Robert SHAFFER Obituary

Name: Memorial Gathering for Robert SHAFFER
Start: 2025-10-03T15:30:00.000Z
End: 2025-10-03T18:30:00.000Z
Location: Kalispel Ballroom

December 12, 1962 - September 3, 2025

Medical Lake - On September 3rd, 2025, our family said goodbye to Robert "Bob" Shaffer, a man of quiet strength, deep loyalty, and unshakable love.

Bob's life was beautifully defined by his devotion to his wife, Barb. Theirs was a partnership built on respect and laughter, and those who knew them could see the love that tied them together so tightly. Their beloved dog, Blue, was never far from their side, a reminder of the family they built together.

Bob served his country with honor, building an extensive military career as a SERE instructor. He took great pride in training service members, preparing them to face challenges with courage and resilience. His leadership touched many lives, and his lessons will live on in the men and women he guided.

He and Barb shared a love of adventure, especially traveling to Hawaii, where they created some of their happiest memories together. In that spirit, if able guests are warmly invited to wear festive Hawaiian shirts to Bob and Barb's celebration of life, honoring the joy he and Barb found in those travels.

Outside of service and travel, Bob found peace in the outdoors. You would find him fishing by the water, hiking trails, riding four wheelers and taking in the simple beauty of nature. He was also a lifelong student of history, happiest with a book in hand and eager to share what he had learned.

To his family and friends, Bob will be remembered not just for what he accomplished, but for how he lived, with loyalty, wisdom, and a heart that quietly cared for those around him. His absence leaves an ache, but his presence will remain in the stories, memories, and love he shared so freely.

A burial ceremony will be held on Friday, October 3rd, 2025, at 2:30pm, at the Veterans Memorial Cemetary, 21702 West Espanola Road Medical Lake, WA 99022.

The Shaffer Celebration of Life will be held immediately following the burial at 3:30pm, held in the Kalispel Ballroom, located at Northern Quest Resort and Casino, 100 N. Hayford Rd., Airway Heights, WA 99001.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you please make a donation to the following foundations:

The Honor Flight: https://www.inwhonorflight.org/donate

Soldiers Angels: https://soldiersangels.org/ways-to-give/

Veterans Build: habitat-spokane.org/veterans-build/" target="_new" rel="nofollow">https://habitat-spokane.org/veterans-build/

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Spokesman-Review on Sep. 14, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert SHAFFER

12 Entries

Ken Hoeche 75-02

September 15, 2025

Always a comrade in and out of the camp .

Dan Thrasher 83-01

September 14, 2025

A man of few words that could fill a room with happiness, via his smile.

Scott Orth (SAO)

September 12, 2025

Always a friend, always a smile and a laugh that could fill a room, you will be sorely missed Bob (Bruin)!

Rhonda Barta

September 10, 2025

Bob was considered part of our family while we were at Fairchild and beyond. He was the sweetest , most positive person. We will miss him...

Matt Hancock

September 10, 2025

Bob (Bruin) I remember well the first time I met you. I advised Rose of your passing since she was your MTI at Lackland. She remembered your desire to become a Survival Instructor from your going to the meetings and tests. You left too soon Bruin. Your memory will remain, especially among those who worked around you.

Richard Gusch

September 10, 2025

Roommate, friend, fellow comrade in the RT, infectious laugh. Bob was a great'friend and good man. RIP my brother.

Sondra Goddard Zackey

September 9, 2025

I knew Bob since we were in third grade. We were neighbors and good friends. He had an infectious laugh and a smile that lit up the room. Although he joined the Air Force and left our little town in Ohio shortly after high school graduation, we stayed in touch through the years. I will miss him

Rick Stewart

September 9, 2025

Sorry to hear of Bob´s passing. Lifting his family in prayer. Until we meet again brother, Rest Easy!

Bruce Birchell

September 9, 2025

Bob was my classmate for Global Survival Instructor training, as it was known then. We trained in the second half of 1982, and were class 83-01. Bob was my partner on our desert survival trip. 43 years later I can still hear him hollering about having sand in unspeakable places, and how he hated the desert. But he was a good partner, and a great classmate. He had a smile for everyone, and a big laugh that could fill a room. It was so good to reconnect with him in 2001, when we had a class 83-01 reunion. I haven't seen him in many years, but he will always be remembered fondly.

Noe Cortez

September 9, 2025

I am deeply saddened at the news of Bob´s passing. I knew him as Bruin at work. He was a true patriot in every sense of the word. Totally dedicated to his job as an instructor. I will miss his humor, his grumpy attitude, his gruff voice, and his big smile. RIP in paradise my friend and brother!

Allan Bobst USAF CMSGT (R)

September 9, 2025

Too soon to depart... RIP Brother!

Bill & Francie Ahlf

September 9, 2025

Always in our hearts...

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