Staff gathered this week to share that story and others about their former employer after learning of his death.
A family member called police Saturday after discovering Halfacre lying on the ground in front of his Corona del Mar home. He had died Friday of heart complications at the age of 58, according to the Orange County Coroner's Office.
Those who knew the owner of Traditional Jewelers were stunned, especially since he spent every morning working out at the city's illustrious Pacific Club.
"He sold his Corvette just to get into that club," Brewer said.
Halfacre sponsored a number of local charities and events, including the annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade awards dinner and auction.
"I don't know of anytime Marion said 'no' when asked to step up and become involved," Roger Alford, former Commodores Club skipper, wrote in an e-mail.
Halfacre never forgot where he came from and brought that charm and warmth with him, said Nancy Stack, the founder of the Cystinosis Research Foundation.
"They made us feel like they were the only charity they would ever support," Stack said.
Halfacre spent as much time in business circles as he did with charities.
In 2002, he was elected to the Jewelers of America Board of Directors by more than 10,000 members of the Jewelers of America nationwide. At the time, he served as president of the California Jewelers Assn. while remaining an active member of the industry.
Halfacre's most recent honor, Commodore of the Year, given by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce's Commodores Club, came Friday for his unyielding devotion to the city's economic and cultural growth.
A photograph of Halfacre that night shows him smiling.
He exemplified confidence and humility all in the same package, Alford said of the Tennessee native. "Southern comfort was evident in all he did.
