Mayor of 26th Street “knew no strangers”
The 26th Street tower, where Michael Shurley met friends most mornings. Photos by Nate Goldberg
Michael Shurley’s surf friends give him a surfer’s farewell.
26th Street Ohana leader Al Ka’imipono Tipon recalls his friend.
Patricia Neil remembers her brother.
The California State Honor Guard prepares the flag for presentation.
Photos by Nate Goldberg
Friends, family and 26th Street Ohana surfers gathered Saturday at 26th Street to talk story, and then form a paddleout circle in memory of Michael Shurley. Prior to the paddleout the California State Honor Guard presented the American flag to his wife Lisa, in recognition of his nearly three years with the 5/7 First Air Cavalry in Vietnam He fought during the TET Offensive and for the liberation of the city of Hue. Following Vietnam, he worked as a pipefitter for the Gas Company, and became its Director of Labor Relations. He retired in 2003.
Shurley passed away on March 18, at age 72.
In 2008, his surfing, and Vietnam experiences led him to volunteer with the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation, which offers ocean therapy to the Wounded Warrior Battalion, West, at Camp Pendleton.
Shurley is survived by his wife Lisa; sons Jason Jon; and Ian Michael; daughter-in-law Sarah; grandchildren Santi, Kili, Ayla, Bella, and Nick; sister Patricia; aunt Doris and half-brother Bob. ER