Dirk Gavin Schader passed away suddenly Feb. 21, 2016 after privately battling cancer.  He had just turned 55.

Born to Eugene E. Schader and Joan White Schader in Hollywood, CA, Dirk was predeceased by his father Gene and later by his grandparents George and Alice White and his dear Aunt Skeeter (Nita) Soeder.

Throughout his childhood and early teens, Dirk swam competitively, breaking records at the local YMCA and going on to compete in AAU.  He played varsity tennis for North Hollywood High School, sang in a few choirs, taught himself the guitar and enjoyed music throughout his life.

While attending UCLA in 1979, he earned his pilot’s license and later played volleyball for and graduated from Humboldt State University with a degree in Philosophy. Dirk began his years of travel in Europe and later went to Thailand, trekked in Nepal and visited India.  In 1999 he earned a certificate from the Kushi Macrobiotic Institute in Boston.  Three years ago he visited John of God in Brazil.

An athletic, musical and spiritual man, he is remembered by all who loved him as a gentle, funny, kind and private person who was passionate about his faith and convictions.  

In the late eighties he began working as a numismatist for David and Linda Nelkin of Eugene Coin and Jewelry who became his Eugene family until his final hour.

Dirk is survived by his mother Joan, his sister Lizanne (Jerry), and his nieces Hannie and Glenna McGarity of whom he was so proud and loved with all his heart.  Also, his Aunt Marcia White Sollee, Uncle Randall White, Aunt Arlie and Uncle Del Lynch, his cousin Terri Soeder Pritchard and numerous other cousins.

His life was enriched by his love of learning, which introduced him to new experiences and amazing people.  Each lifelong friend, whether from North Hollywood, Arcata, Beverly Hills or Eugene, meant something very special to him as did his beloved cat, Lucy.

A memorial was held in Eugene, OR this past August.