Gromfather Foundation
Inspiring kids. Supporting parents. Strengthening families
An early tragic loss ministry helping families who have lost a parent or child too soon through guided nature retreats that create space for healing, connection and hope.
LIVE LIKE PETE Adventures
The journey of loss is full of confusion, we provide an opportunity for families to take a pause, experience the power of nature, and reconnect with themselves and each other on a Live Like Pete Adventure. We focus on healing, community and hope. Live Like Pete adventures offer a space for families to navigate their grief, celebrate loved ones and create lasting memories.
THE GROMFATHER: PETER "BUCK" SHEA
Pete Shea, "Buck" to his friends and family is the inspiration for our mission.
A fearless adventurer: He was a radiant light, full of love for life, family, community and finding the perfect wave. He climbed mountains, rode 30ft waves, was a state champion football player, a poet, an artist and a mentor to the youth in this community. He taught them to surf and to win contests but more importantly to face the power of the ocean and doing so he used that adversity to teach young people life lessons. Young surfers have long been called "Groms" by those older more experienced with the ocean. For these reasons Buck Shea was lovingly revered in his hometown of Seaside, Oregon as "The Gromfather". Buck understood that nature and more specifically adventure within nature had the power to heal and teach; allowing people to discover and connect with their highest self. For these reasons and in his name, we work to allow families to experience this gift when they need it most.
Live Like Pete Adventures in Action
After the heartbreaking loss of his wife and mother to their 12-year-old daughter, Jeremy and Mariella embarked on a carefully planned healing adventure to Big Sky, Montana—a place of vast mountains, pristine rivers, and open skies that offered space for renewal.
Jeremy was deeply grateful for how thoughtfully the trip was organized, allowing him to focus on meaningful time with his daughter and the healing power of nature. They experienced the thrill of white-water rafting on the Gallatin River, sharing laughter and excitement as they navigated the rapids together. They also enjoyed horseback riding, and Mariella was especially proud to catch her very first fish while fly fishing.
They also cherished reading the daily devotionals prepared by the Foundation’s Spiritual Director, Pastor Davin, which brought moments of reflection and comfort during their journey.
Surrounded by the beauty of Big Sky, Jeremy felt a renewed sense of hope and healing and remains deeply grateful for the care and thoughtfulness that made this special experience possible.
Ryan B. and his 3 boys enjoying a bonding trip to Yellowstone after the mother passed away from a multi year battle with cancer. Ryan had always wanted to take his boys on a fly fishing adventure but never had the time or energy to plan one. Ryan was extremely grateful for the Live Like Pete adventure trip and the fact that it was all set up for them. This trip provided him much needed quality time with his boys and as he states, "It gave us a chance to breathe and connect". Ryan and the boys found the daily devotionals, readings and conversations with Pastor Davin just what they needed to feel a sense of community and hope for the future.