In Loving Memory of Rick Shoemaker: A Man of Constant Motion

1936 - 2025

Rick Shoemaker, 88, passed away peacefully at home on August 7, 2025, after a year-long struggle with lung disease.

Born on September 11, 1936, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Later his family moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma where his father, a pilot, built him a two car garage to "keep him out of trouble." That garage became the start of his lifelong love for fixing things. As a teenager, he quickly became known around town as a skilled mechanic.

He went on to study art at Oklahoma State University while also training with the Air Force ROTC. After graduation, he and his brother drove to California for a summer job at Disneyland. It was during that trip that Rick fell in love with body surfing in Laguna Beach, and promised he'd one day return and make this town his home. He joined the Air Force, flying B-47 bombers for the Strategic Air Command on missions across North Africa to England. After his service, he studied product design at the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles (the same school his daughter would attend years later), before ultimately returning to flying and became an airline pilot for Continental.

In 1968 Rick met Kathy Betton, a flight attendant, who accidentally spilled coffee on him mid-flight. They soon fell in love, and settled in Laguna Beach. In 1983 they had their spirited daughter Sarah. Rick spent years remodeling their home, doing most of the work himself. Sadly, a year after finishing, the house—and his Triumph TR6—were all lost in the 1993 fires.

After rebuilding, Rick spent most of his retirement focused on volunteer work. He traveled the world with Habitat for Humanity, building homes in Romania, Kyrgyzstan, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, and Ulan Ude, Russia. He was an active member of the Laguna Presbyterian Church, served as an Elder, and was on their Mission Outreach Committee. For many years he led the annual Christmas Breakfast for the unhoused people in Laguna Beach. He believed deeply in faith through action, and loved to stay busy, so this suited him perfectly.

Rick channeled his love for fixing through vintage cars, especially his beloved 1959 Austin Healey 100-6, which he helped meticulously restore. He was a long time member of the local Austin Healey club, attending countless car shows, and won several awards.

After Kathy's passing, and later caring for his brother Dave, Rick was worn down and lonely. His daughter Sarah started to worry about him. It was then that he met Wendy Huntley after being set up by their mutual friend. Wendy brought so much love and care to his life, and her presence greatly enlivened his spirits! They married in his Laguna Beach home in 2022, surrounded by friends and family. They had a beautiful life together: traveling, visiting friends in Northern California, attending church, driving in the Healey, early Saturday morning car shows, watching golf, and walking their dogs together.

Rick was truly one of a kind. He will be remembered for his warmth, humor, meticulous eye for detail, and his generous active spirit. Though we miss him, we are thankful for his full and joyous life!

A memorial service will be held at Laguna Presbyterian Church on Sunday, Oct 5th at 2:00pm.