Robert Palmer, Pioneering <i>Surfrider</i> Leader Worked To Restore LB's Surf, Clean Beaches

' Robert Palmer, Pioneering <i>Surfrider</i> Leader Worked To Restore LB's Surf, Clean Beaches

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Robert Palmer, Pioneering Surfrider Leader Worked To Restore LB's Surf, Clean Beaches

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(Sept. 7, 2017) -- Robert Palmer, a pioneer in early and continuing efforts to restore LB's federally (COE) and locally (PoLB) erased surf and in efforts to clean LB's beaches, has passed away at age 68.

As separately reported by LBREPORT.com, the LB Health Dept. reported a Friday Sept. 5 death from the mosquito-borne West Nile Virus, and some have connected this to Mr. Palmer's sudden illness and passing. LBREPORT.com hasn't independently confirmed this...but regardless of its cause, Mr. Palmer's passing has shocked and saddened many who admired his tenacious work.

On its Facebook page, the Surfrider Foundation LB Chapter wrote:

[Scroll down for further]

[Sept. 5 Surfrider Foundation LB Chapter Facebook text] It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our beloved Robert Palmer who passed away last Friday from a sudden illness. Robert was a founding member of the Long Beach Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation holding various positions on the executive committee since chapter inception.
He was chapter chairman for many years, hosting numerous meetings, speaking engagements, and other public events. Robert, along with a handful of other members began the Sink the Breakwater project in Long Beach back in 1996. For 21 years he persistently worked to bring waves back to Long Beach, the city in which he lived, raised his family, and ran his private business. He was at his core an optimist with seemingly unlimited patience.
Despite being ridiculed and ignored, Robert and his fellow volunteers persisted in their public education and outreach efforts and by 2005, both the public and city leaders came to think that waves might one day grace our shores. The project is currently being studied by the US Army Corps of Engineers and has full support from City Hall.
In addition to the breakwater, Robert worked tirelessly to clean the beaches of Long Beach. He began with a monthly 30 minute beach cleanup on Granada Avenue and ended up hosting four weekend cleanups every month at different locations along our shores. He’s hosted more beach cleanups than anyone in Long Beach sometimes hosting two on the same day. After seeing so much trash on the beach, he became politically active, successfully lobbying to ban single use plastic bags in Long Beach, which was a critical step in banning them State wide. He has worked over the years with various city administrations to implement a citywide ban on disposable Styrofoam from restaurants and this ordinance is likely to pass in late 2017.
Robert was a surfer, sailor, motorcyclist, businessman, environmental activist, husband, and father. His tireless efforts and his presence in Long Beach was a blessing and he will be truly missed.
Details of honoring event will be announced.
Until we meet again...Aloha

A memorial service is scheduled for this Saturday Sept. 9 at 11:00 a.m. at Bay Shore Community Congregational Church, 5100 E. The Toledo. A reception will follow.

LBREPORT.com expresses our condolences to Mr. Palmer's family and his many friends.

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