Water district Chairman Bruce Scherer, 80, dies

Longtime Laguna Beach County Water District Commission Chairman Bruce Scherer, a leader in water conservation, died last week at age 80 after nearly 39 years of service to the district.

Scherer, who moved to Laguna Beach in 1953 and was a general contractor, working on many projects with architect Chris Abel, died from congestive heart failure Nov. 11, his daughter Kate Scherer said.

An avid skier both on the water and the slopes, the 6-foot-7 Scherer was easily recognizable with a signature mustache, Kate said.

“He was like a god to me,” said Kate, who remembered family waterskiing trips to Carlsbad. “He was very connected with his friends. He would reach out to people to help them.”

District General Manager Renae Hinchey said Scherer was one of the kindest people she has met.

“His passion, commitment, and zeal were all too unique,” Hinchey said in a release. “He was truly one of a kind.

“His knowledge, work ethic, dedication, and most importantly passion for water, is a huge loss to the district, Laguna Beach, and the water industry. We will miss him greatly …”

Scherer earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from USC and was elected to the district’s board of directors in 1976, and then appointed as chairman of the commission that advises the board on policy matters in 2000.

He served on multiple oversight committees, including engineering, personnel, and water use efficiency, and worked to ensure a reliable water supply for Laguna Beach residents.

In 2006, the district honored Scherer for 30 years of service with a mural titled “Canyon Preserve,” by local artist Michelle Taylor on the district’s south-facing exterior wall. The mural depicts a view of Laguna Canyon, which served as an access route and water source for early residents.

Scherer’s wife Jan died Oct. 30 at age 69 from complications due to viral encephalitis, Kate said. The two were married 42 years and have another daughter, Samantha Thompson, who has two children.

Kate said she and Hinchey are working on a celebration of Scherer’s life in January at a date to be determined.

Scherer and Jan were active in their church, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church on Park Avenue, and were generous donors to the Laguna Beach Community Clinic.