Jack Meehan, 31, of Laguna Beach, died in a tragic bicycle accident in the early evening of Oct. 26, 2016, in Santa Cruz, Calif.
Jack was born Oct. 15, 1985, and grew up in Laguna, attending El Morro Elementary and Thurston Middle School. An accomplished athlete at Santa Margarita Catholic High School, he was captain of the football team and set several records including the school’s all-time record for most tackles in a career. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in Spanish from San Francisco State University and went on to also complete a bachelor of science degree in marine transportation at the California Maritime Academy.
During his school years, Jack worked at the Laguna restaurant La Sirena, where he was a local favorite and eventually became a manager. After completing his degree and licensing at Cal Maritime, Meehan began a promising career as a professional mariner working for the Alaska Tanker Company. Motivated and disciplined, Meehan was on an accelerated career path with the company, achieving the rank of second mate of the Alaskan Frontier early, and was on track to soon become chief mate.
Meehan’s larger than life spirit would fill a room whenever he walked in. His lust for life led him to many great adventures, from surfing big waves at Mavericks, to snowboarding mountains around the world, to running with the bulls in Pamplona. An avid surfer and accomplished waterman, his love of the ocean cultivated a life long respect for the environment; the water was his sanctuary.
A true gentleman, Meehan’s kindness was inclusive of everyone he met, and he was always fast to make a friend. A loving son, brother, brother-in-law, and friend, he lived an incredible life in the short time he was with us. He will be remembered for his smile, his wit, his loyalty and his passion for life.
Meehan is survived by his parents, Kevin and Betsy; his siblings, Camron, Joe and Erin; his brother-in-law, Brandon; his large extended family; and his many friends. Following a private family ceremony, a paddle out will be held at Three Arch Bay on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016, at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Jack Meehan Scholarship Fund, at the Cal Maritime Academy Foundation, 200 Maritime Academy Drive, Vallejo, Calif., 94590; or the Jack Meehan Football Scholarship at Santa Margarita Catholic High School,
22062 Antonio Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., 92688; the Jack Meehan Memorial Fund at the Surfing Heritage Foundation, 110 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente, Calif., 92672.
