Submitted by Mayor Richard Bailey
Upon hearing the news of her brother’s passing, Stan’s sister, Maggie, wanted to meet on Coronado Beach with some close friends to watch the sunset.
What was envisioned as a small gathering of some close friends, turned into a gathering of a few hundred friends. From Stan’s family to the kids that Stan coached to his old surf buddies, there were hundreds of people recounting their favorite memories and comforting one another.
Every day was Stan’s favorite day. Every wave was Stan’s favorite wave. And, while I know that his favorite people on Earth were his wife and kids, he had that unique gift where he made everyone feel like they were his closest friend in that moment.
Stan was a legend and he didn’t even know it.
I feel so sad for Stan’s wife and children and extended family. I feel so sad for our community and all of the kids that will never get to experience surfing lessons, that were really lessons in life, from one of the greats.
I can’t imagine the sense of loss Stan’s family is feeling. But I am encouraged by the outpouring of support from our community, home to hundreds of Stan’s closest friends, that we will be there for them now and forever.
Coronado just won’t be the same place without Stan, but it is such a better place because of him.
If you haven’t already, please consider making a contribution to Stan’s memorial fund to help Stan’s wife and six children.
www.gofundme.com/stan-searfus-memorial-fund
Richard Bailey
Friend of Stan and Mayor of Coronado
