Here I sit, 24 years old, writing my father’s obituary on his banged-up old macbook that boasts an array of cool stickers, including the kayaker symbol he also had tattooed on his right shoulder. ‘SUSIE’ was tattooed on his opposite side. His stuff is all around me; a dad-scented sweatshirt across my lap, old photos of him with a big ol’ smile revealing his trademark diastema on the shelf to my right, his favorite headphones curled up on the table in front of me. But it’s not just his things that are here, he is here too.
Dad, we’re all going to be alright. We are at peace knowing you are now free. We miss you and love you forever and beyond.
___________________________
LOREN NANCARROW
September 27, 1953 – December 28, 2013
Loren Alan Nancarrow, longtime San Diego TV icon, organic gardener and conservationist, passed away Saturday, December 28, 2013 at the age of 60, following a courageous 11 month battle with brain cancer. Loren is survived by his wife, Susie, their son (Graham, 25) and their two daughters (Hannah, 24 and Britta, 20) and the love of an entire city. To his family, his friends and to the San Diegans that love him, he was larger than life.
Loren was a renaissance man, a guys’ guy who was as similar to Bear Grylls, as he was to Martha Stewart. A man who loved getting his hands dirty, as much as he loved arranging a centerpiece. He liked making homemade peanut butter and candles, vanilla extract, beef stroganoff…and did I mention centerpieces?
My dad was a kayaker, an organic gardening guru and a lover of wonderment. He enjoyed Bob Dylan, Jack Daniel’s and hot sake and was an avid collector of walking sticks, beach glass and beautiful german shepherds. My dad knew everything there was to know about citrus trees and roses and tomatoes, raising chickens and earthworms and monarch butterflies. He was a human Pinterest board.
Loren Nancarrow will be remembered as liberal but openminded, firm but kind, intellectual but hysterical. And he won’t mind me saying, he was a quiet but strong supporter of medical marijuana.
He was proud to be San Diego’s Organic Son.
We love you wonderful dad, husband, friend and hero: You are not gone, just gone ahead.
___________________________
And you, dear friends, we love you and are forever grateful to you. With everything we have, thank you. I’ll leave you with the quote my dad lived by over these past 11 months:
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow! What a Ride!’”
― Hunter S. Thompson
Hannah Jane Nancarrow (your “Hammer Jane”)
Please join us in celebration of Loren Nancarrow’s life…
Monday, December 30th, 2013 @ 4pm
Seaside Reef — Cardiff, California
**Please bring a SUP, kayak, surfboard, towel or beach chair and a candle to light for Loren**
Loren Nancarrow, April 2013
Photo taken by Loren at Torrey Pines, January 2009
Hannah Jane Nancarrow is a San Diego State University alumni, with a B.A. in journalism and new media. After graduating in 2011, Hannah worked in local T.V. news before her dad was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Hannah managed and contributed to her dad’s incredibly popular blog (thenancarrowproject.com) and social media platforms before he passed away, after 11 months of bravely battling and blogging. The diagnosis was a catalyst for her own writing and for following each whim and dream. Today, Hannah writes her own blog and has been a keynote speaker at San Diego Women's Week, Relay for Life, and a top fundraiser for cancer-related causes throughout San Diego. Hannah also has a passion for health and fitness, since losing 75 pounds in 2011. She earned her Spinning® and group fitness instructor certifications, and teaches weekly cycle classes in Encinitas, California. Hannah also earned her real estate license and works in the family business, Nancarrow Realty Group, in North County San Diego.
The Nancarrow Project 
Some people live life in such a vibrant way that when they are gone we all miss them, but these same people have taught us so much about how to live the life we have been given. Thank you Loren for being one of those and a heartfelt thank you to you his family for sharing him (and yourselves through this journey) with all of us. Peace, Lynn
Hannah, you did such a beautiful obit. I have always watched your Dad and have been on this journey with you these past 11 months. It seems that cancer seems to take those who shouldn’t go as soon as they have. I remember hearing about the way that your Dad found out he had ‘that thing” and how bravely he dealt with it. You have that braveness and the ability to convey it to others. May you be blessed during this time and remember that there are people here for you and your family during this time. Blessings!
Always enjoyed his gardening stories over the years….Peace to you and your family.
Hannah – you said on the show with Sully and Susan Taylor the other day that every comment is like a hug for you all. I wanted to send my comment/hug along too. Your dad was a part of every family that welcomed him into their homes through various newscasts over the years. He was much loved. God Bless You All!
Loren sounds just like my husband. Great man! Leaves behind such a great legacy, one to which we can all aspire.
May God hold you all in His arms and comfort you through the loss of your husband/dad. I had never met Loren in person, but like so many others, (and being a native San Diegan), felt like I knew him. I had wondered why he ‘disappeared” from Fox, and was deeply saddened by the news of his cancer. Damn cancer! I must say that he is an inspiration to many people! His sheer joy of life and living, his love of all things green and living, the huge smile, the knowledge he shared with everyone! The post “Enough” really hit home for me as I helped another friend through their hard journey with chemo, radiation, then contacting family members, airport runs…..I remember him asking me one afternoon if he had to go for his treatment the next day. We sat and talked and I told him that only he would know when enough was enough! (Bone cancer that also spread to his brain). He said he just didn’t think he could make it to another treatment….I softly said that that he didn’t have to go, and that I would get his appointments canceled if that is what he wanted. yes. He passed, with love surrounding him, within a week. Your family has been so supportive, and I appreciate your sharing this personal journey with us all. He will be missed by many…and with a smile like the Cheshire Cat, trust that he brought joy and knowledge to all he reached! God Bless you all!
I didn’t know your father personally, but, felt as if I knew him. He was such a personable person on TV and so kind to people, animals and his plants.
He is an icon in SD, physically gone, but never forgotten.
You and your family are in our prayers.
My aunt died from brain cancer, she survived 18 months, I helped took care of her, so hearing your dad died from brain cancer brought back so many memories.
Thank you Loren, you made SD a better place. We all miss you dearly.
Please plant yourself an amazing garden in heaven for all to enjoy.
Well said. He was awesome. R.I.P. L.A.N. Please watch over your family. Be free.
Beautifully done, my beautiful friend. I will miss your dad. Let’s keep fighting the fight and kick cancer’s ass. I love you and the rest of your wonderful family.
Well done Hannah. He will be missed!
Blessings and comfort to family left behind. A smile in knowing he’s racing ahead to make the next leg of our journey more appealing.
Hannah…..you have made him proud kiddo. Lovely words. Those whom we love and lose are no longer where they were before….they are every where we are. Never forget that. Your Dad is right there. You and your family are in my thoughts . Please save us a seat up there Loren.—-Jan
Watched a lot of news shows – but remember few names of the folks on TV. However, have always known and appreciated Loren Nancarrow as someone who believed in what he said. A true gentlemen who appreciated other peoples opinions and you could always tell – really liked what he was doing.
I am sorry for your loss, you are one of the lucky ones who had a dad and husband who leaves behind a great legacy of always being special and unique in this world.
One of my fondest memories of working at KFMB was whenever Loren and I were assigned a story in Tijuana, during our lunchbreak, we would compete on who could eat more tacos at some little taco stand near the Agua Caliente Race track. One day while we were stuffing our face, that days meat dilivery showed up in the back of an old dirty pick-up, laying out on the bed, next to the spare tire. We stopped and looked at eachother then ordered two more tacos. Loren I will see again and challenge once more to a taco eating contest and washing it down with small bottles of Pepsi. I love you my friend. Rogelio
I’m so sorry for your loss!!
Loren was a very special man,we always tuned in to see him do the weather and share all his gardening tips,as we are also gardeners.We also have a couple of his books on gardening.
We have missed seeing him on tv,but know he is at peace and in his heavenly home now.
Our prayers and good thoughts go out to Susie,Hannah and the rest of the family and friends.
Forever in our hearts.
Kathi Davis
Loren graciously agreed to speak at a St Germaine luncheon for me. He did such a wonderful job and charmed everyone. To thank him, I presented him with a portrait of Hannah and her brother. He was speechless.
I will always treasure that memory. What an amazing man!
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.
THANK YOU so very much for Remembering Me with this POST about Your Dad, Your HERO‼️ ❤️ALWAYS LOVE to Your FAMILY❤️
Sent from my iPhone
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I never met Loren in person, but I’ve seen him on TV over the years at the various positions he held. I wonder if anyone else remembers….. When he was at channel 8 at the same time as Ted Leitner, Ted could never understand Loren’s “nature” ways. This particular holiday season, Loren told Ted about raising a turkey that they would be using for their dinner table. Ted just could not “get it”. But that’s the way Loren was. He raised animals, food, flowers and he had a way of doing it all successfully. We’ll all miss Loren, but always remember his smile.
Thank you to the Nancarrow family for sharing your last 11 months with the rest of San Diego. May his journey be used to encourage others fighting cancer. Your family has been in my prayers and will remain for some time. God Bless!
Thank you. (((hug)))
I just saw the evening news and my heart is breaking. Thank you all for sharing your journey with us. I have saved every blog entry and read them often for inspiration, and wow did Loren ever inspire! My daughters babysat all the Nancarrow kids and I always loved dropping them off and picking them up, just to soak in some of Loren’s humor and wisdom. He will be in our hearts forever. Jack joins me in sending you our love and sympathy.
See you at Seaside tomorrow. Love to you all.
Bonnie Anderson
Dearest Hannah
I have followed yours and your loving fathers posts. I have worked with Susie and have nothing but admiration for her.
What a fight he fought and what an amazing family you Nancarrows are!
I will be honoring your father tomorrow at 4 pm on a Santa Barbara beach. I wish I could be home and share the love in Cardiff. I know it will be spectacular !! Sending nothing but love your way
Love to you zlp
Sent from my iPhone
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Those that were lucky to have met your father whether is was for a moment or more than that would all agree that he radiated a warmth of honesty, integrity and trust that go beyond what so many of us ever think about. He leaves us with hope that we can all be better people.
My heart, hand and thoughts go out to you and your family.
Brock from Cardiff by the Sea
Rest in peace, Loren. Will miss you until we meet again. Much love to Susie, Graham, Hannah, and Britta.
Hannah, your words are beautiful. I only knew your dad from the news (but once, years ago, we looked at a Volkswagen bug he was selling) and your blog. What an amazing person! I will remember you and your family in my prayers. You, Hannah, are an amazing writer and I hope you continue to pursue this craft.
Thank you for sharing your husband and father with all of us. He was a special person I only met him
once but that was what started me on the path to gardening.Loren will be sorely missed,blessings to
your family!
Rest In Peace Loren you will be missed by all. Blessings and prayers for the family.We all feel like we really knew you Loren.I hope there is an organic garden in Heaven and you are taking care of that garden now.Peace and Love
The world lost a very brave and courageous man when the Lord took him to look over his vast garden in heaven. My thoughts and prayers to the Nancarrow family.. Glad you were with Loren during this ordeal. The garden at Scripps and bench will be a nice inspiration place to reflect.
Beautiful words. As someone who lost my Mom to cancer at 33, (On Dec 22, 2009) I can empathize with your situation. Mom-scented clothes! … Loren was an amazing man, and I grew up seeing him on TV. I wish I’d had the fortunate circumstance to know him as a person, since everything else I’ve learned about him has been so inspiring. I wish I was able to attend your service, know that I am lighting a candle for him in my home. Much love to you and your family.
I never knew or met this person however I am in awe of the legacy left behind in the loving and exquisite words about him you have written.
May the memories of him be as indelible ink upon your hearts and souls always.
Wishing you comfort, lovely peace and joyful smiles in remembrance of him.
Hannah … You did the ole guy proud again. He was so blessed to have you in his life, watch you grow into the beautiful, competent woman you are today and have you constantly at his side these past months. You three kids are his greatest work … And your Dad did some incredible things. In your dark moments in this new journey, my hope for you is to try and remember not just how lucky you are to have had Loren as your Dad, but to have known him so well. I love you all….
I predict a lovely traffic jam at Seaside.
Thank you for helping share your Dad’s last year with us. He will be missed, but not forgotten. Glad to have an autograph book to pass down to my kid. My heart and prayers to to your family at this time.
Well done Hannah….hugs to you and your family.
Your father was a gentle soul, who was kind and loving to all. He will not be forgotten, but cherished in our hearts forever. God Bless. You know he’s rocking Heaven.
I was PR director at SeaWorld for many years and though in that capacity I “worked” with Loran, but he was a friend. For a time, I ran into him occasionally at Tengu- a break between broadcasts for good sushi. Hannah, your obit is splendid. Not much else to be said. Loran was one of the most human of human beings I have known. God give him old all who loved him peace.
My heart cries with and for you! God bless you all!!
Loved your smile. Loved your beautiful blue eyes. Loved your sweet voice. Loved you. We will miss you but never forget you, Loren. God hold your sweet family in His arms.
Good to see a talent at work. I can’t match that.
Good Life ~ Good Death.
…and glad that Cannabis could ease the way home for Loren.
From the first day I saw him on San Diego TV, to the loving obituary you’ve written….my heart goes to you, your Mom and the rest of the family…..including Loren’s extended family of friends and fans who simply adored him. He lives on in our hearts!
From an old Kung Fu episode: “How are we to know, before we wake, that the dream was not real? And how are we to know, before we die, that death is not the most beautiful of all lifes pleasures?” Thank you, Loren. and thank you,Hannah and family for including us in Loren’s last adventure. He will be sorely missed, and I would love it if he was waiting for me when I cross over, as he will be waiting for you all. Though I only met him once, I would consider it a reunion. Love to all.
Hannah,
I am just beyond in awe with your ability to communicate your and your family’s strength and emotion. What a beautiful piece. Thank you for sharing this incredible journey, you are so courageous to face this head on.
Someone very close to me is fighting melanoma/lymphoma and your and Loren’s writing has helped me deal with the many emotions the big C word brings . I am inspired by you and your family to truly live each day to the fullest.
Please know that you and Loren have touched my life, and many many many others.
Much love girl!
Lauren
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your family with the world. We are better people because of it.
Straight to heaven. Whatever heaven is.
Loren is gone but all he did for this world will be here forever. He indeed was a giant among us. He will be missed by all who knew him.
My thoughts and love are with Sussie and their children. Like Loren, they are strong and will carry on his work.
Thank you Hannah for sharing a very private moment with us, your fathers fans of many years. Over the past 11 months your father made us go from feeling like just a fan to feeling like a family member by sharing his journey with us. You and your family and in my thoughts and prayers.
I, like so many, feel like I was a personal friend of Loren’s, although I never meet him in person. He had a way of giving himself so freely and comfortable that he invited you into his life and his space. I cannot think of a move beloved person on television that was loved any more than Loren Nancarrow. One in a million, so very special. You can always be so proud of your father. and YOURSELF. I have so enjoyed all of your posts, sharing with all of us your feelings.
Thank you for including us into your lives.
Trish
Hannah…thanks for sharing your Dad(father and husband to your family) ..he was a hero…and so genuine…I am sure he is there with you…and he will always be.<3
Sweet words from a beautiful daughter about her wonderful Dad. Very moving. Thank you.
I have already commented on FB a couple of times…but his leaving us left many of us with a heavy heart. Such a good man, intelligent, strong, always willing to share his talents and knowledge, and always with a smile. I am sure he was greeted by a plethora of angels that had gone on before him (including my late husband, a son, and 2 babies). They are all at peace, and in a place far more beautiful than we can ever imagine. God bless you Loren, and to you his beloved family, may the memories of the love that you shared keep you warm. With much heartfelt love to you all – Lulu