Stephen Shaffer

Stephen Shaffer of Arlington, Virginia formerly of Boulder, died on December 11th, 2007 at Fairfax Virginia Inova Hospital, after battling a rare form of cancer. Family members were with him and he died peacefully.

Steve was born to Ann and Russ Shaffer, November 15th, 1946 in San Francisco, CA. In March of 1947 the family moved to Boulder, Co where Steve was raised and graduated from Boulder High in 1964. He earned his B., A., in Political Science at the University of Colorado and received his Doctorate in International Relations from the University of Michigan.

Shaffer first pursued an academic career, teaching at the University of Denver before moving to Washington D.C. as Assistant Professor at George Washington University from 1975 to 1980. He married Lisa Robock in 1975. They divorced in 1988, Steve resides in Arlington Virginia, where his daughter Allison currently lives.

Steve's love of politics resulted in a career with the federal government beginning in 1980. His knowledge of foreign policy led to a position with the Office of Research as an analyst and as chief of the European division. He was named Deputy Director in 1991. After being recognized for sustaining the morale and direction of the office during a challenging reorganization, he was named Office Director in 2001.

In April, 2005 Steve was appointed to the Senior Executive Service, a civil service position comparable to the rank of general or admiral in the military. Senior members hold key positions just below top Presidential appointees.

Steve was a loving father, brother and son. He was a fan of two things: The Washington Redskins and space exploration. His early admiration for JFK and the success of the Apollo program led to his extensive collection of space memorabilia and a personalized library of Kennedy books (most of them signed) that would make any museum proud. Always interested in helping others, Steve volunteered at Hospice of Northern Virginia during the 90's.

He was preceded in death by his father, Russ and is survived by his mother Ann, of Boulder, his brothers Rusty (Virginia), Jeff, Both of Phoenix, five nieces and nephews, and one aunt, and his former wife Lisa of San Diego, CA, several cousins and his beloved daughter Allison.

Steve possessed a wonderful (sometimes subtle) sense of humor. He could laugh at himself most of all…and often did. He will be missed by everyone whose life he touched, especially his good friends from Boulder High class of 1964.

A funeral mass will be celebrated Saturday, January 12 at ten a.m. in Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 6739 South Boulder Road with a reception to follow.

A memorial service by colleagues and friends will be held in Washington D.C on January 23, 2008. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions in Steve's memory go to Hospice of Boulder (303)449-7740.