Mr. Patrick G. Shafer's Obituary
Patrick G. Shafer, age 74, passed away Sunday, July 9, 2017. Pat was born on September 13, 1942, to Glen and Vivian (Peterson) Shafer in Cadillac, Michigan. Pat grew up in Cadillac and graduated from Cadillac High School in 1960. He left Cadillac in 1960 and attended Central Michigan University and obtained his Bachelor’s degree in 1964. At CMU, Pat met Patti (Patricia Teeter) and they married in 1965 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Pat and Patti moved to Muskegon in 1965 and have resided here ever since. Pat started his career as a high school government teacher and coached tennis and football at Orchard View High School in 1964. He attended and received his Master’s degree from Michigan State University in 1966. In the late 1960’s he served as the Assistant Principal for Orchard View. He was then named the Community Education Director for Orchard View Schools, and he served his community in this capacity for approximately 30 years. In his capacity as the Community Education Director he was instrumental in developing and guiding many programs, including, but not limited to adult high school education, community enrichment programs, childcare programs, senior citizen’s groups, Orchard View Travelers and many more. These programs not only served residents of the Orchard View School district, but also benefited citizens from all over the West Michigan area. Pat worked tirelessly to create and foster these programs, and would often go back to work at least three nights a week and on Saturday mornings to insure their success. Due to his passion and success in developing Community Education at Orchard View, he was also selected and served as president for both the National and Michigan Association for Community and Adult Education. After retiring from Orchard View Schools in 2000, he served as Executive Director of the Michigan Adult and Community Education Association in Lansing, lobbying on behalf of these programs for two years. Pat also loved fishing on Lake Michigan, and owned and operated a charter fishing business out of Harbor Towne Marina and then Pointe Marine on his boat, The Mitzi, Pat also enjoyed playing tennis, golf and running. He ran 4 miles nearly every day until he was about 65.
Pat continued his life of service to his community by visiting with home bound members of his church, First Evangelical Lutheran. They would share memories and communion together. He also volunteered and supported many worthwhile community organizations that provided services to members of the Greater Muskegon area. Pat was an avid reader of military history, and traveled extensively. He and Patti had the opportunity over the years to travel all over the world. Traveling and experiencing other cultures and learning about history was very important to Pat. He was able to share this enthusiasm with his grandchildren, Nick and Tiffani Laughton, taking them on several spectacular trips.
Pat was a wonderful husband. He was a loving, supportive and selfless father to his two children, David P. Shafer of Muskegon and Kimberly L. Laughton of Pinckney, Michigan.
Sadly, Pat was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in late 2012. This progressive disease robbed Pat of his favorite things: traveling, reading, running, fishing and meaningful interactions with his family. His wife, Patti, was a rock star in the way she cared for him. She and other excellent caregivers managed to provide such amazing care and compassion to Pat that he was able to remain in his own home for much longer than anyone could hope or expect. It was this unfortunate disease that took Pat away from us way too soon. He is missed by his family and all of those who he has touched over the years. SURVIVORS include his wife, Patti of North Muskegon; his son, David P. Shafer of Muskegon, his daughter Kimberly Laughton of Pickney, Michigan; his two grandchildren, Tiffani and Nicholas Laughton of Pickney, Michigan; his sister, Cheryl (Steve) Moutsatson of Auburndale, Florida; brother-in-law, Michael(Diane) Teeter, of Grand Rapids, Michigan; nieces and nephews; and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents. A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, July 13, 2017, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1206 Whitehall Road, Muskegon, MI 49445, and Pastor Bill Uetricht will be presiding. VISITATION with the family will be held from 5 PM to 7 PM on Wednesday, July 12, at THE LEE CHAPEL, 6291 S. HARVEY ST., 231-798-1100. Memorial Contributions to the Harbor Hospice Foundation or First Evangelical Lutheran Church.
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