David LeRoy Schaefer passed away on January 4th, 2012 in Moorpark, Ca.
He was 62 years old. David was born in Musoorie Hill Station at the
foothills of the Himalayas in India on May 29th 1949. He was the second
born of four children. He spent his early childhood in Kodaikanal hill
station in India. At the age of 7 David and his family began their
journey as a missionary family moving from Santa Barbara to Bangkok back
to India, to Kodaikanal, to Granada Hills, to finally being introduced
to his future home Kenya, Africa. There he attended Rift Valley Academy
for his senior year where he loved playing rugby. He spend more time
hunting and playing rugby than actually attending classes. He graduated
from RVA in 1968. Davids life has been a journey brimming with
adventure, exploration and pursuit of his unbridled talent. His passion
for hunting was sparked by his father, who often brought David along on
tiger hunts. Davids love of the sport evolved alongside his love of
wildlife, from pellet guns and collecting birds eggs and butterflies to
the dangerous and grand sport of hunting the Big 5. His passion for
wildlife inspired him to pursue his talents as a sculptor and a painter.
His genius as a sculptor was best seen in African wildlife. His famous
works include the Reagan Elephant presented to President Reagan at the
White House and his African Cape Buffalo admired and bought for
Sandringham on behalf of Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh. His most
poignant sculpture is The Patriarch, the elephant from Kilimanjaro with
world record breaking tusks. Elephants like this are a unique piece of
African History, much like David is a unique piece of everyones life
that he touched. David had a unique outlook on life. He lived his life
following his heart, regardless of where it lead
him. He lived a life most of us read about, dare to dream about. He
embraced life and lived it with no regrets. He traveled around the
world, created amazing works of art, made wonderful friendships and
built a legacy for us all to enjoy. David was a deeply passionate,
charismatic man. His love and admiration for women ran parallel with his
love of wildlife. David fell in love many times, and never fell out of
love.
In keeping with his philosophy to live his life with no regrets all
relationships in his life held a special place in his heart until his
very last breath. He will be dearly missed by everyone who was fortunate
enought to share in his life. He leaves behind, the women he loved, his
two daughters, Jolie and Jeanne, his son Jordan, his three
grandchildren, Alexis, Skyler, and Mikinzee, his brother Richard and his
sister, Suzie. A memorial service will be held Sunday January 15th in
Camarillo, CA at Perez Family Funeral Home at 12pm. Reception to follow
at 4834 Talmadge Rd, Moorpark, Ca 93021.
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