Robert Charles Shafer |
| Posted 2020-04-08 by Pat R |
| Daily Sun (Flagstaff, Arizona) Wednesday, May 3, 2017, p. A4 Robert Charles Shafer was born August 31, 1933 in Sargent, Nebraska in a one room farm house. Bob passed away on April 26, 2017 at home in Flagstaff, Arizona. His parents, Walt and Irma Shafer, brought their children (Walt Jr., Frank, Anna Marie and Bob to Flagstaff when Bob the youngest was 12 years old). From then on Bob loved Flagstaff. Bob attended Flagstaff High School where he was active in sports and lettered in football, he was class president and chosen for Boy's State, and he was active in many organizations. It was at this time that Bob met his high school sweetheart Janice Jean Baker. After high school, Bob attended Arizona State University at that time it was the Arizona State College at Tempe. He and Janice married in February, 1953. They moved to California and started their family. After their son Gary Michael was born they moved back to Flagstaff. Janice and Bob's family grew with Pamela Lynn and later Bert Wayne. Bob became an active member of the Flagstaff community and he made many life-long friendships. He was a member and President of the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, active in Flagstaff Downtown Association, active member of the Flagstaff Ski Club, and a man who believed in the responsible development of Flagstaff. Bob worked at Boice-Baker Firestone and later bought the store and expanded to East Flagstaff where he owned and operated Firestone gas station and retread plant. After several years Bob sold the Firestone stores. He then became an active Life Insurance Agent for New York Life, and ventured into the Self-Storage business. Bob went on to own two locations: Aspen Mini Storage in Flagstaff, AZ, and Hutton Plaza Self Storage in Farmington, New Mexico. During this time in 1983, Bob lost his beloved Janice to cancer after about 30 years of marriage. Determined to move forward with the help of family and friends Bob owned and operated these businesses for over 30 years right up until his passing. In 1984 Bob traveled to California where he courted his second wife, Sarah. They were married almost 33 years. Bob was a great father to his children and to Sarah's children, Deidre, Keith (who passed away early this year in January), and Kirsten. Bob had three grandchildren--Robert Michael (Bobby), Daeton Paul and Jacob Wayne. He also took on that role with Sarah's granddaughter, Tulasi Maharani. Then came the great-grandchildren: Julia Marie, Veronykah, Daeton Jr., Alice Rose, Keely, Vishnu, Veda, and Vraja. Bob is survived by his wife Sarah, his children Gary Shafer, Flagstaff, AZ, Pamela Zanzucchi (Joe), Phoenix, AZ, and Bert Shafer, Flagstaff, AZ, his step children Deidre Crawley (Jim Haslett), Flagstaff, AZ, Kirsten Crawley, Flagstaff, AZ, three grandchildren, one step grandchild, four great-grandchildren, and four step great-grandchildren. The Heavenly Welcoming Committee who preceded Bob in death: his first wife, Janice; his father, Walt and mother Irma; sister Anna Marie; brother, Frank; stepson, Keith Crawley and many friends. In honor of Bob there will be a viewing service Friday, May 5th at Norvel Owens Mortuary (6-8 p.m.) at 914 E. Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ. The funeral services will be held Saturday, May 6th at 2:00 p.m. at the Flagstaff Federated Community Church, 400 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff, AZ. Graveside services to be at Flagstaff Citizens Cemetery. Pallbearers: Gary Shafer, Bert Shafer, Bobby Zanzucchi, Daeton Shafer, Jacob Shafer and Jim Haslett. A reception to follow graveside services at Flagstaff Elks Lodge, 2121 N. San Francisco St., Flagstaff, AZ. Potluck snacks are welcome. Memories and condolences may be shared with Bobs family at www.norvelowensmortuary.com See Also: Find A Grave |
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