George R Schaffer

I don´t know how to express in words what George meant to me. I met him when we were both in junior high. He became a long, true, and trusted friend. Often I have wished that I were more like George. These are words that come to mind when I think of him: builder, determined/dedicated, kindhearted/generous, family-oriented, faithful, sportsman, and leader. I´m certain that you could add to this list and illustrate the meaning of those words with memorable stories about him.

Thank you, George, for enriching my life and others. God bless you and your family.

I met George when I was 4 years old. It was the summer after he graduated from high school. The year before, my father had purchased a house and barn on ~55 acres of land and needed someone to help maintain it. He hired George as our "handyman." Within a few years, of course, George began his own career as master carpenter and contractor, but he continued to accomplish projects for my dad, and he and my dad remained close, right up until my father's death in 2015. It's fair to say, in fact, that George was my father's best friend. They shared a fierce tennis rivalry that spanned decades. George tried valiantly and persistently to get my father onto the pickleball court, but my father was a stubborn purist and would have none of it--much to George's bemused frustration.

George was one of my first heroes. When he first came work for us, I followed him everywhere, watching him work, pestering him with questions, and pitching in whenever and however I could. George taught me how to pound a nail, mark and saw a 2x4, and so much more. He was patient, kind, and accommodating. There didn't seem to be anything he couldn't do, any problem he couldn't solve. I remember his red, late-40s/early-50s Chevy pickup; I remember watching him play baseball at the American Legion field in Quakertown's Memorial Park. I remained in touch with him throughout my adult life, though not as closely as I wish I had.

George represented the best that any of us can hope to be. He accomplished more in his life than I ever will, gave more to his community than I ever will. He made me want to be a better person. And I will be forever grateful for his friendship to my father, especially during those times when my father needed a friend. He did so much more than help my father maintain his property. He cared about and cared for my father, as he did for so many others. Rest in peace, George. You left the world a far better place than you found it.