Ron Shaffer

Ron Shaffer 81, a longtime resident of Piedmont, CA, peacefully passed away at his home on the morning of February 27 after courageously battling cancer (mesothieloma) for over two years. Ron was born in Billings, Montana in 1930, the son of Lydia and Phillip Shaffer and the youngest of four children. His family moved to Bremerton, Washington when Ron was 14, and he later graduated from the University of Washington where he ran track and was a member of ATO Fraternity. Ron continued his studies at New York University, receiving his MBA degree in 1957, and then completed the U.S. Navy OCS. As a naval officer, he was stationed for three years at Fort Mason in San Francisco. After the Navy, Ron stayed in San Francisco and began a long and successful 45-year career as a Stockbroker with Merill Lynch. eventually retiring in 2002. During his time with Merrill Lynch, Ron always said he worked only half a day, and he did, from 6AM to 6PM. Ron met and married the love of his life, Randi (Rosanne) Flaherty in 1959 and they had 52 wonderful years together. They lived for 49 years in Piedmont where they had three children and family became the foundation of Ron's life. He was eternally optimistic, always positive and rarely seen without his dry wit and beaming smile. He was an avid tennis player and enjoyed travel, but it was the company and laughter of his friends and family that he loved most. He is survived by his wife Randi; children Curran Burfeind (David) of Falmouth, Maine, Brad Shaffer of Mill Valley and Grant Shaffer (Alan Cumming) of New York City; sisters Alberta Boyle and Kathy Knapp; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and five grandchildren that he so loved: Connor, Grant, Riley, Zackary and Mimi. Ron leaves behind a rich legacy of love, laughter and happy memories. He will be missed terribly by all who knew him. A celebration of Ron's life will be held on Friday, March 9th at 3p.m. at Claremont Country Club. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Cancer League, Inc. 614 LaSalle Ave. Oakland Ca 94611 or VNA Hospice, 1900 Powell St. Emeryville, Ca. 94608 or the charity of your choice.