Sad news this week – one of the most influential and inspirational outdoors writers in Southern California, Jerry Schad, passed away early yesterday morning after a battle with kidney cancer at the age of 61.
Schad was a popular astronomy, physics, and physical science professor at San Diego City College and San Diego Mesa College as well as a prodigious outdoor photographer, but is best known for his weekly outdoor column in the San Diego Reader and several local hiking guides.
When I first decided to start hiking in Los Angeles, two of the best books on local trails were Afoot and Afield in Los Angeles County and 101 Hikes in Southern California – both written by Schad. The writing was detailed, clear and concise, and strongly displayed Schad’s love of the outdoors. Needless to say, it had a tremendous impact on me both as a hiker and a writer.
A memorial celebration in Schad’s honor will be held on Sunday October 9th at 4PM at the El Cortez Hotel in downtown San Diego. Trail 43 in the city’s Balboa Park has also been renamed the Jerry Schad Memorial Trail. Donations in his memory can be sent to Friends of Balboa Park, 2125 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA 92101.
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Ever since my mom brought me home the first edition in ’86ish, Mr. Schad’s books and articles have lead me all over San Diego County. He inspired me to write about hiking myself. He will certainly be missed, but his contribution to hiking knowledge in San Diego County and all over Southern California will not be forgotten.
His books are probably my favorite. I love the “Afoot and Afield” series.
Sadness. Afoot and Afield in San Diego ranks as one of my favorite books and is the one I rec to anyone interested in hiking in SD.
That is very sad to hear. Our very first hiking book was Top Trails Los Angeles, which was written by him. He will be missed.
I never bought any of his books, but he must have been a very good writer. His books were never discounted.
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