David Leroy Schaefer

DAVID LEROY SCHAEFER 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. David’s 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. David’s 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 everyone’s 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.