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Clifford John (Irish John) (Junipoak) Shaffery

Posted 2009-11-08 by Sharla
The White Mountain Independent,
Show Low, Arizona ~ October 30, 2008

Clifford John "Irish John" "Junipoak" Shaffery of Show Low died Oct. 23, 2008, with his family by his side. The only child of August and Anna Shaffery, he was born Dec. 21, 1927, in Newark, N.J. He grew up in Toms River, N.J.

He embarked on a military career of over 20 years, having served in the Army Air Corps, U.S. Air Force and a brief stint in the French Foreign Legion. He fought for his beloved country in World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War.

John developed a deep love of travel and lived in numerous countries on six continents. He finally settled in the White Mountains of Arizona. He pursued many dreams, most notably opening and operating the Irish Castle in Overgaard.

John loved and was loved by Rita, Vivian, Ginny and Marge. Of his numerous interests, none was greater than his family. He taught them all the value of hard work and how to lend a helping hand in a quiet way.

Dad was a man of conviction and vision and sometimes confused with stubbornness by those less visionary (his children). His lessons in life will live on much longer than his family. His death leaves a gaping hole in the fabric of the Shaffery Clan and his many friends.

He is survived by Rita and Ginny as well as his 10 children, James (Merrilee), John, Patrick (Trish), Timothy (Aida), Marisa, Michael Fimbres, Debie (Perry) Pageau, Gianna Fimbres, Tracy Bush, and Danny. He is also survived by 21 grandchildren and six (soon to be seven) great-grandchildren.

Junipoak always said that a man makes his own luck, and by the above tally, he was a very lucky man. But none are luckier than those that will miss him most - the friends and family he loved. "He will always be with us."

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to RTA Hospice, 1789 W. Commerce Dr., Lakeside, AZ 85929 or your neighborhood VFW or American Legion. No services will be held, as requested by John.

The family will gather at the Show Low Elks Lodge, 805 E. Whipple, in Show Low on Nov. 8 from 1-3 p.m. for a final toast to his life. According to John's wishes, all toasts will be limited to 10 words or less.

Arrangements were made by Black's Mortuary in Show Low. Sign the online guest book or send private condolences at www.blacksmortuary.com.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Black's Mortuary
Show Low, Arizona

John C. Shaffery
(December 21, 1927 - October 23, 2008)

Clifford John (“Irish John”, “Junipoak”) Shaffery of Show Low died October 23, 2008 with his family by his side.

The only child of August and Anna Shaffery, he was born December 21, 1927 in Newark, New Jersey. He grew up in Toms River, New Jersey.

He embarked on a military career of over 20 years, having served in the Army Air Corps, United States Air Force, and a brief stint in the French Foreign Legion. He fought for his beloved country in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

John developed a deep love of travel and lived in numerous countries on six continents. He finally settled in the White Mountains of Arizona. He pursued many dreams, most notably, opening and operating the Irish Castle in Overgaard. John loved and was loved by Rita, Vivian, Ginny and Marge. Of his numerous interests, none was greater than his family. He taught them all the value of hard work and how to lend a helping hand in a quiet way. Our dad was a man of conviction and vision, sometimes confused with stubbornness by those less visionary (his children).

His lessons in life will live on much longer than us. His death leaves a gaping hole in the fabric of the Shaffery Clan and his many friends.

He is survived by Rita and Ginny as well as his ten children: James (Merrilee), John, Patrick (Trish), Timothy (Aida), Marisa, Michael Fimbres, Debie Pageau (Perry), Gianna Fimbres, Tracy Bush, and Danny. He is also survived by 21 grandchildren, and 6 (soon to be 7) great-grandchildren. Junipoak always said that a man makes his own luck, and by the above tally, he was a very lucky man. But none are luckier than those that will miss him most – the friends and family he loved. He will always be with us.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to RTA Hospice, 1789 W. Commerce Drive, Lakeside, Arizona, 85929 or your neighborhood VFW or American Legion.

There will be no services as John requested. The family will be gathered at the Show Low Elks Lodge, 805 E. Whipple, Show Low, AZ on November 8, 2008 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. for a final toast to his life. According to John’s wishes all toasts will be limited to ten words or less.




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