Shannon Ray Schaffer Memorial Tribute

Vienna, Va.: "No one ever really dies as long as they took the time to leave us with fond memories." - Chris Sorensen

There is a greater majesty to a death when someone departs this earth in the pursuit of a great vision. Shannon Ray Schaffer, formerly of Aberdeen, passed suddenly on Sept. 17, 2011. Only 41, he was training for a charity bike ride to raise funds for a cause close to his heart and family: aid for leukemia victims.

Shannon was the beloved husband of Sheri and father of Ashton of Vienna, Va.; son of Ronald and Fae Schaffer of Aberdeen, S.D.; son-in-law of Jennings and Rosemary Glenn of Thurmont, Md.; brother of Meredith Gulseth, Detroit Lakes, Minn., and Emily Fisher of Rapid City, S.D.; brother-in-law of Alex Fisher, Mark Gulseth, and Lori and Nathan Swick of Lexington Park, Md.; and uncle to Jaeger, Annika, Ryker and Cooper Gulseth; Reagan and Paxton Fisher; and Miranda and Jacob Swick. Funeral services will be on Friday, Sept. 23, 2011, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 2589 Chain Bridge Road, Vienna, Va.
Shannon was the vice president of communications and membership for the National Farmers Union in Washington, D.C., working with state organizations in strategic initiatives. Formerly, he held positions as director of membership with the U.S. Grains Council and the U.S. Apple Association.

Born Oct. 3, 1969, in Colorado Springs, Colo., Shannon's affectionate and positive nature developed early, and his charismatic personality and talent for levity was set. He grew up in Aberdeen, S.D., and also spent many childhood days on his grandparents' farm in Mound City, S.D.

Shannon graduated from Aberdeen's Central High School and then Northern State University with a degree in communications. Upon college graduation, Shannon met his future wife, Sheri, and headed off to the nation's capital. Then came the joy of marriage, a baby ... and unexpectedly, a devastating crisis when son Ashton was diagnosed, at just 2 years old, with T-cell leukemia. After several troubling years, Ashton was pronounced cancer-free.

Shannon and Sheri paid forward the good fortune of Ashton's recovery over and over in the years since his illness, tirelessly raising funds for leukemia research and providing support to countless families struggling with sick children.

Shannon's wife, son, friends and family remember him as the brightest energy in the room; the hilariously merry Santa Claus at the children's cancer clinic every December; the inspiring and encouraging fellow biker for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training Program; the most passionate church choir member; the kindhearted and helpful neighbor and friend who would do anything, anytime, for anyone. But most of all, he is recalled as the tender and loving husband and father who missed no opportunity to spend family time - much of which is chronicled in photo after photo, with images of a delighted Shannon basking in the presence of the two people he treasured most.

Said 15-year-old son Ashton: "I know my father wants me to have the best life I can - he supported me in everything I did, whether it was performing in plays or in the marching band. He was so funny, and was always there to give me advice when I needed it. I need to be strong and take care of my mom, and keep living the way my dad would want me to."

Family and friends have established the Ashton Schaffer College Fund to honor Shannon Schaffer and help care for the son who will surely carry his father's legacy of goodness and light out to others in his lifetime. To contribute, make checks payable to the Ashton Schaffer College Fund and send to TD Bank Vienna, 308 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, VA 22180.

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[lkdobbs100]

baby ashton is so cute:)<3 its been what.. a month now? and I still cant get use to the fact that I wont see him again...

[09KidsCamp]

I have great memories of laughter and deep conversations at Lagers over a scotch (which he made me try and I hated!) during my years with Shannon at Northern. I am *so* sorry for this incredible loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. ~ Trayc Tooley-Foskett