FAIR GAME:Our community has lost a wonderful friend

It was this past Sunday afternoon. I was sitting in my living room, like many of you, just enjoying another beautiful Newport Beach day.

My telephone rang, and I was greeted on the other end by Daily Pilot reporter Kelly Strodl. She told me she was doing a story on the death of Marion Halfacre.

The news was like a hard kick to the stomach.

I sat there stunned, quite frankly in disbelief.

“Marion Halfacre?” I asked. “No way, couldn’t be!”

It just seemed like her news wasn’t right.

Marion Halfacre built and ran Traditional Jewelers in Fashion Island. Most of you know that. If you didn’t, you don’t get out much.

Marion was everywhere and everything to this community. And most of the time, comfortably by his side, was his lovely wife, Lula.

Together they were a team. He, the dapper, well-dressed Southern gentleman from Tennessee, and she, the beautiful blond woman you’d expect someone of his caliber to have.

According to Lula, Marion’s last day was like a whirlwind final tour.

He began last Friday morning at a Commodores Club meeting, where he received recognition as the Commodore of the Year. Later in the same meeting he was named Skipper for the upcoming year.

I was there to witness how honored and touched he was. Little did I know at the time it would be our last encounter.

Looking back, and knowing what I know now, I wish I would have taken more time to say good-bye.

Throughout the day, he encountered more friends, capping the evening by spending time at the opening of the Palm Terrace Restaurant in the Island Hotel.

With Lula and their daughter Natalie away in Paris enjoying the French Open, and their son Erik traveling on business, Marion made his way home in a taxicab.

He never made it to the door. He was found outside and pronounced dead the next day.

Marion Halfacre leaves behind a tremendous legacy in our community.

He was involved in everything, from Chapman University to the Chamber of Commerce; from UCI to national and regional jewelers’ organizations.

If there was an event in town raising money for charity, more often than not Traditional Jewelers was in some way involved, if not a leading donor or sponsor.

And during the time Marion was building his business, he was grooming his son Erik, 27, to take over someday.

Now, while I’m certain that Marion’s plans didn’t include a departure this soon, I know that with his strong faith in the Lord he knew that decision would be in God’s hands.

Lula said it this way. When you greeted Marion in passing, he’d respond with “just another beautiful day in paradise.”

It’s only fitting that the family will have a private celebration for Marion this Sunday, on Father’s Day.

Then, on Sunday, June 24, there will be a Celebration of the Life at the Pacific Club, 4110 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach, from 11-2 p.m.

To our friend Marion Halfacre, you always said it best: “Cheers and God bless.”

We will miss you.

is the publisher. Readers may leave a message for him on the Daily Pilot hotline at (714) 966-4664 or send story ideas to dailypilot@latimes.com.