Jerry Schad, whose comprehensive guide to hiking trails in San Diego County was a must-have tabletop book for the area's outdoors fans, died today at age 61.
Schad, the author of "Afoot and Afield in San Diego County,'' had battled kidney cancer.
The book, first published 25 years ago, was a thorough detailing of hiking trails throughout the region, from little-known walks in urban neighborhoods to difficult back country climbs.
He learned in March that he suffered the disease and spent most of his time confined to his downtown condominium, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune.
Until recently, Schad was the chairman of the Physical Sciences Department at San Diego Mesa College.
