The passing of Stew Schroeder (my Papa Schro)

[schro]

Fellow SBG,

In alaskadave's thread about his father's health, I mentioned my father's passing. In hindsight, I probably should have kept my dad's death out of the thread (I already mentioned this to dave in a PM). If you'll humor me for a few minutes, I wanted to share a little of my dad with the SBG family. On Friday the 26th, we had a little gathering at a golf club in San Ramon (30 miles east of SF). We played a round of golf, and had a post round buffet / cocktail roast. Dad's alma mater, Oregon State University (my dad was captain of the Beaver golf team in the early 60s) donated logoed golf balls for the event.

A good time was had by all. Person after person spoke of dad in very heart felt terms, and the overriding theme was integrity. He changed jobs (in the same profession), and many clients went with him. He always viewed someone else's problems as being greater than his own.

I initially said I was not going to speak at the event, however The Lovely Mrs. Schro said I'd regret it if I didn't. Of course, she was right. So I took the mic late in the event. My dad traveled a lot during his working days, and I often said that me & my two brothers were more of a product of our experience than our upbringing. However, it became abundantly clear that my dad's experience was our upbringing....to do the right thing, treat others with respect, and live a life of honor. These traits were the bedrock of Papa Schro.

Growing up, I knew my dad was a good golfer. However, I had no idea how good he was. When I went to spend time with my mom after he passed away, I came across an album of press clippings from his collegiate golf career. He was awesome! Funny thing, no one in his work life (or his kids for that matter) knew how good he was (I guess being humble was also part of it). In a "small world" moment, in the Oregon State Amateur (match play), my dad shot 69-66 (135) to claim medalist. The second place qualifier was 12 shots behind him. Well, the person that was in second place is actually my daughter's current swing coach!

My dad died at the age of 72. For you non-golfers, 72 is usually "even par" on a regulation golf course. With that in mind, we put together a "Life Course" Program in my dad's honor. Here are some of the select holes from the program.... Enjoy.

Hole #5
Stew attended Oregon State University, where he was a member of the OSU golf team. He was team captain and had an amazing collegiate career. At OSU’s home course (Corvallis Country Club), Stew had a career scoring average of 68.7. Stew graduated from OSU in 1963.

Hole #6
While attending OSU, a 21 year old Stew wins the Southern Oregon Golf Championship, defeating Bob Prall (two-time defending champion) 6&4. In the 32 holes played, Stew shot 3 under par.

Hole #7
Stew served in the US Navy, assigned to the USS Enterprise during the Viet Nam War.  He was a communication specialist and took several flights with the admiral from the deck of the Enterprise to highly “secret” meetings which, as it turned out, lasted four to five hours and were usually held at the Royal Hong Kong Golf and Country Club.

Hole #12
After Stew left the Navy, Stew worked in Public Accounting and then Third Party Administration. During his years working for The Weidner Company, Glen Slaughter & Associates and ATPA, he worked hard, but also found time to enjoy life. He played a lot of “client golf” and along the way, met some wonderful people that became lifelong friends.
 
Hole #15
August 2002. Stew and his three boys take the trip of a lifetime, spending 10 days in Scotland. While in Scotland, “Team Schro” took in the Scottish culture, enjoyed Scottish Cuisine (best food actually was the Chinese restaurant in Troon), and, of course, played lots of golf including Carnoustie, Kingsbarns, Prestwick, and The Old Course at St. Andrews.

Hole #16
January 30, 2007: Playing in a tournament at Siena Golf Club, Stew scores his sixth career hole-in-one on the 5th Hole. Next, he eagles the Par 4, 6th Hole.  Unfortunately, his par putt on the Par 3, 7th Hole lipped out. Otherwise, he would have had a “Lawrence Welk” … a 1, a 2, and a 3!
 
Hole #18
October 2, 2012. The final chapter in the life story of an incredible man is written. Stewart Frederick Schroeder passes away peacefully. A great man, great father, and a great friend to all he touched.

Hole #19
You knew there had to be a 19th Hole!! This comes courtesy of one of his longtime colleagues and good friends, Mike McCormick:

"So I guess St. Peter looks into those wide eyes and says, 'You look surprised.  When you're done with the Boss, there's a guy out on the lawn named St. Andrew who'll show you a round. God Bless him and everyone hoist a double".

Anyway, thanks for reading. My mom is hanging out with us, and has had a chance to watch my son play in a baseball tournament, and my daughter play in the Norcal Masters High School Golf Playoff.

Schro

[warhawk]

Hi Schro:  Thanks for sharing that.  I really enjoyed reading a little bit about your dad.  I know it's very difficult to lose a parent.  I hope you continue to stay strong.  Now... I know why you love golf and where your daughter got her talent.

Take care my friend and continue to stay strong.  Love ya man.

WARHAWK

[b.driscoll]

Mr. Schro..............sorry for your loss, the memories you have will keep him alive forever.

[D.A.L.U.I.]

Glad you shared that--a very nice tribute.  You have some wonderful memories and remembrances to share with your son about his grandfather.  That's a valuable legacy and it will increase in value as time goes on.  Peace to you and your family.

[Frontier Guy]

My condolences.

Both of my folks are gone but they are never far from my heart and soul.

And I suspect you are like me, and you recognize that your dad's spirit will always be a part of you.

Best thoughts to your family during your time of adjustment.

[Robmeister]

Schroemeister,

Cool tribute to yer dad, man....

Again, sincere condolences, buddy

[Mikekoz13]

Very nice Schro. An amazing tribute to your Dad.

[Sir Harry]

Very nice, Schro....thanks for taking time to share!

[Baldstu]

Very  Good Schro and  totally respectful of your  late Father . My Dad,s  been gone 6 years , I conducted  the funeral myself  as a  humanist  funeral . He is always in my Buddhist  prayers  , wishing him well in his future existence .

[-Doug-]

Thanks for sharing. My condolences to you and your family.

[buddha]

My condolences Schro. Your dad sounds like a great man.

[Razor X]

I am so very sorry. Please accept my most sincere and heartfelt condolences.

[tomgallagher]

Sorry to hear about your Dad Schro.

[Hingatao]

Nice tribute, schro. Great way to honor your dad.

[theman]

Nice tribute, schro. Great way to honor your dad.

Ditto ! And my sympathy for your great loss.