Obituary of Mark Robert Shaffer

Mark Robert Shaffer

August 18, 1968 – April 8, 2023

 

 

Mark Robert Shaffer, 54, arrived in this world on August 18, 1968 in Denver, Colorado.  Born to Margaret Louise and Robert Dennis Shaffer, Mark was the “older” twin by four minutes with his brother Arthur following closely in his footsteps.  While still a baby, Mark’s parents relocated back to his mother’s home state of Kansas, settling briefly in Lawrence and finally in Kansas City, Missouri.

Mark and Arthur were inseparable as young children, continually going on adventures and getting into mischief.  Moving on from those early years and Boone Elementary, the boys graduated from Center High School.  From there, Mark attended Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Missouri, and earned his Baccalaureate.

Throughout Mark’s youth, he was immersed in scouting.  Growing up, he eagerly looked forward to his summer camp at the Bartle Reservation near Clinton, Missouri.  When he was old enough, he even worked for a number of years at H. Roe Bartle Boy Scout summer camp as a swim instructor and eventually achieved Scouting’s highest honor, Eagle Scout.  He enjoyed summer camp and participated in the honor scouting program of Mic-O-Say.  Mark embraced many of the lessons he learned on his scouting journey, including always helping others.

After graduating from college, Mark spent time in Kansas City and Santa Fe, New Mexico.  He learned more about his craft by working for a nationally renowned photographer and then branching out on his own as an independent photographer.  Shifting gears in his late 20s, Mark decided to pursue a career in telecommunications and technology, working first at Sprint in Overland Park, Kansas, and then at HCL and Microsoft in Seattle, Washington. 

A couple of years ago, Mark shifted his focus once again, this time pursuing a career in cybersecurity. Recently appointed as a principal at CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA), Mark was exuberant about his “dream job.”  He loved everything about his job, especially his co-workers.

During his time in Seattle, Mark developed a great love for the beautiful outdoors and explored the open road on his Harley Davidson.  Supporting the Seattle Mariners was also a favorite pastime although he never missed an opportunity to see his favorite hometown teams when he visited family in Kansas City, the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs.

Above all other things in life, Mark was a devoted father to his nearly five-year-old daughter Zoey Shaffer.  Although Zoey’s time with her father was cut way too short, she should have no doubt about her father’s love for her.  He loved to spend time with her watching cartoons, going to the park, playing games or simply hanging out.  She was the light of his life.

Mark never met a stranger.  He exuded confidence and filled every room he entered with his larger-than-life personality and infectious laugh.  Mark saw the best in everyone and was eager to help anyone in need—whether they needed a meal, a warm coat or simply a friend.  His friends were many.  Mark experienced the highs and lows of life. Mark valued his support and friendships, especially his long-time friend Jim who loved him like a brother.  Mark always saw the good in people and never hesitated to volunteer to help others achieve their true potential. 

Mark was a proud member of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross in Redmond, Washington, where he sang in the choir.  In addition, Mark embraced his family heritage through the Sons of the American Revolution and spent many weekends volunteering with the Kairos Prison Ministry Foundation.

Mark is preceded in death by his grandparents, Arthur and Frances Watson, and his mother Margaret Nygren.  He is survived by his daughter Zoey Shaffer, father Robert Shaffer, twin brother Arthur Shaffer (Linda), Logan, Victoria, Uncle Fred (Mary) Watson.

In leiu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Eastside Intergroup.  Please indicate that ypour donation is in memory of Mark Shaffer.

 

Eastside Intergroup

13401 NE Bel-Red Rd. Suite B-6

Bellevue, WA  98005

Venmo: @Eastside_Intergroup