Most people in Oakland may not be familiar with the name Jill Chalemin Schwertfeger, but many are familiar with her son Ryan Schwertfeger, who occasionally uses the nom de plume of Ryan Robinson when writing for The Oakland Journal.
Ryan was only in middle school when The Journal came online over four years ago, and he was the first to contribute content. Caron and I spoke with Jill at that time to get her permission; and, over the years we would be in touch as Ryan grew out of Valley Middle School to his now approaching senior year in high school.
In the beginning, we knew we were dealing with a great kid, a special kid, and in a lot of ways Ryan is still very much the kid. In other ways, he is a leader in the Oakland community, one who readily interjects himself into community affairs with a poise, civility, and maturity that far surpasses that of most adults.
It is only right that Ryan’s accomplishments be lauded as exemplary, creative, innovative, but it’s also right at this moment to give credit where credit is due – and perhaps learn in the process.
Jill always appreciated The Journal supporting Ryan’s community efforts in Oakland. It began with Ryan simply writing for The Journal, then his starting an ongoing effort to establish an Oakland dog run, and expanded well beyond the capacity of most teenagers with public polling and interviewing of local political candidates – all the while reflecting a professionalism not very apparent in the mainstream media.
But confidence needs to be tempered with criticism, and freedom tempered with guidance, and Jill Schwertfeger traversed the razor’s edge of being a parent with the passion of an artist and the objectivity of a scientist.
Jill shared on occasion her philosophy of parenting, the decisions she & Dirk made, the paths they sought, all done with clarity, lucidity, and the goal of providing the best for their son. The best had nothing to do with material objects; but, with the goal of helping to build a person who had the skills to survive in this world, and the values to make this world a better place.
It is a responsibility parents too often leave to schools, too often leave to chance, and fortunately often luck out with good kids. Jill was always looking for the best odds, the path that would give Ryan the greatest opportunity to not only succeed in life, but make him a good person.
Ryan & Dirk’s loss is heart breaking, but their blessings innumerable. The boy that Jill built stands on the threshold of manhood, and his foundation is strong, his frame sturdy.
To our friend, our colleague, our supporter, and soon to be high school senior, Ryan Schwertfeger, our deepest condolences, support and affection to you and your Dad.
For those who know Ryan, they are aware of his being a huge Beatles fan…..we offer the video below as a tribute to Ryan’s Mom, Jill.
“Let It Be” was written by Paul McCartney after a dream he had about his mother, Mary McCartney. McCartney’s mother, like that of John Lennon’s, died when he was just a teenager. He later said, “It was great to visit with her again. I felt very blessed to have that dream.”
Links:
Taking Life One Step at a Time – 2012 article by Ryan Schwertfeger about his Mom’s battle with cancer
Time and Memories – 2009 article by Ryan Robinson on the passing of his grandmother
-Charlie & Caron McCormick
My son and Ryan began a lifelong friendship when they were in preschool. Although their opinions about many things (first snack food, then politics) have differed over the years, Ryan has been a fiercely loyal friend for all of that time, and Jill was one of the best “alternate moms” a friend’s mom could have for her son. When the boys got old enough to walk to each other’s houses (virtually around the corner) she would watch until mine was out of sight, then call and let me know he was on his way – and I did the same. She would always ask my opinion about something going on at school, and as our children went from Heights, to VMS, to Indian Hills, the casual call from Jill that started with “Got a minute?” was always about Jill finding a way to do what was best for Ryan, to help him become his own person.
I admired Jill and Dirk for their steadfast relationship with their faith and with each other. Ryan has grown, and will continue to grow, into the amazing man he is meant to be. And I hope his family cherishes the memories of this amazing mom, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend.
I’ve met Ryan a couple times during his polling…His mother must have been a very special lady. My condolences to the family.
Hi Rebecca,
That’s great that the kids can challenge each other and still be friends. I’m still friends with a buddy from kindergarten, and we’re pretty much polar opposites…but when I’m trying to figure out something in my own head, he’s the one I want to hear from the most ….It’s actually a rare thing having the friend who will challenge you to always keep growing — They keep you young.
Ryan/Dirk, my sincerest and deepest sympathies go out to you both as you move forward without your best friend and mother. I know that you will cherish all of those beautiful memories that you shared with Jill. If there is anything that I can do.
I extend my deepest sympathy to Ryan and his dad on the loss of the most precious peson in their lives. I’ve known Ryan for a few years, beginning with his first political polls. As I told Ryan at the Farmers’ Market, I see a Pulitzer prize for journalism in his future. He is a brilliant young man who will make all of us proud to have known him. All of this because his wonderful parents and his eagerness to suceed.
Anyone who has ever met Ryan, knows he is an incredible young man. He has maturity beyond his years and his dedication and passion are admirable. He has been blessed with a supportive family and those values now reflect through him. My deepest sympathies for your loss. Your neighbors and friends are here for you and your family.
My heart breaks for this family and my prayers go out to them. Although I do not know the Schwertfeger’s I can tell from this tribute that Jill will be forever proud of the boy she built. Her legacy is Oakland’s treasure.
I met this young man outside the Oakland post office when he was doing one of his polls. My condolences to him and his family. I hope he continues in his good works, and I hope to meet him again.
I have known the Schwertzferger family for many years, and it is with great sadness that I just learned of Jill’s passing. This is an exceptional family, and Ryan is an outstanding young man. His inquisitiveness to life matches his kindness. My deepest condolences to Dirk and Ryan on Jill’s passing.