From: Santa Cruz Sentinel.com – article By Stephen Baxter
APTOS >> Alex Kern Peabody, the state’s highest ranked lifeguard and a mentor to hundreds of lifeguards in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, died early Sunday from complications related to Lou Gehrig’s Disease, at his home in Aptos. He was 55.
Peabody was known for his leadership and high standards for ocean safety during his 31-year career as a State Parks lifeguard, his colleagues said. He also was out for adventure, from spearfishing shark-teeming waters in Baja California to surfing big winter waves in Moss Landing, his friends said. Peabody also saved hundreds of lives as a lifeguard in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties.
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A message to all from retired lifeguard Mike Brousard:
I just want to make sure that you all know that there is a memorial service for Alex Peabody at Huntington State Beach on Friday, June 24th at 0830 AM. Alex was the California State Parks highest ranked lifeguard and died May 22nd at the age of 55 of Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS). The memorial will be at, or near, the HB Magnolia headquarters. The Lifeguard Training Class, in session, will participate, as will most of the other regional lifeguard services. This should be a good time, and a chance to honor the memory of a fallen lifeguard comrade who made such a difference in our profession. It will run from 08:30-10:00. There is no paddle out planned. Please pass this on to any of our brothers and sisters who may not know about it.
Thanks, hope to see you there.
Mike
Alex Peabody