02/24/2025
Pete Shea, affectionately known as "The Grom Father," was a beloved member of the surfing community in Gearhart, Oregon. As a father, big wave surfer, and mentor to young surfers, Pete’s passion for the ocean was matched only by his dedication to guiding and uplifting the next generation. He earned his nickname because of his tireless efforts mentoring young surfers, known as "groms," teaching them not just the skills to ride waves, but the courage, resilience, and heart to face life’s challenges. Pete’s kindness, wisdom, and zest for life left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. Tragically, on May 30, 2023, Pete passed away while doing what he loved most — surfing with young surfers at Short Sands Beach in Oregon. His sudden loss was deeply felt, not only by his family but by the entire community. In the wake of this tragedy, Pete’s family founded The Grom Father Foundation to honor his life and continue his legacy of mentorship and compassion. The Grom Father Foundation is dedicated to supporting families who have experienced "Tragic Early Loss," which we define as the sudden, unexpected death of a parent, spouse, or child before the natural course of life has been fulfilled. Shockingly, around 1 in 14 children in the U.S. will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18, equating to about 5.3 million children. Each year, roughly 1 million children lose a parent. The impact of such loss is profound and often leaves families searching for ways to heal and find hope. Our signature program, "Live Like Pete Adventures," provides transformative outdoor experiences for families navigating this unimaginable grief. These adventures, tailored to each family’s unique needs, are designed to foster healing, connection, and hope through activities like rock climbing, white-water rafting, or horseback riding. We pair these experiences with spiritual guidance from grief counselors or pastors, helping families build meaningful memories and find strength and hope in the future. This is where you come in. The work we do is only possible because of generous supporters like you. Here’s how you can make a difference: 1. Nominate a Family: Do you know a family who has experienced a tragic early loss? You can nominate them for a "Live Like Pete Adventure" through our website. We work closely with nominated families to create personalized experiences that bring them healing and joy. 2. Donate: Your donations directly fund these life-changing adventures, ensuring that we can bring hope and healing to more families in need. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a meaningful impact. 3. Sponsor or Join Our Golf Tournament: Our second annual golf tournament will take place on April 21 at Granite Bay Golf Club. This is a wonderful opportunity to support our cause while enjoying a day on the course with others who share your passion for giving back. More details are available on our website. Pete lived his life with courage, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to others. By supporting The Grom Father Foundation, you are helping to carry forward his legacy and provide families with the strength and hope they need to navigate their loss. To learn more or get involved, visit https://gromfather.org/ or reach out to us directly at [email protected] . Thank you for your time and consideration. We hope you’ll join us in making a difference.
