Patrick Gerard Schafer M.D.

Patrick Gerard Schafer, M.D. 1959 ~ 2006 "The Best Man We Know" Our loving husband, father, and friend, Patrick G. Schafer, MD, died tragically at the age of 46, on Wednesday March 8, 2006. Pat had an immense spirit and terrific sense of humor. He touched everyone he met with his incredible generosity and genuine caring. His desire to help others and be a positive example of faith was reflected in the sincere way he approached everyone and everything in life. All those who knew him understood that Pat would do anything for someone in need. Above all else, Pat loved his family and relished time spent with his wife and children. He was a proud father and his happiest times were spent with his family sharing adventures in southern Utah, Hawaii, New York, and Lake Tahoe, among others. Pat led an active lifestyle, participating in cycling, golf, and skiing. Pat was born on November 4, 1959 in Reno, Nevada to George and Dolores Schafer. He graduated from South Tahoe High School and the University of California, Davis. He attended Medical School at the University of Nevada, Reno graduating in 1987. He completed his Anesthesiology residency at the University of Utah and a Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship at National Children's Hospital in Washington, DC. He worked at the University of Utah Medical Center for seven years before transferring to the Shriner's Hospital for Children in 1998 to follow his passion of providing care for children. He became co-director of the Department of Anesthesia where he worked tirelessly to provide the highest level of care to his young patients. Pat is survived by the love of his life, wife, Peggy Mair, MD; his precious children: Willis, Sydney, and Chloe; his mother, Dolores Schafer of Reno; and siblings: Bernadette (David) Santana, Brian (Therese) Schafer, John Schafer, and D'Anne (Theodore Paul) Kruper and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and medical colleagues. Preceded in death by his father, George Francis Schafer and father-in-law, David Lewis Ion. Words will never express the pain and sorrow we feel at the loss of our Patrick, however we are all better people because of the time that we spent with him. Thank you Pat, for giving us your infinite love and support. Patrick and his family would want you to think of him the next time you are carving turns or finishing a great round on a beautiful day. Funeral Services will be held at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 1975 South, 2300 East, Salt Lake City at 1:30 pm on March 11, 2006. Immediately following the service, a reception celebrating Pat's life will be held at the Shriners Hospital for children, Fairfax Road at Virginia St. SLC. (directions are avail. at the services). In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting you celebrate Pat's life with gifts to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, c/o Shriner's Hospital for Children, Intermountain Unit, Fairfax Road at Virginia St., SLC, UT 84103