosecutor in a joint effort to handle the criminal cases in Circuit Court in the most efficient manner. He was always professional and ...