David M. Shaffer

SHAFFER, DAVID M. David M. Shaffer, 51, a resident of Yuma, passed away on September 3, 2004 at YRMC. He was born August 17, 1953 in Ravenna, Ohio and moved with his family to Weed, California at the age of one. He graduated from Escondido High School in 1971. He attended San Diego State University, the University of Redlands and University of Arizona. He received degrees in Music, Education and Oboe Performance. He taught music at Northern Arizona University, Fort Lewis College, Humbolt State University, Crane Junior High and Berry College. He was a noted Multiple-Woodwind performer and a remarkable oboist. His instruments include the oboe, English horn, flute, saxophone and clarinet. He was a world class composer and arranger of music for solo instruments, ensembles, orchestra, concert band, jazz combo, and Big Band. His performing credits include principal oboe with the symphony orchestras based in Redlands, Riverside and San Bernardino, California, and with the Flagstaff Symphony of the Arts Orchestra, the English horn with the Arizona Opera Company, Principal Oboe of the San Francisco Opera Touring Company, as well as playing multiple woodwinds for many national touring Broadway shows and musical reviews, often performing with well-known artists. He had a He was dedicated to Liberty and Freedom as described in the Constitution and Bill of Rights and espoused Libertarian thought. He was committed to promoting the right to gun ownership by citizens and enjoyed target shooting. He also enjoyed mountain biking with friends. He was a member of the American Federation of Musicians Local 325, the International Double Reed Society, and the National Rifle Association. He is survived by his wife, Kathy, of Yuma, and step-children Peter, Rebecca and Leah Goldstein also of Yuma. He is survived by his mother Arlene Shaffer of San Marcos, Calif., his father David W. Shaffer of San Diego, Calif., brother Paul Shaffer of Vista, Calif., sister Debby Cassidy of Escondido, Calif., nieces Anna and Katie French, Nicole Shaffer, and nephew Nathan French, all of Southern Calif. He has cousins and aunts living in northeast Ohio. David was a brilliant, gentle man who will be greatly missed by his loving wife and all of his family, friends and associates. His gift of music will continue to live on. A Memorial service was held at Sunset Vista Chapel on September 11, 2004, followed by a gathering of friends and family at the Shilo Inn where some of David's jazz music was performed by members of the Arizona Western College Music Program. Sunset Vista handled arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations toward a music scholarship fund may be directed to Kathy Shaffer at 1469 S. 42 Ave., Yuma, AZ 85364. Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com