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Stephen Howard Schafer

1971 - 2010

Stephen Howard Schafer obituary, 1971-2010, Stuart, FL

BORN

1971

DIED

2010

Stephen Schafer Obituary

Stephen Howard Schafer, 38, of Stuart was kite surfing south of Stuart Beach about 4:15 p.m. when the sharks attacked him, according to Bureau Chief Doug Killane of Martin County Fire-Rescue and Martin County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Rhonda Irons.

A lifeguard through his binoculars spotted the man floating about a quarter-mile offshore in an unguarded stretch of ocean, Irons said. The lifeguard paddled to him on a rescue board, pulled the man away from the sharks and carried him back to shore.

Rescue workers gave the man CPR before paramedics brought him to Martin Memorial Hospital, where he died.
Published by The Palm Beach Post from Feb. 4 to Feb. 10, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Schafer

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59 Entries

Susan Kruger-Moshier

September 8, 2014

I have only just now found out about Steven ,and,Howard. My sadness is deep. The Schafers were wonderful friends and Sailing Companions many years ago,I have never forgotten the many camping weekends on our boats. We will see you again one day.

Rebecca Muller

July 10, 2011

Although I did not know Stephen as a Floridian I feel a deep sorrow to hear of his passing. My thoughts are with his friends and family.

Michael Scott

June 15, 2010

I was a friend of Stephen's dad. This saddens me beyond words. My thoughts are with the Schafer family.

February 25, 2010

RIP

Rgds
Sandy Illing
Mexican Surfwear (AFRICA)

bani

February 10, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Kristin McCarthy

February 9, 2010

I worked with Steve many years ago, and while I didn't know him all that well, I remember him as being a very kind and thoughtful person. I was so sad to hear of his death. My thoughts are with his friends and family. May you find some comfort in knowing that he seemed to find such joy in surfing and the ocean.

Tammi Fry

February 8, 2010

I didn't know Mr. Schafer but I was deeply saddened to read about this senseless tragedy. From all that I've read, he was a wonderful person loved by many. I guess God needed a surfing buddy. It looks like he picked the best. My heartfelt condolences to his many friends and family.

Kahty Bennett

February 8, 2010

My prayers are with the family and friends of Steve. God bless you through this terrible, tragedy that has occurred to your family.

Ivy Silverman

February 7, 2010

I am shocked and terribly saddened to hear of this tragedy. Steve was a calm, peaceful and artistic soul. My deepest sympathies to all the kiters in Stuart, his friends and family.

February 7, 2010

My sympathy and prayers go out to Stephen and his family. RIP my friend. Pamela Drake (FL)

Randi Borrack

February 6, 2010

I feel blessed to have known such a kind, caring and humble guy, with a smile that would warm your heart. He loved his playground and it was beautiful to watch him play.
God Bless.

Eva Nelson

February 5, 2010

We happened to see this kite surfer a few months ago at the Jupiter Inlet. It's a beautiful, narrow, choppy, spot where the Atlantic meets the calm. Lined on both sides by huge rocks. He was unbelievably beautiful, brave, and graceful, as he rode the waves back and forth, and harnessed the wind above. We really were in awe. I remember saying to my son, Don't forget this. It's the difference between trying to do something, and doing it well. Now I know his name. May your body rest in peace, Stephen, and your spirit continue to soar.

February 5, 2010

My condolences to Steve's family, friends and kite surfer buddies. I have always admired the sport and loved watching from ashore. it saddens me very much to hear about his loss as I know to well the wild of Florida.
God Bless.
Carol C.
former resident of Jupiter, FL

Carol T.

February 5, 2010

It is so sad to loose such a talent in our local surf community. Being a surfer myself and understanding the passion for the ocean, he left us doing what he loved and will not be forgotten.
Although I did not know Stephen personally, I have always heard such positive things about him from fellow surfers and he will be greatly missed.
My prayers go out to the family and friends of Stephen.

Gisa Mouradian

February 5, 2010

We love to go to Stuart Beach and always enjoy seeing the guys flying around so high. Our prayers are with Stephen's family and all his friends. We did not know him but we sure feel the pain and share the loss. God bless you all.

Roger Baber

February 5, 2010

Steve was a great kite and surf buddy. We shared that special joy of being on the water. I will miss him.

Laura Kallock

February 5, 2010

I would like to express my sincere thoughts & prayers to Stephen's family for their loss.
It's true he lived his life and love of the sea. But he never for once turned his back from the ocean. That was Stephen.
Never forget that.
I won't.

tom slye

February 5, 2010

my sympathy and prayers to the family and friends of stephen. i had only met him a few times while i was windsurfing and surf kayaking. our love for the sea and nature gives us enjoyment, peace and comfort. may you ride with the wind on the waves of our blue seas forever . thanks for sharing your time with us.

Felicia French

February 5, 2010

Wishing Steve's family peace someday...And, a special thank you to all you lifeguards who watch over all of us who are water enthusiasts.

Scott R

February 4, 2010

Please accept our sincere sorrow in the loss of Stephen Schafer. We did not know him but feel his family and friends grief and pain for such a senseless loss. To die doing what he apparently loved will hopefully help ease the pain.

February 4, 2010

My heart goes out to all who knew and loved Stephen. May he rest in peace, and may each of you feel God's comfort surrounding you during this very difficult time.

Stephen S

February 4, 2010

We offer you our most heartfelt condolences in this most painful time. May the peace of the Lord be with you and help you through with the knowledge that Your loved one, Stephen is walking in God's grace.

February 4, 2010

We are truly sorry for the family of this young man,you are on our thoughts in prayers in Athens Ga..I am a former native of s. fla...

Rami

February 4, 2010

I am deeply saddened and shocked to learn of this tragedy. Steve was one of my roommates when we were students at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Steve enjoyed surfing very much. Steve was well-liked by everyone who met him. He enjoyed life and people enjoyed his presence. You will be missed my friend. My condolences to his family. God Bless.

Karen

February 4, 2010

My heart goes out to Mr Schafer's family and friends. May God comfort you all in this deepest time of sorrow.

Tony

February 4, 2010

Although I never met Stephen I feel as though I knew him because of our connection for the love of the ocean and kiteboarding. Stephen was doing what he enjoyed. He was doing what 99.9% of the population will never experience. Why things happen the way they do will forever remain a mystery to us left behind. Stephen is now watching over his loved ones. He is where the wind always blows, the ocean is always a crystal clear blue and the sun always shines.

February 4, 2010

My deepest sympathy to all who knew and loved him. God bless you.

Sandy

J Triolo

February 4, 2010

Sincere condolance for your tragic and sudden loss.

Jay More

February 4, 2010

So sorry to hear of this tragedy. Have often felt uneasy out there body dragging to my board. When is funeral? Would like to attend as a fellow kiter. email- [email protected] Again, So Very Sorry. Jay More

Kate

February 4, 2010

I'm so sorry to hear this. My condolences to his family and friends.

On the banks of the Columbia River

February 4, 2010

Stephen seems to be rejoicing for the talent shown in his father's paintings, behind him in the photo. The subjects reflect his father's love of the sea and the lifestyle of those touched by her charms. The beauty and sustenance the sea offers are traits we all may appreciate. Obviously, this was a shared joy between Stephen and his father. That joy, no doubt, influenced Stephen's life and his choice of recreation.
Life contains risks. We are all here such a short time. We need to make every day count.(Matthew 22:37-40)
I pray he and his family will be reunited in the ressurection, described in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17, (and vs.18: "So comfort and encourage each other with these words.")
May he rest in peace, until that day.

February 4, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

S Smith

February 4, 2010

My sincere condolences to Stephen's family and friends...you are in my prayers.

Michael

February 4, 2010

My deepest condolences to Steve and his family.
Thoughts and prayers for all

Steve Hlad

February 4, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

February 4, 2010

MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES, I WILL KEEP YOU AND STEPHEN IN MY PRAYERS...
SINCERELY,
WYOMING

February 4, 2010

My deepest sympathy to Stephen's family, and my prayers go to you all.
P.Smith, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Ann

February 4, 2010

How sad to read about Stephen's tragic death. I love my water sports and will look at every ripple of water as a memory to Stephens love of kiteboarding. May God be with his family. Ann

Keith

February 4, 2010

I'm a fellow surfer. I hate to hear this and my best wishes go to his family. At least he went doing something he loved, I just wish it was a little less painless.

Jody Thomas

February 4, 2010

Steve & I worked together years ago. I will always remember him as a quiet, yet inquisitive and passionate person. My condolences to his friends & family.

Payne

February 4, 2010

our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Stephen.Our deepest condolensces...

February 4, 2010

My sincere condolences to Stephens' family.... May God be with you at this tragic time...

E. Riedell

February 4, 2010

I did not know Stephen personally but send my condolences to his family and close friends; we water-men and women are close as family. You are in our prayers, brother.

R M

February 4, 2010

A tragic, untimely death of a life so young still. My prayers are with Stephen Schafer's family and friends. May God comfort you all during this time.

February 4, 2010

MY SINCERE SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY & FRIENDS

S. Golden

February 4, 2010

My sincere thoughts go out to his family and his friends. He sounds like he was an awesome person who loved the water.

Fred Schilling

February 4, 2010

Just a lifelong fellow surfer and waterman here who's heart goes out to
Stephen's family and friends.

Alison McAbee Peters

February 4, 2010

I knew Steve from high school.. he was a constant presence at the beach... very sweet quiet guy. He had tons of friends and was one of the best surfers I knew.
His Mom and my Mom were friends.
He will be greatly missed... God Bless his family and friends... many prayers.

Sheri S

February 4, 2010

To family & friends of Stephen Schafer.
Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss.
I did not know him but he sounded like a great man who enjoyed life to the fullest.
I hope you take comfort in knowing as long as he remains in your memories and in your hearts he is always with you.
His life was cut short.
I like to think when someone is young and they die it is becasue God needs them for something special that is more importent then anything he can do on this earth.
stay strong, and comfort each other.

February 4, 2010

I am a stranger to Stephen, my deepest condolensces to the family.

February 4, 2010

The ocean without you will never be as blue

February 4, 2010

My sympathies to his family and friends. May you be consoled by the knowledge that Stephen is surrounded by the light and love of Christ.

P Delfino

February 4, 2010

Sending prayers for Stephen, his family and friends.

Richard Day

February 4, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I did not know Stephen and saw the story on the internet but he sounded like a great guy who loved life and enjoyed it!

February 4, 2010

I am very sorry for all of Stephen's loved ones. May he rest in Peace.

Mike M

February 4, 2010

My condolences to the family of a fellow waterman. While his life was cut short, take comfort in the fact that he was doing what he loved. Spending the time that we do in the water and in nature is a gift.
Farewell brother.

February 4, 2010

Rest in peace

L Ferguson

February 4, 2010

Rest in peace Stephen, may God appoint you as an angle to watch over our shores...........

Barb

February 4, 2010

Sending prayers for Stephen, his family, and friends.

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