Marine life inspired his life

Lolita Harper

NEWPORT BEACH -- Milt Shedd, the co-founder of Sea World Inc. and an

acclaimed marine enthusiast, lost his battle with cancer Friday at his

home here. He was 79.

“I was just fortunate to be his son,” Steve Shedd said. “It is a sad

day here, but we have come together as a family to celebrate our fond

memories.”

Family and the ocean were the two loves of Milt Shedd’s life and, in

his final days, it was only fitting that both surrounded him.

In 1963, Shedd founded what is now known as the Hubbs-Sea World

Research Institute, which has gained international recognition for its

hundreds of marine programs and projects.

The following year, he helped open the first Sea World Park in San

Diego. Shedd served as chairman of the board for Sea World Inc.’s first

20 years and was instrumental in opening subsequent parks in Aurora,

Ohio, and Orlando, Fla.

Despite his dedication to the business, Shedd always found time for

family, son Bill Shedd said. Milt Shedd never missed an opportunity to

coach his kids in sports or help his grandchildren learn, his son said.

The elder Shedd also secured $4.8 million in funding for a marine fish

hatchery, established the UCLA Marine Science Center and remained active

in marine conservation efforts across the globe. Loved ones described

Milt Shedd as the “Walt Disney of the Sea” and said Shedd accomplished

his goals humbly.

“He never wanted any applause for his efforts,” Steve Shedd said. “He

would always get things done quietly from behind the scenes.”

Shedd also contributed to the Newport Beach community in which he

lived for 47 years. He served on the city’s parks and recreation

committee for four years and funded the weight room at Newport Harbor

High School -- even after his sons had graduated from the football

program.

Through it all, Shedd instilled a sense of responsibility in his

children, Bill Shedd said.

Milt Shedd took creatures from the sea that belonged to nobody -- yet

belonged to everybody -- and found a way to share them with the world,

Bill Shedd said. He found a way to make a living doing what he loved, and

the business afforded the Shedd family great advantages, the younger

Shedd said.

“Along with that benefit comes a deep sense of responsibility for the

ocean and giving back to the ocean,” Bill Shedd said. “And he instilled

that in us growing up.”

Shedd is survived by wife Peggie, sons Bill and Steve, daughter Carol,

sister Ruth Orem, brother Irv Shedd, nine grandchildren, and one

great-grandson.

A memorial service will be held at Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute

but has not yet been scheduled. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that

donations be made in the name of Milt Shedd to the Hubbs-Sea World

Research Institute, 2595 Ingraham St., San Diego, CA, 92109.

* Lolita Harper covers Costa Mesa. She may be reached at (949)

574-4275 or by e-mail at o7 [email protected] .