Keith Shaffer
Dearest Lori and Family,
We are deeply sorry for your loss with Dan's passing. I learned of it on that Friday evening from Sandy Gardner, and was so surprised, since I had had a conversation with him just the day before on Thursday. I had called him a week prior seeking his help to perform a perc test on my own property (as we together had done several for others and I wanted his help with my own). I am sorry to have missed the ceremony and celebration of his life as I have just now learned about it. I know that he was admired and loved by many in the valley and I am among those whose life he has touched.
He was a good friend and mentor to me in my young professional life. He was real.
I will forever cherish my memories of running and biking (actually more like me trying to keep up) with him when, in the 1980s, I would come to work for Bob Gardner during the summers of my college years. He took an interest in me, as a young man, and made me feel valued. He encouraged my development as a young engineer, and continued to support me and sometimes guide me as I developed into professional engineer and consultant. We have worked alongside each other for many years and he has been a constant in my life and an inspiration and example to me of integrity and honesty and hard work.
You and the whole family are in our thoughts and prayers as you navigate this difficult time. This is a tough one, since we all know that was take from us far too young.
May the Lord sustain and support you in this time and may you be able take solace in the truth that Dan is NOT gone from us forever, but has just moved on to a better place where he can reconnect with friends that have gone ahead.
Our love,
Keith and Karen Shaffer