Tribute To William Donald Schaefer

As most of us who live around Baltimore know, William Donald Schaefer died on Monday night, at the age of 89. This was a man who was larger than life and embodied the spirit of Baltimore. Considered an old-time politician, he left an indelible mark on the city he so loved. Back in the 1980's, he was a colorful mayor of Baltimore and, perhaps, the driving force behind the development of the Inner Harbor. I remember when the Baltimore Aquarium was not completed at its deadline, Mayor Schaefer took a famous swim in the seal pool, complete with rubber ducky and 1890's swimsuit. And so, the Inner Harbor and the Baltimore Aquarium stand near the statue of the younger man, located at McKeldin Fountain. But the mayorship was not all.



Next, William Donald Schafer became Governor of Maryland at a time that was much less fiscally stressful. Then, his administration was noted for fiscal responsibility. And, also, a middle-aged nurse from Sheppard-Pratt Health System (that is I), attended a recognition ceremony honoring the top 55 nurses in Maryland, as determined by their workplaces, in 1994. None of us saw any of the irascible nature that was part of his reputation. He was genial and respectable, focusing the spotlight on all of the honorees. It is a memory that I have cherished since.

Once his two terms were completed, Mr. Schaefer went on to serve two terms as Maryland's Comptroller of the Treasury. He was not one to hold back when he had an opinion and so he sounded off on many different issues, some of which were controversial. But, no one could say that he was not honorable in carrying out his duties. By the time he left public service, he was in his 80's. He became a well-known citizen of Charlestown Retirement Community, living a quieter life with his cat.

Now that he has passed on, there is just one more task that remains - a final tour of the city he so loved. Bon voyage, William Donald Schaefer!